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Grandparents’ Day Celebrated at the hostel with an event where camp children received a visit from their grandparents and the mayoress

W E E K LY

Free Copy. Nº 1.215 From 31st of July to 6th of August 2026

Cuban son returns to Mijas

El Bombo beach introduces

a tool called the ‘uvilisco’

E NEWS 07

It is a mechanism that works as a sundial and aims to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive sun exposure

NEWS/07

Mijas Costa Beach Soccer

with La Habana Vieja festival

celebrates top-flight promotion

The event will take place from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th August in Plaza Virgen de la Peña, bringing together art, music, and gastronomy

The team was received by the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, who congratulated them on this historic achievement that takes them to the top tier

E NEWS 09

S SPANISH PAGE 33

ECONOMY AND FINANCE

Average payment period to suppliers falls to 43.93 days This is the third-best figure recorded since January 2020, as announced by the government team at the ordinary plenary session in July NEWS/03

Mijas steps up its prevention plan against the mosquito that transmits the West Nile virus The Town Hall is carrying out weekly preventative fumigation in all wetland areas such as riverbeds, streams and parks NEWS/04-05

Registration for the Senior Citizens' Trip opens this Monday 3rd Applications can be submitted until 14th August via mijas.es, at the Town Hall, branch offices and the Senior Citizens’ Office NEWS/06

Last June, the Mijas Town Hall reduced its average payment period to suppliers (PMP) to 43.93 days, the third-best figure recorded since January 2020 , all with the aim of benefiting businesses, self-employed workers, and suppliers carrying out work for the council. This was announced on Wednesday during the plenary session by the councillor for Economy and Finance, Mario Bravo, who also noted that “Mijas Town Hall will soon be in a position to meet the 30-day timeframe set by law as the preferred payment period” / Town Hall Press.

La Cala Fair

DRAWS TO A CLOSE IN STYLE

The festivities brought together huge crowds over a week packed with music, dancing and activities for all the family

NEWS/ 11

Pilot scheme to clean municipal buildings using drones This method allows work in hard-to-reach areas, reduces execution time, and is safer for workers

NEWS/08

The council will install solar panels in La Candelaria car park in Las Lagunas The aim of this project, which has a 120-day project design deadline, is to generate clean energy and cut costs NEWS/10

Mijas News

02 July Ordinary Plenary Session

VÍA PÚBLICA

Mayoress emphasises that Mijas id doing

Plenary session approves names for two streets in El Chaparral

everything in its power

to combat the Nile Ana Mata states that, to date, no one in the municipality has been affected by a mosquito bite Jacobo Perea

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), acknowledged at the plenary session that “there are signs that larvae may be present” of the mosquito carrying the West Nile virus in Mijas; however, she pointed out that, in light of this high-risk situation, new preventive measures have been taken in the municipality, building on those already run by the Town Hall. “The Health Department is taking every precaution, including closing parks where specific

In recent days

Appea l t o THE P U B L IC Take every possible precaution and follow the guidance issued by the Regional Ministry of Health

ANA MATA

“It is imp tant to stay away om stagnant water and to check f standing water in plant pots, where water can accumulate, so we must take every possible precaution to avoid any risk”

Recommendations to f o l l o w: Switch off lights if they are not needed. Light attracts mosquitoes.

Wear light-coloured clothing that covers as much of the body as possible to leave fewer areas accessible to mosquitoes.

Avoid strong acents (perfumes, scented soaps, etc., these attract mosquitoes). every possible precaution to avoid any risk”, she explained.

Furthermore, ahead of a new

like Suricato and Mangosta

Mayoress of Mijas (PP)

Use fly screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering through windows; otherwise, keep them closed.

fumigation efforts have been stepped up in various locations across the municipality, such as streams and parks

treatment is to be carried out.

This does not mean that no action has been taken so far, but that we are stepping up prevention. At present, no one has been affected by the mosquito bite”.

The mayoress also called on the public to take extreme precaution and to follow guidance by the Regional Health Department. “It is important to stay away from stagnant water and check plant pots where water can pool. We must take

MayoressAna Mata, during July’s plenary session / P.M.

heatwave expected in the province over the coming days, the mayoress also called for

public cooperation to help prevent wildfires.

The councillor for Public Roads, Melisa Ceballos, in her speech/ M.C.

This is a request made by the property developer Colinas del Chaparral (as there are as yet no residents living in the development) I.Pérez. The July plenary session included a further item concerning the official naming of two new streets in the El Chaparral residential development, to facilitate their correct identification, location and the future provision of public services, said the councillor for Public Spaces, Melisa Ceballos (PP). In this regard, and at the request of the developer Colinas del Chaparral (as there are as yet no residents in that community), it was proposed to name these streets Suricato del Chaparral and Mangosta del Chaparral, respectively. The proposal received a favourable report from the Municipal Inspection Unit and was unanimously approved by the council..

Mijas News

03 July Ordinary Plenary Session The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, at the plenary session / P.M.

Mayoress Ana Mata, deputy mayors Juan Carlos Maldonado and Juan Carlos Cuevas, alongside Vox and PP councillors, during the speech by the councillor for Economy and Finance, Mario Bravo / P.Murillo.

Mayoress Ana Mata, municipal deputy mayors Juan Carlos Maldonado and Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson, and Vox and PP councillors during the sppech of the councillor for Economy and Finance, Mario Bravo / P.Murillo.

On Wednesday 29th, during a plenary session, the local government team also approved the allocation of nearly 1.79 million euros to pay for various services Report by Irene Pérez / Design: C.Bejarano

Last June, the Mijas Town Hall reduced its average payment period (APP) to suppliers to 43.93 days, the third-best figure recorded since January 2020. This was announced on Wednesday 29th during a plenary session by the councillor for Economy and Finance, Mario Bravo (PP), who also stated that “the Mijas Town Hall will soon be in a position to meet the 30-day deadline set by law, and if the internal organisation of the departments allows it, we will soon stop reporting on the APP to this plenary session”.

He emphasised that this positive result is the outcome of “the municipal management carried out by the government team, with the creation of key tools to streamline the process, such as the Budgetary Management and Accounting Body; and, above all, thanks to the annual approval of municipal budgets”.

Tenders According to the Town Hall, one of the consequences of this improvement “is that an increasing number of companies are bidding for tenders, and an increasing number of major companies in terms of size and turnover are submitting bids for large-scale projects”.

Increase in administrative pro-

Average payment period ANA MATA to suppliers falls to 43.93 days,

mayoress of Mijas (PP)

the third-best figure since 2020 av e rage p a y m e n t p e r iod IMPROVEMENTS MADE: R eduction in the number of minor contracts by more than 3 0 % 1 0 per cent increase in administrative procurement over the last year

Address to the plenary session by the Cs spokesperson, José Carlos Martín / P.M.

formalisation, and there are others where the specific terms are still being discussed with the relevant department heads; however, what we are not going to do is disrupt the operation of these services due to the lack of contracts. Therefore, having taken this decision at the Governing Board meeting, we have authorised the continuation of these services and the delivery of certain goods, because the municipality’s needs come first and foremost”.

and all this government team is doing is normalising the disaster in administrative management, without even providing a detailed and transparent explanation regarding contracts that are not awarded or do not even appear on the procurement platform”.

For his part, the Ciudadanos spokesperson at the Mijas Town Hall, José Carlos Martín, said he was voting against the motion because “many of these cases lack a contract and, furthermore, we find them in practically every department of the municipality; the argument that these are tacitly extended contracts is not acceptable to us”.

In response, the councillor for Economy and Finance said that “the vast majority of these services are in the process of being contracted and awaiting

Petty cash advances A list of invoices totalling just over 25,000 euros was also submitted to the plenary session; these were paid between 2020 and 2023 but were not recorded as expenditure in the Town Hall’s accounts. Since Wednesday, they have been recorded as invoices charged to petty cash.

This was clarified by the mayoress herself, Ana Mata (PP), who explained that “between 2020 and 2023, under the previous government, there was no one in charge of the Accounting and Budget body responsible for managing all the accounts. We now have that post within the council and, for that reason, we have brought this recognition to the plenary session, as established by the accounting program”, she concluded.

I ncrease in procedural management

PSOE councillors during the speech by their spokesperson, Roy Pérez / P.M.

curement At the same time, the Mijas Town Hall also highlighted the 10 per cent increase in administrative procurement over the past year, as well as a reduction of more than 30 per cent in the number of minor contracts.

Similarly, the local executive stated that “this realignment has been supported by the approval of the Municipal Organic Regulations and the Anti-Fraud Plan, which are now in force”.

Payment of invoices Specifically, during July’s ordinary plenary session, the government team submitted various batches of invoices totalling nearly 1.79 million euros for approval, which will ensure

the continuation of services in areas such as Cleaning, Sports and Parks and Gardens, among others. “Our aim here is to avoid the delays that had been occurring with extrajudicial invoices, which took several months or even years to be paid; that is why we are now bringing them to the plenary session more promptly, so that they can be processed as soon as possible”, explained Bravo.

These invoices, included under three items on the agenda and an urgent motion, received the backing of the government team but failed to secure the support of the opposition groups. In this regard, the PSOE spokesperson, Roy Pérez, stated that “months and years are passing,

“Between 2020 and 2023, when the previous government team was in office, there was no head of the Budget and Accounting Body. We now have that post, which is why we have brought this recognition to the plenary session”

04 MijasNews

31st of July to 6th of August 2026

Mijas Weekly

West Nile virus T he R egional M inistry of

1. Light-coloured clothing:

E mergencies of the Andalusian R egional G overnment has issued a series of recommendations and tips to protect the public from bites by the mosquito that transmits West N ile virus.rus del N ilo.

Wear light-coloured clothing (shirts, trousers, etc.) that covers as much of your body as possible to minimise areas that are easily accessible to mosquitoes.

PROTECT YOURSELF P residency, H ealth and

from bites

2. Switch off lights Light attracts mosquitoes. Switch light off if they are not needed.

3. Avoid strong scents Avoid strong scents (perfumes, scented soaps, air fresheners, etc.), as these attract mosquitoes.

4. Use fly screens or keep windows closed Where you sleep, use fly screens on windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering; otherwise, keep them closed.

Mijas steps up preventative plan against

West Nile virus mosquito Emergency plan T he T own H all is stepping up preventive measures following the detection of the mosquito capable of transmitting West N ile virus in the M iramar area.

E x traordinary measures will initially remain in place until the 2 1 st.

F um igation The Town Hall sends a message of reassurance and reminds the public of the importance of taking preventative measures / M.C.

Fumigation frequency across all municipal wetlands has been increased from fortnightly to weekly Report and design: Alberto Lago

The Mijas Town Hall is stepping up its preventative plan against the mosquito capable of transmitting the West Nile virus after the Andalusian Regional Government detected its presence in the Miramar area, near Fuengirola’s river park.

The operation is being carried out in riverbeds, streams, wetlands and storm drains across the municipality, as well as within a 1.5-kilometre radius of the detection point near Las Lagunas. Following an initial extraordinary spraying operation, additional measures will continue, in principle, until 21st August, the scheduled end date of the alert declared by the Andalusian Regional Government.

As explained by the councillor for Health, Marco Cortés (PP), the frequency of spraying

in areas most prone to mosquito breeding will be increased from fortnightly to weekly. Furthermore, new sampling traps will be purchased using municipal funds to collect data from additional locations, thereby increasing available information and reducing risk. “We are acting with extraordinary speed and efficiency”, said the councillor.

Another

measure will involve installing traps to collect additional samples

These measures form part of the West Nile Virus Mosquito Surveillance and Control Plan, approved by the Andalusian Regional Government and launched by the Town Hall on the 24th of July. The plan includes specific actions in high-risk

areas and regular treatments during the mosquito’s breeding season. “We are adhering strictly to this plan, which we have updated this year as required by the Regional Government”, said Cortés.

Temporary closure of parks As part of these extraordinary measures, on Wednesday 29th July, the Andalucía, 3 de Abril and El Abuelo parks in Las Lagunas were closed for 24 hours to undergo pest control work. Similarly, La Butibamba park in La Cala and María Zambrano park in Las Lagunas were also closed for fumigation.

Treatments The treatments are being carried out by specialist technicians from Serviplaga, the contractor awarded the service. Works are also scheduled to be extended to

The frequency of treatments is increasing from every 15 days to once a week. Efforts will focus on: Wetlands Drains High-risk breeding grounds Areas close to the detection site

Extr aor dinar y m easur es Following the alert, emergency spraying was carried out within a 1.5-kilometre radius of the site where the vector mosquito was detected.

M onitor ing and sam p ling The Town Hall will purchase new mosquito traps sing municipal funds. Objectives: To analyse more areas To collect new samples To gather more information To detect the presence of mosquitoes earlier To reduce the risk to the public

other spaces, such as the Gran Parque or areas near the racecourse.

Fountains are also being inspected to ensure the water is properly chlorinated and to eliminate potential breeding sites.

The Town Hall will also provide preventative guidelines to businesses and private premises with large bodies of water. “The Health Department will send recommendations to private businesses such as golf courses, plant nurseries, or the water

park, which have large areas of water where puddles or standing water could form and allow mosquitoes to breed”.

Reassurance The councillor for Health issued a message of reassurance to the public. “I want to reassure residents that the plan has worked, and that this is precisely what it is for: so that when a potential outbreak or larvae are detected, we can act as quickly as possible”.

MijasNews 05

31st of July to 6th of August 2026

Mijas Weekly

West Nile virus

5. Use repellents

6. Control breeding sites

Body repellents are a good option for areas of the body exposed to bites that are not covered by clothing (hands, neck, etc.).

Avoid areas with standing water Any container or puddled area can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Check at least once a week that no standing water accumulates in your patio, terrace, or garden.

In ponds, swimming pools or fountains...

On livestock farms...

If it is not possible to drain water-filled areas, mosquito breeding can be controlled by using chlorination methods, protective barriers to block mosquitoes, or by keeping the water circulating to prevent it from becoming stagnant.

In this case, refresh animal drinking troughs frequently. As far as possible, avoid standing water in tyre tracks or paths, water leaks, and broken drinking troughs.

Fumigation of

ANA MATA

Mayoress of Mijas (PP)

“From the moment we became aware of the situation, we redoubled our efforts to eliminate the potential presence of mosquitoes spreading West Nile virus. In addition to areas with standing water, we are fumigating parks to reassure our residents”

PARKS AND GARDENS

In recent days, some parks, such as El Abuelo and 3 de Abril, have been fumigated / A.M.

Early on Wednesday 29th, the Mijas Town Hall carried out fumigation work at the Andalucía, El Abuelo and 3 de Abril parks in Las Lagunas, as part of the plan to prevent and control the mosquito that transmits West Nile virus. As a result of these measures, all three parks remained closed to the public throughout the day. This measure will be rolled out across all such recreational spaces. On Thursday 30th, it was the turn of La Butibamba Park in La Cala, and María Zambran Park in Las Lagunas. Meanwhile, pest control technician José Antonio Piña pointed out that, in addition to these specific interventions, treatment is carried out on an ongoing basis in areas where larger numbers of mosquitoes typically gather.

“Intensive treatments will continue until 21st August, although work is ongoing in the storm drains that collect rainwater”, he explained.

Control efforts also extend to other areas where these insects can breed, such as riverbeds, streams and ponds. In these areas, biological treatments are used to eliminate the larvae before they reach adulthood. The municipal technician pointed out that it is not possible to completely eradicate this type of pest, although it can be kept under control through ongoing preventive measures.

The councillor for Health, Marco Cortés / I.P.

HOW TO COMBAT

the west nile mosquito D octors state that the bite of the West N ile mosquito causes no symptoms in 8 0 per cent of the population. Should symptoms e r ey rese e fl

like illness, noted M iguel Á ngel C uerda, D irector of H ealth for the C osta del Sol H ealth D istrict: “ M uch like when you catch a cold: general malaise,

feverishness, j oint pain in the arms and legs, and occasionally swollen lymph nodes, diarrhoea or nausea” , among others. I n more severe cases, which lead to “ very serious” complications affecting 1 per cent of patients, C uerda ex plained, the following conditions could occur: “ E ncephalitis, meningitis, or other disorders affecting the central or peripheral nervous system” .

M ari C armen P é rez , lead nurse for

Miguel Ángel Cuerda, director of Health for the Costa del Sol Primary Care District, and Mari Carmen Pérez, lead nurse for educational centres / P.M.

E ducational C entres in the C osta del Sol D istrict, recommended wearing c re n s ee e c n that is not brightly coloured; avoiding strong colognes or perfumes; switching s en n nee e s n fly

screens or closing windows; applying insect repellents; and avoiding standing water in gardens, on terraces, or in glasses, mop buckets, and other containers where mosquito larvae can breed” .

06 MijasNews

31st of July to 6th of August 2026

Mijas Weekly

Senior Citizens Trip 2026

Registration for the senior citizens’

TRIP TO THE CÁDIZ COAST

opens on Monday 3 of August Until 14th August, interested parties can submit their applications at the Town Hall, branch offices, the Senior Citizens’ Office, and on the website mijas.es Report by Cristina Bejarano

The next Senior Citizens’ Trip organised by the Mijas Town Hall now has a destination and date. In the second half of October, pensioners and retirees in Mijas will embark on the traditional trip, which this year takes them to the coast of Cádiz, specifically to the municipality of Chipiona.

To take part in this trip, the Mijas Town Hall is opening the registration period on Monday 3rd August, which will remain

A total of

APPLICATIONS AND REGISTRATION

IMPORTANT!

3rd to 14th August

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years, a total of 1,600 places are available, divided into four groups (12th to 15th, 15th to 18th, 18th to 21st and 21st to 24th of October), each comprising four days and three nights on an allinclusive basis.

To take part, applicants must meet the following requirements: hold Spanish nationality or a residence permit in Spain; be a

TRIP SHIFTS (1,600 PLACES AVAILABLE) 1st SHIFT: c

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2nd SHIFT:

Chipiona Lighthouse / Chipiona Tourism

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TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

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need to present their membership card and original ID card to complete the application.

There is an important change this year: those who signed up for the trip last year, but were not selected in the draw, and were unable to go, will be given priority allocation of a place if they sign up this year.

Furthermore, as in previous

For reasons of equity and taking into account the circumstances of the 2025 call, individuals who applied during that call but were not allocated a place, due to being listed on the waiting list set out in Annex II of Decree No. 2025-6270 issued by the Councillor for Senior Citizens, and who did not participate in the 2025 trip, will be entitled to priority placement in this 2026 call.

sse e ec r n c es

Scan the QR code to download all the information

1,600 places are available, divided into four groups of four days and three nights

open until Friday 14th August.

Those interested in joining can submit their applications in two ways: in person or online. If they choose to apply in person, they will need to visit the Senior Citizens’ Office at the Las Lagunas Active Participation Centre, Mijas Town Hall, or any of the municipality’s branch offices.

I f they prefer to apply online, they can do so via the electronic portal on the website mijas.es.

Applicants will

Last year, the trip took place in October in Huelva / Archive.

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resident of the municipality of Mijas and have been registered on the municipal census for at least five consecutive years; hold a membership card for one of the Active Participation Centres or the Senior Citizens’ Centre; be self-sufficient in daily activities; and not suffer from behavioural disorders or transmissible diseases posing a contagion risk.

Once the registration deadline has passed, a provisional list of admitted and excluded applicants will be published. A period of ten working days will be given to rectify any errors, after which the final list of admitt e d

e r

nrs applications will be published.

Should the number of admitted applicants exceed the available places, a public draw will be held and its date announced in due course. It should be noted that children with a recognised disability level of 45 per cent or higher who live with their parents and cannot look after themselves may travel as companions.

Furthermore, provided there are vacant places, non-member retired spouses and/or registered civil partners who live with the applicant, are registered in Mijas, and have been so for at least five years may also travel.

The public fee to be paid by Mijas retirees and pensioners for this trip is 6.50 euros per person per stay. Payment can be made by bank card at the senior citizens’ offices or by bank transfer once places have been definitively allocated. Once payment has been made, participants must collect their travel ticket from the Active Participation Centres or the Senior Citizens’ Centre.

MijasNews

31st of July to 6th of August

Mijas Weekly

07

Entrerríos Youth Hostel celebrates

Grandparents’ Day

with a day of recognition Children and grandparents share letters, certificates, and affectionate moments to thank older people for their vital role in the family Mata addressed the grandparents and grandchildren / A.M.

doing activities together, going for walks, listening to their stories and sharing family moments.

For her part, one of the grandmothers, Juana Zae Pérez, emphasised the importance of making

The mayoress

highlighted the daily work of grandparents as an essential support for many families Mayoress Ana Mata meeting with grandparents and grandchildren at the Entrerríos Youth Hostel / A.M. Alicia Moreno

On Monday 27th of July, the Entrerríos Youth Hostel held a special event to mark Grandparents’ Day, which was commemorated on Sunday 26th. Children taking part in the summer camp were visited by their grandparents to share an intergenerational gathering and

recognise the importance of those who play a fundamental role in families.

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), spent the morning with them and highlighted the aim of the initiative. “The idea is for them to remember their grandfathers and grandmothers but, above all, to give them the thanks

they deserve for always looking out for our needs”, she added.

Mata highlighted the daily support provided by grandparents, who help families when parents cannot be with their children, accompanying them to school or after-school activities or looking after them during the holidays.

During the event, children pre-

sented certificates and letters to their grandparents, in what were some of the most moving moments of the day. Many highlighted the affection they receive from them, their meals, their personalities and the way they look after them.

The children also explained that they particularly enjoy spending time with their grandparents,

the most of every moment with grandchildren. “Being with them as much as possible is just natural for grandparents; every day we ask God for more time”, she said.

The celebration concluded with a tour of the Entrerríos Youth Hostel facilities, where children and grandparents visited the animal area and other parts of the grounds, bringing a day of intergenerational bonding to a close.

BEACHES

El Bombo beach introduces a new system to monitor the UV index I.P. The councillor for Beaches at the Mijas Town Hall, Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP), presented a new tool at El Bombo beach on Tuesday 28th that will help prevent skin cancer and other damage caused by excessive sun exposure. It is a sundial called the ‘uvilisco’, which indicates the levels of ultraviolet radiation to which we are exposed depending on the time of day.

As the councillor explained, the initiative originates from the University of Málaga and is also part of the Soludable project, which aims to raise public awareness of the importance of sun protection. The ‘uvilisco’ allows users to check the ultraviolet radiation index via the shadow cast by an obelisk. The shorter the shadow cast, the greater the level of sun exposure and, consequently, the higher the risk of sunburn and other damage to the skin and eyes.

The ‘uvilisco’ was devised by

Pepe Aguilera, lecturer at the University of Málaga, and serves the same purpose as the socalled ‘sun traffic lights’ found in other towns, “which indicate solar radiation using green, yellow, orange and red”, noted Juan Luis Vega, Environmental Education Officer at Mijas Town Hall, who accompanied the councillor at the presentation of the new system.

In this regard, Vega added: “The lifeguards from Socorrismo Málaga provide this information in real time from their lifeguard huts, as well as via social media, but we wanted to incorporate this initiative because we find it novel, simple and very practical”.

“Mijas, particularly on its beaches, is committed to sun protection as a way of looking after the health of our residents and visitors. This sundial is further proof of what I’m talking about, and I hope it will be widely used

Councillor Daniel Gómez Teruel with Environmental Officer Juan Luis Vega, next to the Uvilisco / I.Pérez.

to raise awareness of the dangers of excessive sun exposure”, said Gómez Teruel.

In this regard, it is worth noting that Mijas has been awarded the ‘Soludable-Blue Flag’ distinction, which recognises beaches that implement real and verifiable measures for sun protection, health and sustainability, making the coastline a safer and healthier environment for beachgoers and workers alike.

Soludable Beaches Fuengirola, Mijas and Chiclana de la Frontera have become the first three municipalities in Spain to receive the ‘Soludable Beach’ distinction. This new recognition, promoted by the Soludable project of the Costa del Sol University Hospital, which operates under the Andalusian Health Service (SAS) within the Regional Department of Presidency, Health and Emergencies of the Andalu-

sian Regional Government, in collaboration with the Association for Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC), the organisation responsible for the ‘Blue Flag’ programme in Spain, recognises the implementation of an innovative coastal management model that promotes healthy sun exposure and contributes to the prevention of skin cancer. The initiative was also awarded the First Runner-up Prize for Best Communication by the Epidemiology Group at the 53rd National Congress of Dermatology and Venereology organised by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV).

The campaign aims to drive policies and practices in public institutions and private companies to encourage healthy attitudes and habits regarding sun exposure across the health, education, tourism, workplace, sports, and gastronomy sectors.

Given the absence of other programmes with these characteristics, Soludable is a pioneering project that has become a national and European benchmark in sun protection and research.

08 MijasNews

31st of July to 6th fo August 2026

Mijas Weekly

Cleaning and recycling

Pilot scheme to clean municipal

buildings using drones

This method allows work in hard-toreach areas, reduces execution time, and improves safety J. Perea / P. Murillo / Design: F. M. Romero Councillor Eloy Belmonte (left) observed the work / P.M.

On Tuesday 28th, the Town Hall and Clece, the contractor responsible for cleaning municipal buildings, carried out a test using a drone on the side façade of the main Town Hall building and on the panoramic lift next to the municipal car park. This measure forms part of the new contract, as pointed out by the councillor for Cleaning, Eloy Belmonte (Vox).

“The new contract for cleaning public buildings includes many tasks that were not previously Drone cleaning work on the panoramic lift at the Mijas Pueblo car park.

carried out, such as cleaning the windows and exterior glass of both the main Town Hall and the branch offices, the lifts, and all those areas that are difficult to access”.

With this initiative, Mijas takes another step towards modernising its services, incorporating technological solutions that are alM ulti-rotor cleaning drone e nn fl noz z le y se n c n r c es

ress re water j et sy

ccess

R educed cleaning time

re er s e y

e r ne s c n r e y s ec s er r r c n r c ns e

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ready being rolled out in some of the most innovative local authorities. The aim is to provide a more efficient and safer service, delivering better results in the maintenance of public buildings. “A major operation has been set up for this initial test: special permits were required to fly the drone, and we have had to cordon off the street, deploy security personnel, and install a safety line”, indicated Belmonte.

Belmonte assured that this initiative reflects the management model promoted by the Department of Cleaning: “We want Mijas to be a benchmark in the way public services are delivered as well. When technologies exist that allow us to do the job better, faster, and more safely, it is our duty to adopt them. That is the path we want to continue following”.

The Costa del Sol sees a sharp rise in recycling in the second quarter of the year Ed. Dept. The Costa del Sol Environmental Complex, owned by the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol and managed by Urbaser, processed 100,467 tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the second quarter of this year, an 8 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 92,589 tonnes were managed.

The president of the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol, Félix Romero, noted that the second-quarter figures “once again demonstrate that the Costa del Sol is maintaining a positive trend in recycling.

The increase in activity during the months leading up to summer has resulted in a higher volume of waste, but also in a very significant rise in separate collection, particularly of paper and cardboard”.

By municipality, Istán recorded the largest increase, with 9 per

Mijas is among the municipalities where recycling grew the most, with a 7 per cent increase cent more MSW than in the second quarter of 2025; followed by Manilva and Mijas with 7 per cent.

Paper and cardboard collection on the Costa del Sol in the second quarter of 2026 also saw a 17 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025, rising from 2,927 tonnes in 2025 to 3,377. Glass collection on the Costa del Sol also increased by 4 per cent in this second quarter. A total of 4,256 tonnes were collected, compared to 4,100 in the second quarter of the previous year. Meanwhile, the separate collection of light packaging in the second quarter remained at the same levels as in the same period of 2025.

Eloy Belmonte

councillor for street cleaning (VOX)

“Public awareness continues to grow; the people of Mijas respond when asked to cooperate”

e c nc r r ree e n n ssesse e res r e sec n r er n e s se e re e e s c n n es r e s recyc n res ec se e n ese res s es n e er r n c en r r res en s se r n s e n c rn r e en r n en e r eser es e rec n se

MijasNews 09

31st fo July to 6th of August 2026

Mijas Weekly

Cuban son returns to the village

with La Habana Vieja Fest The councillor for Public Spaces, Melisa Ceballos, alongside the director of Producciones Raíces, Rafa Urquiza / A.M. Editorial Department

La Habana Vieja Fest returns to Mijas Pueblo from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th August. Every day from 18:00, Plaza Virgen de la Peña will once again be transformed into a street in Cuba’s old quarter, brimming with the Caribbean country’s art, cuisine and music. “As it was such a success last year, we wanted to repeat it in

Mijas Pueblo to bring a little bit of Havana, a little bit of Cuba and, of course, to give the town a festival that brings plenty of music, plenty of joy and a touch of Cuba”, said the councillor for Public Spaces, Melisa Ceballos (PP), during the presentation of the festival’s second edition.

There will be no shortage of stalls serving traditional Cuban food during the event, nor, of

The festival will return to the Virgen de la Peña square from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9h August, from 18:00 each day course, music, as “the festival takes you on a ajourney through Cuba’s different musical genres; that is to say, there’s son cubano, which is the root of it all, we’ll

Gastronomy,

art and music will come together to recreate the essence of Cuba in Mijas

have Cuban salsa and, above all, we are looking for that endearing music that every visitor to Havana finds at its core. The festival is, allowing for differences, a recreation of Old Havana”, noted the director of Producciones Raíces, Rafa Urquiza.

Shuttle bus The Department for Public Spaces reminded visitors of

the easiest way to reach the village. The councillor for the area commented that “we will have shuttle buses running to the quarry so people can come from all parts of the municipality and enjoy this festival”.

A handcrafted backdrop featuring typical façades the old quarter of Havana will submerge visitors in a country that, for four days, travels to Mijas.

PROCUREMENT

COMMUNICATION

Torres Trella defends Procurement Department management in the face of opposition criticism

Finalist in the Toastmasters World Public Speaking Championship

The councillor asserts that more major contracts and fewer minor contracts are being awarded under the current administration J.P./A.M. Following criticism from the opposition during the July plenary session regarding his management, the councillor for Procurement, Juan José Torres Trella (PP), stated that his department is indeed carrying out tendering processes, citing as examples the repair of the roof at the Las Lagunas Sports Complex and the technical assistance for the refurbishment of the La Cala football pitch. According to the councillor, the previous government team averaged 5.5 major contracts per month, compared to the 6 or 7 that, he emphasised, are being awarded during this term of office: “We are talking about the number of contracts at this Town Hall, which can be viewed on the State Procurement Platform, being 20 per cent higher than under the

previous government team”.

These figures, he explained, are due to the fact that the current administration has introduced, among other measures, the electronic portal, which streamlines processes.

He also denied that minor contracts are being awarded arbitrarily, assuring that they do not exceed the previous administration’s annual average. “A minor contract does not mean it is awarded arbitrarily; it is governed by the Public Sector Procurement Act and has specific characteristics and limitations in terms of financial value and timeframe”, he explained, comparing current figures for minor contracts with those of the previous administration, stating that “they were awarding more than 160 or 170 minor contracts a year, whereas in all the years we

JUAN JOSÉ TORRES TRELLA Concejal de Contratación (PP)

“This government team’s policy is to ensure proper procurement through major contracts and to minimise the number of minor contracts”

have been in government, we have never exceeded one hundred in any single year”. The councillor thus reaffirmed that they are taking the right steps regarding procurement: “This administration’s policy is to carry out appropriate procurement through major contracts and to minimise the use of minor contract”.

He also argued that if any minor contract received an adverse report from the Regional Audit Chamber, it was because, it was an essential service. “We went ahead because it was an essential service that had to be delivered, but without the volume of adverse reports or being made to look bad as an institution in the Audit Chamber’s 2022 report”.

C.G. Vancouver will soon host the Toastmasters World Public Speaking Championship, where attendees will be able to enjoy the work of one of the finalists, Kris Bru, a speaker of the very highest calibre who, last Tuesday, was invited by the Costa del Soul Speakers public speaking club, Toastmasters Mijas, to the local Danish Club.

There, attendees had the chance to learn and be inspired by hearing first-hand the speech he will deliver at the world championship. “Kris Bru’s visit has provided a unique opportunity to learn from and be inspired by one of Toastmasters’ best international speakers, as well as to gain an insight into the organisation’s methodology”, said representatives from Soul Speakers.

El orador Kris Bru / C.S.S.

The club Costa del Soul Speakers is a public speaking club based in Mijas, which forms part of Toastmasters International and holds regular meetings in English and Spanish. Its meetings are also open to guests interested in improving their public speaking skills and communicating with greater confidence. Following the August break, the club will resume its activities in September, on Tuesdays from 19:00, at the Danish Club, located on the road between Fuengirola and Mijas.

10 MijasNews

31st of July to 6th of August 2026

Mijas Weekly

A pioneering

Viogenex meeting held at the La Cala de Mijas Cultural Centre / P.M.

LEADER IN protection

Viogenex meeting to coordinate support for abused foreign women At present, protective measures are being provided to around 300 victims Patricia Murillo

On Thursday 30th, the third meeting of the year of the Viogenex group was held at the La Cala de Mijas Cultural Centre. This ini-

tiative, run by the Town Hall’s Departments for Foreigners and Social Services, aims to coordinate the support provided to foreign women who are victims of gender-based violence. This coor-

The meeting was attended by the Councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo / P.M.

dination group meets regularly to monitor cases of abuse against foreign women currently living in the municipality. The councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo (PP), stated that, “as you know, in Mijas we have a large foreign population; it is not that they are more prone to abuse, but rather that they have fewer support resources, that is to say, they usually do not have family nearby, they do not speak the language well, and they do not have a stable working environment. Consequently, they are more vulnerable, with less support and fewer safety nets, which is why they tend to be over-represented on victim

lists”.

This is a pioneering working group in Spain, originally set up in our municipality, specifically designed to help, advise and protect foreign women who are victims of gender-based violence. Currently, “there are around 300 victims in the municipality of Mijas under protective measures”, said Ángel Blanc, sub-inspector of the Local Police Gender-Based Violence Unit.

One of the entrances to La Candelaria car park in Las Lagunas / A.M.

Solar panels to be installed Benefits The council noted that photoSelf-supporting metal structures will be erected at the entrances Ed. Dept. The Mijas Town Hall will install solar panels at La Candelaria car park in Las Lagunas to optimise solar power generation and cut costs. This will lower operating expenses and improve the financial efficiency of the facility, while reducing its vulnerability to potential power cuts and market price fluctuations.

This was explained by the councillor for Infrastructure, Juan José Torres Trella (PP), who announced the formalisation of the contract for the project de-

sign with the company Ingeniería Atecsur SL, for an amount of 24,994.64 euros and a completion period of 120 days. The project will outline the provision of all necessary infrastructure to convert the car park into a self-generating energy building.

To this end, the facility’s three vehicle entrances will be covered with self-supporting metal structures to hold the solar panels. In addition, the ramp resurfacing will be renewed, including the waterproofing of the underlying deck.

The councillor also explained that a system will be installed to collect and drain rainwater seepage at construction joints, while pedestrian access points will be refurbished and upgraded.

voltaic solar energy is a clean, renewable source that emits no polluting gases and does not contribute to global warming, “the use of which will help reduce the ecological footprint and promote sustainable practices”.

Furthermore, the Town Hall explained that “generating photovoltaic solar power leads to significant long-term savings on electricity costs, because by reducing dependence on the conventional grid, operating expenses can be cut and the financial efficiency of the municipal public car park improved”.

Finally, by having its own source of renewable energy, “vulnerability to potential power cuts and fluctuations in energy market prices is reduced. The installation of these solar panels will provide greater energy autonomy and stability for La Candelaria car park”, the councillor concluded.

the associations participating in the initiative, “such as accommodation while victims file reports during the first few days; the Red Cross also provides food, personal hygiene items, and, if there are children, nappies; the Civil Guard and Local Police provide security measures and accompany victims to court, the doctor, and their accommodation; in short, we all contribute to this working group”, he added.

‘Magic Book’ At the meeting on Thursday 30th, the resources listed in the so-called ‘Magic Book’ were also updated; that is, all the resources provided by

DEVELOPMENTS

at La Candelaria car park

Viogenex was created in 2016 as a pioneering initiative in Spain, conceived within the Mijas Local Security Board following a proposal by the Foreigners Department. Its creation responded to a critical need: the lack of information and specific support for foreign women who are victims of gender-based violence, who often face language and cultural barriers that increase their vulnerability.

One of its current challenges is to ensure emergency accommodation for the first 48 hours, a vital resource for women who lack family support networks in the country. With nearly a decade of experience, Viogenex has established itself as a model of comprehensive support and safety for our municipality’s large foreign population.

THE PROJECT €24,994.64

120 days

contract value

Project design deadline

PLANNED works

Installation of self-supporting metal structures Installation of photovoltaic solar panels Renovation of the ramp surfacing Waterproofing of the lower deck Collection and drainage of rainwater seepage Refurbishment and upgrading of pedestrian access points Roadworks, landscaping and paving Installation of public utilities and facilities

MijasNews

31st of July to 6th of August 2026

Mijas Weekly

11

La Cala Fair 2026

FESTIVITIES EXPRESSES SATISFACTION

The mayoress with Mario Vaquerizo and several councillors from her government team / M.C.

with the smooth running

of La Cala Fair

According to the department councillor, Silvia Marín, it was “a peaceful week, family-friendly and without any major incidents”

The councillor for Festivities at the Mijas Town Hall, Silvia Marín (PP), expressed her satisfaction on the final night of the fair with how well the La Cala Fair went, which took place from 21st to 26th July. The councillor stated that “the week has been very peaceful, with a very family-friendly atmosphere and no major incidents, and that is what matters most to us”, noting that this was also the result of the hard work carried out by the Festivities Committee and all municipal departments involved in the celebrations.

The councillor thanked “the Local Police officers, the Red Cross, Civil Protection volunteers and the Mijas Fire Brigade for their service, which ensured safety at all times”, while also

a fair that our residents deserve”.

Residents and visitors, the councillor emphasised, thoroughly enjoyed the La Cala fair. “It’s lovely to walk down the street and have people stop you to share a moment they enjoyed or offer a suggestion for next year. That’s what we’re doing, taking note of everything and trying to outdo ourselves each year, something we’re seeing both at the fairground and at the day fair, where we had three wonderful days”, she noted. . Marín admitted that she always starts the fair “with butterflies in

my stomach, and until it’s over and I see there have been no incidents, I can’t breathe easy”. The councillor also highlighted the positive reception given to some of the new features this year, such as holding the opening proclamation on the first night, the water party at El Torreón beach, and the horse parade on Saturday, while adding that “we’ve only just finished one fair and we’re already thinking about the next, the Mijas Fair, which we’re already working hard on to ensure everything goes just as well as it did in La Cala”.

NANCYS RUBIAS

MELODY

SERGIO CONTRERAS

Foto / A.L.

Irene Pérez

Marín thanked

all her colleagues for their hard work, “who always give their all” acknowledging the work of other departments such as Cleaning, Parks and Gardens “and even Tax Management, which always helps us with the stallholders’ permits and receipts”. In this regard, Marín stated that “the entire council and all our colleagues give their all every time we organise a fair, working for weeks on end, and this is something we in the Festivities Department are always grateful for, because it enables us to put on

The councillor for Festivities, Silvia Marín (PP), and the Deputy Mayor of La Cala, Juan Carlos Maldonado (PMP), alongside several PP councillors, the fair royalty and their court, and members of the Festivities Committee, opened the Day Fair.

Marín visited the Mijas Comunicación set on the final night of the fair to offer a brief preliminary assessment / M.L.

12 MijasNews

31st of July to 6th of August 2026

Mijas Weekly

WHAT´S ON SATURDAY 1ST

Flamenco Mijas Plaza Virgen de la Peña, Mondays at 22:00 and Wednesdays at 12:00 Plaza de la Constitución, Saturdays at 12:00 Free admission

La Habana Vieja Fest Plaza Virgen de la Peña, Mijas Pueblo. From 6th to 9th August, from 18:00 Art, gastronomy and music, recreating the essence of Cuba Territorio azul. Awareness campaign on recycling and protecting the sea Torreón Beach, 16:00 to 19:00.

Bring 30 plastic bottle caps and get two tickets for AquaMijas

WEDNESDAY 5TH Summer Cinema: ‘Transformes One’ Torreón Beach in La Cala, 22:00

Opening of Daaf Zwiers’s painting exhibition La Cala Cultural Centre Until the 7th of September Organic market La Cala Boulevard, opposite the branch office. Second and last Sunday of each month, 9:00 to 14:00

‘Miró’ Exhibition CAC Mijas Organised by the Remedios Medina Foundation Until the 12th of November Verbena La Loma La Loma de Mijas. 8th August, from 21:00 Live performance by Miguel Botana.

A great evening with the locals, a prize draw and lots of surprises

DO NOT MISS Exhibition: 17th Enfoca Mijas Photography Marathon Folk Museum in Mijas Pueblo Until the 3rd of August

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

Summer night market Plaza Virgen de la Peña, Monday to Thursday, 20:00 to midnight Until the 20th of August

‘Professions’ group photography exhibition, by Nuevo Enfoque Mijas Nuevo Enfoque premises (urb.

El Coto. Conjunto residencial Los Olivos fase, local 25) Free admission

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 26th and 29th 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: 2nd August.

Las Lagunas Active Participation Centre. Fridays, 20:00 to 22:30 La Cala Senior Citizens’ Centre, every other Sunday,19:30 to 22:00. Next: 9th August No prior registration required

‘Rhythm & Groove’ musical and gastronomic evening, featuring New York singer Suzette Moncrief Friday 31st July, 19:00.

Clubhouse La Cala Resort For information and bookings, visit www.lacala.com