hemeroteca_1225 by mijas.semanal

The 400 retirees and pensioners from the first group return today, Friday, from Huelva after four days of activities and excursions

trip 2025 Senior citizens

On Wednesday 15th, a local holiday, there will be a mass and procession, while the weekend will feature both a fete and a pilgrimage

Culture commemorates on La Cala prepares for the festivity of Santa Teresa

the 13th Women Writers’ Day

La Cala Resort hosts THE Municipal Golf School

Mijas and El Salvador

The courtyard of the Manuel España Theatre will host the presentation of books by Guadalupe Eichelbaum and Carmen Trella

The Town Hall and the resort are collaborating to promote the initiative, which currently has 40 children participating, divided into three groups

The Town Hall awards the new home help service contract

The council will allocate 6.4 million euro to this service until 2027, which is expected to serve almost 620 users in the municipality NEWS/05

strengthen cooperation ties

Within the framework of a strategic agenda by the government of El Salvador aimed at strengthening collaborative ties with Spain, the country’s Minister of Tourism, Morena Valdez, visited CIOMijas on Sunday 5th. The centre also organised the visit as part of its annual work plan as a National Reference Centre for Hospitality, the only one of its kind in Spain. The Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador intends to implement CIOMijas’ model of excellence in training within its strategy for upskilling tourism employees NEWS/02-03

Four new

The town has a total of 122 licences, 16 of which are designated to serve passengers with reduced mobility, exceeding the ratio established by the Junta for adapted taxis

Mijas closes the summer beach season with almost three thousand medical interventions

The Executive explains that the ordinances have been “exhaustively” monitored, with a total of 10,212 breaches recorded

NEWS/04

Mijas and the Tourist Board reflect on the sector's current situation

Among other topis, discussions focused on the new regulations for tourist accommodation and the challenges ahead

The council advances the cleaning of waterways to prevent possible floods

The work focuses on urban areas, where the use of clearing machinery is permitted at this time of year

NEWS/08

The Minister of Tourism of El Salvador, Morena Valdez, was accompanied by a delegation from the Salvadoran government and was received by the mayoress Ana Mata and the regional delegate for Employment, Business and Self-Employment of the Junta de Andalucía, Carmen Sánchez. Also present were the director of CIOMijas, Raquel Hidalgo-Barquero, and the councillors for Tourism, Francisco Jerez; Foreigners, Mario Bravo; Beaches, Daniel Gómez Teruel; and Local Police, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson / M.J.G.

Institutional visit

WAS

THE VISIT TO CIOMIJAS

Official

CEREMONY

The authorities took part in the official ceremony and afterwards exchanged gifts.

Wine

Tour of the

FACILITIES

Students at CIOMijas work in a real-world environment from the very first day, thanks to its facilities.

4 3 1 2

TASTING

Winery Management is another of the new training programmes at CIOMijas following its designation as a National Reference Centre for the Tourism Sector. In the last academic year, it offered 17 courses across different disciplines to around 200 student.

strengthen cooperation ties Mijas and El Salvador

Report by María José Gómez / Design: Carmen Martín

Last Sunday 5th of October, the minister of Tourism of El Salvador, Morena Valdez, paid an institutional visit to the Andalusian Centre for Comprehensive Training in Leisure Industries in Mijas (CIOMijas). The visit forms part of the strategic agenda of El Salvador’s Ministry of Tourism in Spain, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries, and is also included in the annual work plan of CIOMijas’ National Hospitality Reference Centre. Upon arrival, the Salvadoran delegation, which

The Minister of Tourism of the Central American country, Morena Valdez, visited CIOMijas on Sunday 5th, where she was received by the mayoress of the town, Ana Mata

included the Minister of Tourism, the Communications director, Jessica Flores ; the director of International Relations, Carolina Cerna; and the president of the Salvadoran Chamber of Tourism, Carlos Umaña, was welcomed by the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), alongside the councillors for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox);

Foreigners, Mario Bravo (PP); Beaches, Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP); and Local Police, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (Vox), as well as the director of CIOMijas, Raquel Hidalgo-Barquero, and the territorial delegate for Employment, Business and Self-Employment of the Junta de Andalucía, Carmen Sánchez

Institutional visit

A reference model

The objective of the visit was to learn about CIOMijas’ training model to implement this successful initiative in El Salvador.

“We are grateful to Mijas for such a warm and professional welcome”, said the Salvadoran minister, highlighting the interest in “strengthening human resources in the tourism sector, which is booming”. “We were the secondfastest growing country in this sector worldwide after Qata”, added Valdez, who also shared figures, “El Salvador has seen an almost 90% increase in tourism over the past five years, and a 30% rise in Spanish tourists in 2024”. In addition, the minister of Tourism explained that importing the CIOMijas model will mark “milestone” in the country’s competitiveness strategy. “We want young people to take an interest in tourism as a career, as El Salvador has 3,900 companies generating around 300,000 jobs, and it is essential to train future professionals”, Valdez stressed.

“We are very excited about this visit, which for us, as the private sector, represents an important

CIOMIJAS

NATIONAL REFERENCE

centre

The Andalusian Centre for Comprehensive Training in the Leisure Industries of Mijas is a benchmark for training hospitality professionls.

ESTABLISHED IN 2006 BY THE JUNTA DE ANDALUCÍA AND THE MIJAS TOWN HALL, it is strategically located in the heart of the Costa del Sol. Since its inception, its mission has been to train and qualify tourism, hospitality, and leisure professionals in Andalusia with excellence. Since 2022, the centre has been designated as a National Reference Centre, focusing on sector observation and research at national and international levels, innovation, and the development of new training lines such as skewer chef and winery manager. It also accredits and certifies professional hospitality skills.

In fact, it is THE ONLY NATIONAL REFERENCE CENTRE IN SPAIN’S TOURISM SECTOR

Its main feature is learning with a strong focus on practical classes.

Students work in a real-world environment from the very first day, thanks to its facilities. These include, among other spaces, hotel facilities, 16 multipurpose management classrooms, workshop classrooms for specialities such as oenology and facility maintenance, as well as kitchens, multipurpose rooms, conference rooms, and an auditorium. The main hall stands out in particular for its features. The Regional Employment delegate, Carmen Sánchez, announced that they are “WORKING TO LAUNCH THE HOTEL TENDER AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR”

strategic step in the development of tourism in our country, enabling us to benefit from the technical support and expertise of a centre like CIOMijas,” emphasised the president of the Salvadoran Chamber of Tourism, Carlos Umaña. Mata, for her part, praised El Salvador’s interest in the tourism industry of Mijas and the Costa del Sol, noting that professional training is essential. “The CIOMijas model of success is exportable

CARMEN SÁNCHEZ MORENA VALDEZ ANA MATA

“We are delighted that the minister has chosen CIOMijas as a reference”

“We

want to encourage young people to take an interest in the tourism sector and develop their careers”

because it is based on excellence in training, and because we are not only a consolidated and leading tourist destination, but also an innovative one”, she explained.

In this regard, the mayoress recalled that the province of Málaga has been breaking year-on-year employment records in the tourism sector since January 2023, and that there are currently 116,000 registered employees according to official statistics, representing 30%

“The CIOMijas model of success is exportable because it is based on excellence”

NEW TRAINING programmes

The visit in Mijas concluded with a demonstration, including a practical session on the art of cooking ‘espetos’ (skewered sardines) at Restaurante El Torreón, where they also enjoyed lunch. Indeed, one of CIOMijas’ objectives is to develop new training programmes, such as for espetero (sardine skewer chef) or winery management.

The visit

is part of the annual work plan of the CIOMijas National Hospitality Reference Centre

of the total in Andalusia. “This is due not only to the strength of the industry but also to the quality of training and the professionalism of graduates from our training cen-

tres”, the mayoress added.

For his part, the councillor for Tourism added: “Having other countries, such as El Salvador, visit CIOMijas to learn how this centre trains professionals in such an important economic sector is very significant and a source of pride”, Jerez stated.

“We are delighted that the minister has chosen CIOMijas as a reference”, said the delegate for Employment, Carmen Sánchez

Authorities from El Salvador, the Mijas Town Hall, the Regional Employment Delegation and CIOMijas at the entrance to the centre / María José Gómez.

REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT DELEGATE MINISTER OF TOURISM IN EL SALVADOR MAYORESS OF MIJAS

Beaches

Summer beach season closed with nearly three thousand medical interventions

Municipal regulations were also closely monitored, with 10,212 beaches recorded

Report by Ed. Dept. / Design: Carmen Martín / Translation: C.Arroyo During the season, municipal regulations were also closely monitored, with 10,212 beaches recorded.

The Mijas Town Hall has declared the summer season over for its beaches. A period that, in the words of the councillor for Beaches, Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP), “has been quiet”, he added, highlighting the nearly 3,000 medical interventions carried out by the lifeguard and first aid service, in addition to the actions carried out in terms of prevention and water rescues, which total 4,420.

As for the users of the four adapted bathing areas in Mijas, this season has seen an influx of 2,473 people and a total of 933 assisted swims.

OPERATIONAL Services and Basic Income

5 MIJAS HAS blueflags

Regarding Operational Services and Basic Income, it should be noted that a detailed strategy was implemented to ensure that the entire Mijas coastline was maintained in the best possible condition, including cleaning and repair work, among other measures.

Of particular note is the installation of two new toilet modules in both La Cala and Royal Beach and a new lifeguard and first aid station in La Luna. Access walkways to the four adapted areas were also renovated and 120 new recycling bins were

LIFEGUARD service

MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS

3,000

More than half were due to jellyﬁsh stings

“During this period, 154 incidents have been processed, including the repair of showers, toilets, beach access railings, signage, and the stairs leading to the lifeguard towers. The pace of work has been quite high”

The Town Hall pointed out that Mijas has five blue flags, emphasising the excellence of its beaches. Specifically, Calahonda-Riviera, CalahondaRoyal Beach-La Luna, El Chaparral, El Bombo and La Cala are flying these prestigious emblems this year.

Daily cleaning was carried out on the beaches, coastal paths, car parks, access points and the 17 toilet facilities

New toilet facilities were installed at La Cala and Royal Beach, along with a lifeguard station at La Luna

Access paths to the adapted beaches were been renovated 120 new recycling bins have been installed

A total of 154 incidents have been resolved

On the beaches of Calahonda-Riviera, CalahondaRoyal Beach-La Luna, El Chaparral, El Bombo and La Cala Beach-La Luna, El Chaparral, El Bombo y La Cala

These distinctions ARE AWARDED ANNUALLY BY THE ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSUMER EDUCATION (ADEAC). To qualify, a thorough assessment is carried out across parameters as water quality, environmental management, safety, information and accessibility. On the Mijas coastline examined, these requirements have been more than fully met

983 for wounds and burns 74 for sea urchin spines 23 for heat-related conditions

PREVENTION AND RESCUES

4,420

3,269 prevention actions, accounting for 73.96% 17 for fainting episodes 163 minor water rescues, seven of moderate severity, and one serious nearly

MUNICIPAL ordinances

During the season, there was also thorough monitoring of MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES, with

10,212

incidents recorded

3,207 were for the presence of animals in unauthorised coastal areas

825 for ﬁshing outside the permitted hours 2,782 for failing to respect yellow-ﬂag warnings

4 adapted beaches

2,473 users 933 assisted swims

At the beaches of El Chaparral, El Bombo, La Luna, and El Torreón

DANIEL GÓMEZ TERUEL Councillor for Beaches (PP) installed.

Mijas awards the which will assist 550 beneficiaries new Home Help Service contract,

The company Uniges 3 began work on Tuesday 7th with 140 professionals and a two-year commitment, extendable for a further three

Report by Ed. Dept. / Design: C.M. / Translation: C.A.

The Mijas Town Hall has awarded the company Uniges 3 the new contract for the Home Help Service, which will assist around 550 users and, which, according to the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), will “standardise and provide stability for the 140 professionals who carry out essential social care work in the municipality”.

The contract came into effect on Tuesday 7th, and provides legal coverage for the service for the next two years, until September 2027, although extensions may be agreed for a further three years.

The cost of the contract is 6.4 million euros for the initial twoyear period. It is expected that the current 547 beneficiaries will soon increase by around 70 people once the submitted applications have been analysed, meaning that almost 620 users will be assisted.

Mata, accompanied by the councillor for Social Inclusion, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), explained that of the 547 beneficiaries, 317 are covered under the Dependency Law, while the remaining 230 receive subsidised care. Home companionship, personal hygiene, help with meals and accom-

paniment on walks in public areas are the main services provided by the Mijas Home Help Service. Municipal sources point out that “42 people receive lunch every day”.

Improvements

According to a press release, the new contract with Uniges 3 will allow “the extension and improvement of the services offered to beneficiaries, such as weekend coverage for new users who request it”.

Finally, the mayoress pointed out that the extensions, to be decided, where appropriate, by the contracting body (and binding on the contractor provided they are communicated at least two months before the end of the current term), could extend this contract until the 30th of September 2030.

The mayoress stressed that “the current government team was forced to draw up an emergency contract to maintain the service when it took office, as the previous contract had lapsed and caused numerous problems for the employees.” At the same time, Mata pointed out, “the process of drawing up a new contract to regularise the situation began, and has now come into effect with all the necessary guarantees”.

GUARANTEE

“ THE MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL CARE IS A PRIORITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TEAM”, CONCLUDED THE MAYORESS, Ana Mata (PP), who celebrated the fact that both beneficiaries and staff of the Mijas Town Hall Home Help Service “can now enjoy full legal and financial guarantees after many years of precariousness ”.

THE CONTRACT

in figures

COVERAGE HOME

Help Service USERS

547

317 under the coverage of the Dependency Law

6,4 MILLION EUROS FOR TWO YEARS

It may be extended by three years, which would prolong it until 2030

70 will be able to join the Home Help Service after their applications have been reviewed

PROFESSIONALS

230 receiving subsidised care professionals provide care to the beneficiaries

CARE SERVICES

Companionship at home

Personal hygiene

Assistance on walks

Help with meals

42 people receive lunch daily

140

EXTENSION

The new contract will improve the services offered, such as expanding weekend coverage to new users who request it

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (right), with the councillor for Social Inclusion, Mari Francis Alarcón / Beatriz Martín.

discover the province Huelva Mijas senior citizens

The first group on this tribute trip organised by the Town Hall enjoys four days in the province of Huelva

TRADITIONS

La Cala prepares to celebrate the festivities in honour of Santa Teresa

On Wednesday 15th, there will be a mass, a floral offering, a blessing of children, and a procession

Four days full of attractions awaited the 400 retirees and pensioners from different parts of the municipality who, on Tuesday 7th of October, boarded eight coaches headed for Huelva for an unforgettable holiday. The mayoress, Ana Mata (PP), together with councillors from her team, saw them off and wished them a safe journey and

an enjoyable holiday. “We hope they enjoy the excursions we’ve prepared and have a wonderful time in the natural surroundings of Matalascañas, a place many of them have never had the chance to visit”, said the mayoress.

The trip, organised by the Mijas Town Hall, is a tribute to the senior citizens of the municipality. As the mayoress noted, “the Town Hall makes a great effort so that 1,600 senior citizens, the highest number in history, can travel, mainly within Andalusia,

Mijas grants four new

licences for adapted taxis

There are now 122 licences, 16 of which provide service for people with reduced mobility

Ed. Dept. The councillor for Urban Mobility, Marco Cortés (PP), announced that the Mijas Town Hall has granted four new licences for taxis adapted for people with reduced mobility. The municipality now exceeds the 5% ratio of such permits established by the Junta de Andalucía. “This allows us to improve the service we offer, especially people with reduced mobility. The taxis, known as PMR (for persons with reduced mobility), are equipped with a ramp to facilitate access”, explained the councillor.

The decision was taken by the Taxi Committee, which includes representatives from the sector as well as municipal staff. The council noted that “there have been no objections to the process, which must now be finalised by the Local Government Board”.

For his part, Rafael Moral, one of the new concessionaires, expressed his gratitude for these licences being offered and stressed that ‘it has been an arduous process”.

but also further afield, as last year they even visited Melilla”. “The main goal of these trips is to show our gratitude to all those older residents who have worked so hard throughout their lives so that we can be here today. It’s a very well-deserved trip for them”, concluded Mata.

In addition to the various excursions, the programme also includes nightly entertainment at the hotel, where an orchestra performs for the group to dance and enjoy timeless hits.

NEW TAXIS ADAPTED FOR

people with reduced mobility

Vehicles adapted for people with reduced mobility require a significant investment due to their specialised features, noted Rafael Moral, one of the new concessionaires. These taxis include an access ramp and in addition, must “have a five-star Euro NCAP rating to ensure the safety of all citizens and provide the best service to everyone”, said Marco Cortés (PP), councillor for Urban Mobility.

M.J.G. The festivities in ho nour of Santa Teresa de Jesús, patron saint of La Cala, are approaching, and preparations are already complete. This was announced by the mayoress, Ana Mata (PP), who explained that the main events will take place between the 15th and the 19th of October. “The celebra tions are not limited to the 15th; we will also hold the pilgrimage on Sunday, after the 11 a.m. mass. All those who want to enjoy the pilgrimage can do so with joy, while asking our saints, in this case Santa Teresa, to bless the people of La Cala and Mijas”, said Mata, adding that “this is a time not only to unite believers but also to share a moment of community, which is so important for any municipality”.

nia Sánchez, highlighted at the presentation of the events that “we need help. For the 15th, we need bearers; for the fete, assistance with the bar; and for the pilgrimage, help carrying the image back and forth. All help is very welcome, as everything we do is for the good of the brotherhood”.

Fete and pilgrimage

This will also be the first Santa Teresa celebration for parish priest Fernando Luque, who arrived in La Cala a month ago.

“I am looking forward to all the events we have planned. Next Wednesday, we will celebrate her day with Mass, the offering, and the procession through the streets. On Sunday, we will hold the pilgrimage with all the residents. I am delighted to share this with everyone and to have the opportunity to meet many people”, he said.

Mass and Procession

On the 15th of October, a mass will be held in honour of Santa Teresa, featuring a floral offering from the council, associations, and residents, as well as the traditional blessing of children born during the year. Afterwards, the patron saint will be carried in procession through the streets of the fishing village, accompanied by the Municipal Music Band.

The events are organised by the Santa Teresa Parish Group and the parish priest of La Cala. The secretary of the group, So-

The events continue on Saturday 18th of October, starting at 20:00 hours in Los Olivos Park, where the traditional fete will take place. Musical entertainment will be

pilgrimage will take place on Sunday 19th in Los Olivos Park, while the fete is scheduled for Saturday

provided by the A-Compás orchestra and DJ Fabricio, and the food and drink bar will be run by the Brotherhood of Santa Teresa. On Sunday 19th of October, Mass begins at 11 hours, immediately followed by the pilgrimage. The patron saint will be accompanied by the Las Lagunas Music Group. The route will start from the parish church itself and continue along Calle Marbella, La Cala Boulevard, Avenida del Limonar and Avenida de Sierra Morena.

“These will be very special days, so I invite everyone to enjoy these traditional festivities”, concluded the mayoress.

Last year’s pilgrimage arriving in the Los Olivos area / Archive.

The Taxi Committee met on Wednesday the 8th at the town hall to approve the licences / Cristina Luque.

Marco Cortés next to one of the adapted taxis / C.L.

Ana Mata together with the new priest of La Cala, Fernando Luque / M.J.G.

C.Bejarano/ M.J.Gómez / B.Martín/ C.Luque / Special correspondent: Micaela Fernández

The senior citizens strolling through the streets of Huelva / M.F.

Mijas and the Tourist Board

reflect on the situation of the sector at a conference

Among other topics, discussions focused on the new regulations of tourist accommodation and future challenges

“WE’VE HAD A

Multidisciplinary EVENT

In a municipality with 767 tourismrelated businesses and 7,115 employees registered with Social Security in this sector, the mayoress Ana Mata pointed out that this summer, in terms of tourism, “has been a record-breaking one” and stressed the need to continue promoting initiatives to reduce seasonality, as well as highlighting the importance of this event, which “for us means continuing to work together with all the sectors involved, such as car hire, restaurants, hotels and tourist accommodation, so that we can all establish lines of action for the coming years”.

The Tourism Department, in collaboration with Turismo y Planificación Costa del Sol, organised a technical event on Thursday 9th at the La Cala Branch Office to reflect on the current state of tourism in the municipality, future challenges, and its strengths and opportunities. Around fifty people connected to the tourism sector attended, including students from the vocational training

Tourist homes

in Mijas account for 8.9% of the province and 9.8% of its beds

programme in Tourism at IES Vega de Mijas and the local vice-president of Aehcos, Juan Miguel Marcos. “For Mijas to be an attractive destination, we also need coordination between the Town Hall and other institutions so that we can explain what visitors expect, allowing the council to focus its efforts on the areas most interesting to that tourism”, said Marcos.

Analysis

With the aim of creating a space for analysis and dialogue to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors, topics discussed included the new regulation of tourist accommodation, Big Data

figures

In addition to the mayoress of the municipality, Ana Mata (PP), the meeting was attended by: the managing director of the board, Antonio Díaz Lomeña, and technicians Conchita Martín and Lourdes Navarrete; the dean of the Faculty of Marketing and Management of the UMA, Benjamín de Alcázar; the secretary general of the Association of Professionals in Tourist Housing and Apartments (AVVAPRO), Fermín Criado; and representatives from the Mijas Tourism Department, including councillor, Francisco Jerez (Vox), and technical head, Juan Carlos Acevedo

tourist establishments

more (923) than in January

tourist beds, 5.098 more, representing an increase of 7.87% compared to January

tourist home beds, placing third in the province

10,148 10% 69,901 9,930 55,114 10,043 143 51 11 5 2

Regarding the situation of tourist accommodation in Mijas, the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez, pointed out that “although it is a problem in other municipalities along the Costa del Sol, here in Mijas it helps, as we do not have the same hotel capacity as nearby towns, and thanks to tourist accommodation we can welcome a number of visitors that we would not otherwise be able to accommodate”.

ACCOMMODATION BY TYPE RANKING BY CAPACITY

tourist apartment beds. Leader in the province

hostels and guesthouses

Next are hotels (2,495), rural accommodations (1,119), campsites (701) and hostels and guesthouses (69)

Above, the mayoress of Mijas during her speech. On the right, the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez, the technician from the Tourist Board, Conchita Martín, and the technical head of Tourism Mijas, Juan Carlos Acevedo / M.J.G.

tourist homes

and the Tourism Intelligence System as a basis for decisionmaking, and future tourism challenges. “Marketing is not just

about communication; it is also about understanding consumer behaviour to identify their desires and needs, and the pro-

ducts that will best satisfy each group of clients”, explained the secretary general of the Association of Tourist Housing and Apartment Professionals, Benjamín de Alcázar

The current situation and future of tourism in Mijas were also addressed. Three pillars underpinning the tourism model were highlighted: specialisation, golf, and the experience offered with a differentiated image of the Costa del Sol. Regarding new trends in the sector, the Mijas Tourism Department emphasised “experience tourism, sports tourism beyond golf, telework tourism,

and residential tourism”, adding that work is underway to “combine all of these in balance”.

Positive data

Among other figures, the Mijas Tourist Office has increased the number of visits since the year 2024 to the current 159,000 annual visitors, mainly British. The town has also established itself as a benchmark in Europe in terms of golf facilities, with 12 courses, making it the leader on the continent. This, as they pointed out, helps to avoid seasonality, maintaining a high average level throughout the year.

Report by Jacobo Perea and María José Gómez / Design: I. Merino

Ana Mata Mayoress of Mijas (PP)

The mayoress Ana Mata alongside the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez, and the technical head of the department, Juan Carlos Acevedo / M.J.G.

Members of the corporation, professionals, users and family members unite under the slogan ‘We share vulnerability, let’s defend our mental health’

Report by Beatriz Martín / Design: I.Merino

On Thursday 9th, Mijas commemorated World Mental Health Day, which has been celebrated every 10th of October since 1992 with the aim of raising awareness of an illness that increasingly affects more people regardless of age, gender or social status.

“Mental health is now the leading cause of sick leave among young people, the second among older adults, and one in four people will have a mental health problem during their lifetime”, said the president of Afesol Salud Mental, Cristian González, who added that “suicide is the leading cause of unnatural death in the world. All this makes us believe that by 2030, mental health will be the main cause of disability in our society”.

With these words, the comme-

RURAL AREAS

on World Mental Health Day Mijas reaffirms its commitment to Afesol

morative event began in front of the Mijas Town Hall, where the mayoress, Ana Mata (PP), together with the councillor for Social Inclusion, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), and a large part of the municipal corporation, accompanied Afesol in the reading of the manifesto, which, under the slogan ‘We share vulnerability, let’s defend our mental health’, calls

The manifesto

calls for the implementation of emergency plans to meet patients’ needs

for more resources to treat this illness and more understanding instead of exclusion because, they emphasise, “without mental health there is no well-being”. For all these reasons, this day is not only a day of commemoration, but also a call to public representatives to take action on this problem, such as, they request, “the transfer of more facilities, increased subsidies to be able to care for all those who need it and the creation of learning commu-

The manifesto

nities”, González stressed. After his speech, an Afesol user, Joaquín Sibajas, took the floor and read the manifesto of the Spanish Mental Health Confederation. After the reading, the mayoress of Mijas proclaimed Mental Health Day in Mijas, urging society as a whole to increase resources and services to meet the needs of the community “by setting up a psychosocial network specialising in emergencies and developing community-based approaches to reduce different vulnerabilities”.

The Town Hall advances riverbed cleaning to prevent floods

With the rainy season approaching, work is focusing on urban areas, where the use of clearing machinery is permitted at this time of year

Ed. Dept. The Mijas Town Hall has begun cleaning and clearing watercourses with the aim of preventing risks during the upcoming rainy season and ensuring safety in rural and urban areas. The councillor for Rural Areas, Eloy Belmonte (Vox), explained that this year the work is being brought forward so that most of it will be completed by the start of spring. “We are working proactively to ensure that the streams are ready before the first heavy rains”, he said.

Belmonte noted that the campaign began in the La Alquería area, where heavy machinery has been used to clean the riverbed and unblock drainage pipes that had been clogged for several seasons, as well as reinforcing the ground with a breakwater. “This action is an example of how we work: we not only clean, but we also prevent structural problems before they arise”, he said.

Currently, work is focused on urban areas, where the use of

clearing machinery is permitted at this time of year.

“During the summer, clearing cannot be carried out in rural areas due to the risk of fire, but it is possible to work with shovels, pulling up vegetation by the roots, which makes the cleaning more durable”, said Belmonte.

The councillor announced that work will begin on the María Barranco stream in the second week of October, and will then continue on other watercourses such as the Real stream and the Carambuco stream. As regulations permit, the work will be extended to the main rural watercourses in the municipality.

Planning

Finally, the councillor highlighted the coordination between municipal services and the framework agreement with local companies, which allows for different types of machinery to be used depending on the needs of the terrain.

JOAQUÍN SIBAJAS

Afesol user

“Prevention and social support improve mental health as a whole”

It was Afesol user Joaquín Sibajas who read the manifesto of the Spanish Mental Health Confederation, which advocates promoting emergency plans that consider the needs of those affected. The text stated that “the greater the knowledge, the greater the capacity to respond. Prevention and social support improve mental health as a whole. Likewise, specific mental health guidelines could be developed to address emergency situations and disasters, taking these lessons into account”.

COMMERCE

The All Stars Group presents its excellence award to Juan Carlos Maldonado

M.J.G. To mark its tenth anniversary, the All Stars Group is honouring a number of public administrators and professionals with its Values Awards. On Thursday 9th, the founding members of the group, María Asenjo and Julia Mediavilla, presented their excellence award to the councillor for Commerce and Economic Development at the Mijas Town Hall, Juan Carlos Maldonado (PMP). The award ceremony took place at the La Bordalesa restaurant in La Cala.

“I would like to thank the All Stars Group for this recognition, which is not just for me, but really for the Mijas hospitality industry, which has many interesting offerings and has shown this through numerous initiatives and also through the consolidation of a

business network that is a benchmark in our municipality”, said the councillor, who also added that he was “delighted to work with them and with everyone who joins in collaborating with our chefs, because ultimately they generate employment and wealth and ensure that our tourism is of the highest standard”. For her part, María Asenjo, who highlighted that Mijas “driving the whole province”, stressed that “it is a collective effort to maintain a high-quality hospitality, agri-food and tourism sector. Public authorities can provide the impetus, but ultimately it is the creativity and enthusiasm of the professionals, their capacity for interaction, which is also being developed in the area headed by Juan Carlos Maldonado”.

The award ceremony took place on Thursday 9th at La Bordalesa restaurant in La Cala / M.J.Gómez.

The commemorative ceremony took place in front of the Town Hall and was attended by the municipal corporation, members of groups such as Afesol and Adimi, and the local police / B.Martín.

The municipality celebrates the IV Alzheimer’s Route on October 19th in aid of AFA

The route, for which registration is now open, is 12 kilometres long and will start from the Los Arenales quarry

Ed. Dept. / Design: Carmen Martín

Next Sunday, 19th of October, the fourth ‘Villa de Mijas’ Alzheimer’s Route will take place, organised by the Association of Relatives of Alzheimer’s Patients in Mijas (AFA Mijas) in collaboration with El Niño bar, the Taramita hiking group, various sponsors and the Town Hall.

The route will begin at 10:00 hours at the Los Arenales quarry and end around midday outside Bar El Niño in Mijas Pueblo. There, a solidarity paella will be served to all attendees at a price of seven euros per plate, as noted by Juan Marín, owner of the establishment.

During the route, which is about twelve kilometres long, participants will stop at the ‘Banco de la Memoria’ (Memory Bench), in Puerto del Pino, a facility dedicated to the memory of those affected by the disease.

During the

route, there will be a stop at the Memory Bench

“The route has two purposes: on the one hand, to see how the Sierra de Mijas is doing and, on the other, to help AFA Mijas by raising awareness about this disease”, said Juan Manuel Álvarez, a member of the Taramita group. In this regard, Marín, one of the promoters of the Memory Bench, acknowledged that “it is a disease that unfortunately affects more and more people and increasingly younger ones, which is why, when we proposed the idea of the Memory Bench, we wanted to donate the proceeds to AFA Mijas”.

IV ALZHEIMER’S ROUTE

Sunday

GASTRONOMY

El Torreón beach bar celebrates its X Rice Week in La Cala

C.L. El Torreón restaurant in La Cala presents its X Rice Week, which will be held from the 27th of October to the 2nd of November. This gastronomic festival, now in its tenth year, offers daily menus for 30 euros, including the house speciality rice dish, accompanied by Delicias del Torreón (Malaga-style fried fish) and a drink. To close the season, the restaurant offers a selection of its best rice dishes.

are others who deserve it more. I have been working in La Cala for more than 40 years and I am closely connected to this town”, said Juan.

During the festival, visitors can taste a variety of rice dishes, including “ciego” rice with seafood, surf-and-turf rice, black rice, rice with fish and seafood, rice with oxtail, rice with octopus and prawns, and the chef’s special rice with clams, mushrooms, chicken and prawns.

REGISTRATIONS: VILLA DE MIJAS

19TH 10 hours

With a stop at the Memory Bench

Departure from Los Arenales quarry

BAR EL NIÑO AND AFA MIJAS

Telephone: 604471 567 (10 to 14 h.)

ON THE DAY OF THE ROUTE AT LOS ARENALES QUARRY

From 9:30 h.

PRICE: MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION OF 7 EUROS

(includes a plate of paella and a drink)

For her part, María del Carmen López, the director of AFA Mijas, explained that registration costs seven euros (which includes a plate of paella) and can be made either at Bar El Niño or at the AFA day centre (Avenida de México, 11). To raise as much money as possible, donations can be

made via Bizum using the code 07072. For her part, the councillor for Social Inclusion, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), recalled that more than 200 people took part in last year’s event, a figure she hopes will be exceeded this year, as the route “is for charity and all proceeds will go to AFA”.

La Cala Resort and the Town Hall present the municipal golf school

C.G. On Wednesday 8th, La Cala Resort and the Mijas Town Hall presented the Municipal Golf School, which aims to promote this sport among children and young people in Mijas. “The professionals at La Cala Resort will train children from the municipality who want to learn to play. Another objective is to show

families that golf is not an elitist sport and to create a pool of young talent”, explained the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox), who, together with the councillor for Sports, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), the resort’s golf director, Robert Mitchell, and the commercial director of La Cala Resort, Edouard des Fon-

taines, provided information about the project.

The golf complex has three 18hole courses and a 9-hole par 3 course, with lessons being held on the latter. “We are delighted to present our Mijas Municipal Golf School. We started in September and already have three groups of children, almost 40 children

On the first day of this X Rice Week, a tribute lunch will be held in honour of Juan Rodríguez Gutiérrez for his career as an entrepreneur in La Cala. Mario Gallardo, owner of the restaurant, highlighted the values of the honouree: “He is a muchloved person who represents the living history of La Cala. This tribute is a way of thanking him for his commitment and his values as a businessman, which are very similar to ours”.

“I am very grateful for the gesture, although I think there

+NEWS

The Town Hall supports the initiative. According to the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox), “it is very important to keep traditions alive and to recognise the people who are part of the history of the town. Every year, a local person is honoured in recognition of those who have helped La Cala go from being a fishing village to becoming a reference point within the municipality”. Jerez also congratulated the restaurant and its owner “for continuing the family legacy”.

Animal Care Spain is organising an autumn charity lunch at El Jinete restaurant.-

The animal welfer organisation Animal Care España is hosting its traditional autumn charity lunch on Saturday 18th of October from 13:30 hours at the El Jinete restaurant in Mijas Costa. The event aims is to raise funds to continue its work rescuing and caring for animals. The lunch will feature live music by the violinist and vocalist Crissie Ryan, a full menu with vegetarian options, and a charity raffle. Tickets cost 45 euros, including a 10 euro donation to the association. Advance booking is recommended.

who come every Saturday morning”, said Mitchell, adding that “it costs 50 euros per month and we will continue until the sum-

mer”. The school is aimed at children and young people aged 6 to 18, and lessons are taught by qualified teachers from La Cala Resort. Classes are divided by age and ability or level, and there are still places available for those who want to take up the sport. “Through the creation of the Mijas Golf Association, which we have set up to attract more local players, we are launching this initiative so that young people can practise this enriching sport”, said des Fontaines.

The councillor for Social Inclusion, Mari Francis Alarcón (2nd from left), with representatives from AFA Mijas and the Taramita group / J. Perea.

Councillors from the Mijas Town Hall and managers from La Cala Resort at the presentation of the school / M.J.G.

The councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (right), alongside owner Mario Gallardo (centre), the head chef, the honouree and his wife / C.L.

10th to 16th of October 2025

Editorial Department

Bagpipes and poppies take over La Cala

in the Royal British Legion parade

Veterans and members of the British community paraded through the coastal town on Saturday 4th to launch the Poppy Appeal campaign

The sound of bagpipes and the red of poppies filled La Cala once again on Saturday 4th of October. For the second consecutive year, the Royal British Legion chose the coastal town of Mijas to hold its traditional parade, a solemn event marking the start of the Poppy Appeal campaign in memory of those who have fallen in combat since the First World War.

The day, part of the Foreigners Department’s autumn programme, began punctually at 14 hours in La Butibamba Park.

From there, veterans, members of the Legion and a procession of motorcycles and classic cars toured the main streets of La Cala, concluding in a wreathlaying ceremony at El Torreón.

According to the councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo (PP), the choice of this location is no coincidence: “The floral tribute is made here because it was at this point that British soldiers landed and later fought the battle near the hillside of Fuengirola Castle against the French and Poles”.

Aid and reparation

The aim of the parade goes beyond remembrance; it is also a charity campaign to raise funds.

“Every year we have a month to raise money, primarily with the poppy theme. We sell poppies worldwide and raise funds to help veterans and military personnel with mental and physical injuries”, said the president of the Royal British Legion in South

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tion of the different cultures that enrich Mijas. “That’s the beauty of what we do through the Fore-

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as pets passing by, shadows, reflections or branches swaying in the wind, reducing false alarms, avoiding inconvenience for clients and optimising resources.

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Advanced perimeter protection AI video analysis goes beyond basic surveillance. It allows critical areas to be defined and perimeter protection rings to be established around a property.

of each nationality”, said the technician of the department, Katja Thirion

igners Department, creating links, supporting integration and also helping explain the customs

For many attendees, the parade holds deep personal and family significance. “It’s very important to me. I’ve been taking part since I was eight years old. My whole family is British, and for us it really means a lot”, shared Abigail Jorja Parkin , a young attendee at the event.

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“Security is not just about acting when something happens; it is also about preventing incidents and avoiding unnecessary disturbances”, says Segurisur.

The parade ended at El Torreón square / M.C.

Classic cars paraded / M.C.

The procession departed from La Butibamba Park / M.C.

Councillor Mario Bravo took part in the parade / M.C.

The Costa del Sol Concours d’Elegance

brings 20 superluxury cars to Mijas

Locals and visitors enjoyed great motoring classics and dream cars

Cristina Luque

On Saturday 4th, our town hosted a stage of the Costa del Sol Concours d’Elegance, an ideal opportunity to admire supercars and sports cars as they passed through Mijas Pueblo and La Cala. In total, around twenty supercars were on display in the Virgen de la Peña Square, delighting motoring and luxury enthusiasts in Mijas.

The competition also visited Marbella and Málaga before stopping in Mijas, positioning the municipality as a benchmark for motoring and tourism on the Costa del Sol, combining luxury, design and engineering.

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), said that “we are visited by motoring enthusiasts who enjoy touring different cities, and this weekend they are stopping on the Costa del Sol, with Mijas as a meeting point. They visit Mijas Pueblo, passing through La Cala, and have the opportunity to discover our town with all its charm and unique features, under the Costa del Sol brand. Here, we meet all the requirements for good gastronomy and the Andalusian character that we continue to preserve in Mijas”.

The Costa del Sol Concours d’Elegance featured an international jury made up of representatives from Bugatti, Pininfarina and

General Motors. The event became an ideal opportunity to admire dream cars such as the Pagani Huayra and the Bugatti Chiron, alongside legendary models like the Ferrari F40 and the Porsche Carrera GT.

The Mijas Town Hall highlighted the importance of the event for local tourism. According to the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox), “the event is magnificent. The outcome is very positive because bringing

this type of car to Mijas Pueblo for the first time marks a milestone. The international media coverage of this event puts us on a higher level, and all visitors have been able to enjoy these cars up close”.

The vehicles drove up from La Cala to Mijas Pueblo, which became the epicentre of automotive luxury, with an exclusive programme of events and activities that delighted enthusiasts.

According to the coordinator of the competition, Franziska Ma-

The Donors’ Club Friends

of the La Cala de Mijas Lions holds a charity lunch

Around 50 people gathered at La Catedral restaurant in Las Lagunas to support the cause

N.L. Last Friday 3rd of October, the Donors’ Club Friends of the La Cala Lions held a charity lunch to raise funds, collecting a total of 1,635 euros. The event took place at La Catedral Restaurant in Las Lagunas, where around 50 people gathered.

“The Donors’ Club is made up of people of all nationalities who support the causes, projects and activities carried out by the La Cala Lions through an

annual contribution of 30 euros per donor”, explained the councillor for Foreigners at the Mijas Town Hall, Mario Bravo (PP). They also take part in activities such as Friday’s event, which help to continue raising

“They have had the opportunity to discover our town with all its charm and unique features. We meet all the requirements for good gastronomy and the Andalusian character that we continue to preserve in Mijas”

tulli, “this is a very well-organised event. We have been working hard for several months to make sure everything runs smoothly and to gather cars from the area.

“The

because bringing

funds.The charity lunch concluded with a raffle. “We must keep seeking support because we want to help as many

is very

We also have international participants who have joined us on the route, and we are delighted to be able to visit Mijas, such a beautiful village”.

people as possible in the Mijas community”, said the secretary of the La Cala de Mijas Lions Club, Anita Van Gelder

A moment during lunch, on the left, the secretary of the La Cala de Mijas Lions Club, Anita Van Gelder, alongside the councillor Mario Bravo on the right / N.L.

this type of car to Mijas

the Costa del Sol, with Mijas as

The mayoress, Ana Mata (centre), alongside the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez / M.C.

The event drew a large crowd / M.C.

Some of the vehicles that participated in this competition / M.C.

The mayoress alongside members of the government team, the organising association and the public / M.C.

ANA MATA Mayoress of Mijas (PP)

outcome

positive

this type of car

Mijas Pueblo for the first time marks

milestone. The international media coverage of this event puts us on

higher level”

FRANCISCO JEREZ Councillor for Tourism (Vox)

WHAT´S ON

SATURDAY 11TH

Cultural Twinning in Mijas: ‘La palabra y el gesto’

Cortijo Don Elías, 17 hours

Writers’ gathering, poetry recitals, flamenco and literary discussions

SANTA TERESA

Events in honour of Santa Teresa

Wednesday 15th at 19:00 h

Mass and procession of the image from the Church of Santa Teresa through the streets of La Cala

Saturday 18th at 20 h

Fete at Los Olivos Park

Sunday 19th from 11 h

Mass and ‘romería’ to Los Olivos Park

MONDAY 13TH

Women Writers’ Day

Manuel España Theatre Courtyard, 18:30 hours

Presentation of the latest books by local writers Guadalupe Eichelbaum and Carmen Trella. There will be stalls selling books.

TUESDAY 14TH

Talk in English on the regulation of tourist accommodation

La Cala Branch Office, 16:00 hours

Reservations at frd@mijas.es

Organised by the Mijas Foreigners Department in collaboration with Intercala

THURSDAY 16TH

Autumn literary cycle

Upper hall of the Manuel España Theatre, 19 hours

Presentation of Medardo Ramos López’s book ‘Victoria sobre una mente destructiva’

Solidarity tables: ‘Make solidarity your gift this autumn’

La Cala Branch Office Square, last Wednesday and Saturday of each month, from 11 to 14 h

Exhibition ‘Opposite Poles-The Universe Within’ by Karola Kalcsai Mijas Arts Centre, from 19 to 22 h

Until the 15th of October

Sound Bath

24th of October, 19 h

35 euros per person

4 Hands Event: Picador x Charolais

29th of October, 18:30 to 22:30 h

Candle Night

31st of October, 20:30 h

60 euros per person

La Zambra Resort, Avenida Louison Bobet, 9, Urbanización Mijas Golf, 29650, Mijas, Costa del Sol, Spain

Telephone: +34 951 311 234 ext.: 1612. Mobile: +34 629 41 29 76 marina.aneas@lazambrahotel.com lazambrahotel.com

Flamenco show

Every Wednesday at 12 h

Plaza Virgen de la Peña, Mijas Pueblo

Every Saturday at 12 h

Plaza de la Constitución, Mijas Pueblo

Exhibition ‘Ensueños’ by Blanca León

Las Lagunas Cultural Centre, 20 h Until the 27th of October

Second-hand market

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

Ecological market

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

Exhibition by artisans Amador Angulo and Marina Florentina González

Mijas pueblo Tourist Office

Until the 31st of October

Exhibition ‘Tormenta, caos... creación’ by Rafael Carmona CACMijas

Until the 16th of October

Exhibition ‘Macro’, by the Nuevo Enfoque collective Collective headquarters, Los Olivos residential complex, phase 1, unit 25 Until the 12th of October