The Manuel España Theatre hosts, on Friday 2nd at 20:00,
the screening of
Free Copy. Nº 1.224. From 2nd to 8th of October 2026
Torrijos
The documentary has been produced by Mijas Comunicación in collaboration with the Culture Department and the Torrijos 1831 Historical and Cultural Association
W E E K LY
SPANISH PAGE/23
NEWS
CULTURE
HANDBALL
Scavenger hunts and games for Senior’s week
Cinema and dance go hand in hand in the cultural programme
San Francisco de Asís’s senior team make their home debut
In Las Lagunas, the activities will take place on the 5th; in Mijas Pueblo, on the 6th; and in La Cala, on Wednesday 7th SPANISH PAGE 16
On the 8th, a series of independent Andalusian sian films will begin at the theatre; furthermore, El Torreón will host an open-air tango event on Saturday 10th SPANISH PAGES 23 & 26
On Saturday 3rd, at 20:00, the División de Honor Plata match against Pozuelo de Calatrava kicks off, and on Sunday 4th, at 12:30, the 2nd National Division match SPANISH PAGE 35
ORDINARY PLENARY SESSION
A new water pipeline will guarantee the water supply in Mijas Pueblo The budget amendment of 4.2 million approved at the last plenary session will enable part of the infrastructure to be funded NEWS/04 PUBLIC SAFETY
The average payment period to suppliers falls to 23.71 days, its best figure in eleven years The local authority links this “institutional milestone” to the creation of the Budget Management and Accounting Department last year SPANISH PAGE/04
Motions by PP and Vox expressing support and solidarity with Ceuta approved in plenary session The parties call on the central government to ensure that irregular migrants are returned to Morocco
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, and the councillor for the Local Police, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson, alongside councillors from the government team and officers.
SPANISH PAGE/07
Town Hall The Local Police mark their special day The is considering
On Thursday 1st, the Manuel España Theatre hosted the official ceremony to mark the feast day of the patron saint of the Mijas Local Police, an event aimed at publicly recognising the work of those who, every day, strive to ensure safety in the municipality, uphold the law and stand by the public when they need it most. At the gala, which was preceded by a mass at the parish church of San Manuel González, police officers Pedro Tejón and Javier García were awarded the Police Cross of Merit with Blue and White Insignia, respectively, while around thirty officers, as well as two civilians, received commendations for their involvement in various police operations / NEWS/02-03/ J.Perea.
M ijas, among th e top th ree destinations in the province for occupancy In August, the municipality reached 94.4 per cent, 1.55 percentage points above the provincial average for that month, which stood at 92.85 per cent NEWS/08
The reform of the General Traffic Regulations has been incorporated ted into Mijas' municipal by-laws. Among these changes is the compulsory use of helmets NEWS/06
entrusting Acosol with water management in El Chaparral
The measure seeks to reduce water supply incidents, as well as improve supply quality and lower water bills NEWS/05
Mijas News
02 Local Police Day
The Local Police
mark their special day
by honouring
around thirty officers The event took place on Thursday 1st at the Manuel España Theatre, attended by members of the council Report by Jacobo Perea and Beatriz Martín / Design: I.Merino
On Thursday 1st October, the Manuel España Theatre hosted the official ceremony to mark the feast day of the patron saint of the Mijas Local Police, an event designed to publicly recognise the work of those who, every day, strive to ensure our safety, uphold the law and stand by the public when they need it most. The event was attended by representatives of the local council, led by the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), and the councillor for Local Police and Security, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (Vox), as well as senior officials and members of the various law enforcement agencies and, of course, the key figures of the day: the men and women who make up the Mijas Local Police. The mayoress wished to “congratulate all the officers honoured
Officers and senior staff were congratulated for their involvement in high-risk operations today at this ceremony for their commitment and dedication; they are always ready to protect the people of Mijas and always ensure their safety. I also speak on behalf of all the town’s residents, whom I am honoured to represent at this deeply moving event that brings us together to celebrate the feast of Saint Michael”. For his part, the first deputy mayor, Cuevas Dawson, highlighted the “extraordinary work” of the Local Police, “which is evident on the streets and is also reflected in the statistics”. Furthermore, the councillor for Public Safety emphasised the efforts made by Local Police officers in collaborating with other security forces, such as the Civil Guard, noting that “the government’s lack of
personnel and resources is evident, which forces our officers to respond to 112 emergency calls”. Speaking on behalf of the Mijas Local Police, Inspector Juan Antonio González Guillén took the floor, stating that “there is one thing that must never change: our dedication to service. Behind every uniform there must always be a very simple idea: we are here to serve and protect”. Guillén also extended his “most sincere congratulations to those receiving public recognition today for outstanding service”. Institutional recognition The political representatives from the municipality who attended the event highlighted the work carried out by the Mijas Local Police and congratulated the officers who were honoured and awarded medals on Thursday. “We are very proud of the work carried out by the nearly 150 members of the Local Police and we are committed to them; we want to help, support and stand by them in all their work, and that requires a commitment”, said the PP spokesperson at Mijas Town Hall, Mario Bravo (PP), who emphasised that “they are committed to defending our safety and our freedom, and we must commit to providing them with all the necessary resources, both technical and, above all, human”. For his part, Vox councillor at Mijas Town Hall Francisco Jerez stated that “today we are publicly demonstrating the appreciation that the people of Mijas have for the officers who, at some point during the year, have put their lives on the line and risked their physical safety to defend the welfare of the general public; this is something both they and we can be proud of”. The PMP spokesperson, Juan Carlos Maldonado (PMP), said that “it is a special day for them, and, of course, for the people of Mijas, because we have one of
Group photo with authorities and officers at the end of the ceremony / J.Perea.
the best police forces on the Costa del Sol, as is widely recognised. And judging by their actions and the climate of security that prevails in our municipality, they play a decisive role in ensuring that this remains the case”. Finally, the PSOE councillor Josele Gonzalez (PSOE) stated that “despite the poor management of the Town Hall’s Security Department and the lack of resources available to our local police, they demonstrate that, thanks to our senior officers, the highly skilled professionals, officers, deputy inspectors and chief superintendents, they do an incredible job ensuring the safety of the municipality, especially given that in many cases they step in to make up for the shortage of Civil Guard officers we face”.
1
2
3 1. Councillors from the PP in Mijas alongside Inspector Juan Antonio González Guillén.- 2. Councillors from the Vox Municipal Group.- 3. The councillor for ‘Por Mi Pueblo’, Juan Carlos Maldonado, alongside municipal advisers and officers.- 4. Councillors from the Socialist Municipal Group / J.P.
MASS
RELIGIOUS SERVICE AT Durante el acto SE REALIZARON UNA DECENA DE FELICITACIONES A AGENTES LOSAN MANUEL GONZÁLEZ CALES por su trayectoria y actuaciones destacadas. También se entregaron RECO-
1
Before the ceremony, members of the municipal NOCIMIENTOS Y DIPLOMAS A UN GRUPO DE POLICÍAS por distintas actuaciones corporation, led by the mayoress, Ana Mata, and meritorias. representatives of the Mijas and Fuengirola Local Police, the Mijas Fire Brigade and the Civil Guard, attended the MASS AND FLORAL OFFERING which took place at the parish church of San Manuel González in Las Lagunas, with a homily delivered by the parish priest, Manuel Jiménez.
3
2 1. Officers from the Mijas Local Police during the Mass.- 2. The mayoress, Ana Mata, Inspector Juan Antonio González Guillén and several councillors from the government team, at the religious service.- 3. Two officers were responsible for representing the force during the floral offering.
Mijas News
03 Local Police Day
JUAN ANTONIO JUAN CARLOS GONZÁLEZ GUILLÉN CUEVAS DAWSON
AWARD
COMMENDATIONS
Local Police Inspector
Councillor for Police (Vox) Mayoress of Mijas (PP)
“Every individual honour is a source of pride f the entire f ce because it represents values that must be part of our profession”
“The results we see on the streets do not happen by chance, behind them lies ganisation, hard w k and police officers doing their duty every day”
FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN crosses of merit VARIOUS OPERATIONS
POLICE
with blue insignia
4
“My congratulations to the officers are sincere, based on a sense of trust and gratitude, empathy and protection”
On Thursday 1st, Mijas paused to look those whose mission is to protect and care for the town, and to thank those who are always there for us. To this end, MIJAS COMUNICACIÓN PRODUCED THE DOCUMENTARY ‘MIJAS LOCAL POLICE: ALWAYS THERE’, a video which was screened before the awards were presented. Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of the current Mijas Local Police Regulations, the Town Councill unanimously agreed at a plenary session to COMMEND VARIOUS OFFICERS FOR THEIR POLICE ACTIONS; THESE COMMENDATIONS WERE PRESENTED ON THURSDAY 1ST IN THE FORM OF CERTIFICATES TO MORE THAN THIRTY OFFICERS, such as the one who facilitated the arrest of members of a criminal organisation during an incident involving gunfire between criminals and drug trafficking at Faro de Calaburras, while also seizing 73 kg of hashish and recovering a firearm. “Today is a day to spend time with our families outside of our police duties, for them to get to know one another; it’s quite an important day”, said the honoured officer, who expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
For having served as an active member of the Andalusian Local Police Force for a period of 30 years, to be completed in 2026, without having been sanctioned for serious or very serious offences, officer Pedro Tejón, was awarded the Police Cross of Merit with Blue Insignia, a medal presented to him by Ana Mata.
with white badge
And for his 20 years of service without having been sanctioned for serious or very serious offences, Javier García received the Police Cross of Merit with White Badge from Cuevas Dawson. “It’s been 20 years of camaraderie, a great atmosphere among the team, with experiences involving members of the public, some sadder, others happier, and all of this has brought us to where we are today”, said García.
ANA MATA
SPECIAL MENTION FOR
two civilian heroes
At the ceremony, local resident Iván Calderón was also commended for exemplary actions, in which he firmly restrained an individual who attempted to throw himself off one of the bridges on the A-7, thereby preventing a suicide and demonstrating courage, solidarity and civic commitment. “These are actions you don’t think about, and I believe that anyone who had been in my situation would surely have done the same; the fact that we’re here means that everything turned out well, which is what matters”, acknowledged Calderón. Congratulations were also extended to Daniel Martínez for his cooperation with the officers in dealing with a fleeing individual, whom he blocked, thereby facilitating his arrest.
04 MijasNews
2nd to 8th October 2026
Mijas Weekly
September Ordinary Plenary Session
A budget amendment for the pipeline to supply Mijas Pueblo has been approved The green light has been given for an extraordinary loan of 4.2 million euros to finance part of the infrastructure Report by Carmen Martín
On Wednesday 30th, the Mijas Town Council plenary session gave initial approval, with votes in favour from the government team and the support of Ciudadanos, to a budget amendment for an extraordinary loan to finance part of the water pipeline that will guarantee the supply to Mijas Pueblo. This amendment, amounting to 4,250,000 euros (including VAT) and drawn from the council’s surplus of 55 million euros, will fund part of the construction work on this infrastructure, which will connect the El Puerto quarry reservoir in Mijas Pueblo to the so-called ‘water motorway’, specifically the
The project
has been approved by the Local Government Board
El Lagarejo reservoir, bridging a height difference of over 400 metres at a total cost of 13.5 million euros across all phases, explained the councillor for Economy and Finance, Mario Bravo (PP), who was responsible for presenting the proposal. Of those 13.5 million,
5.6 million correspond to the first phase, which will involve the construction of the pipeline, thereby guaranteeing the water supply to Mijas Pueblo, which until now has been dependent on aquifers. “We believe it is our obligation because this is the section of the pipeline where the land is fully developed. The costs cannot be passed on to third parties, and we believe it is the Town Council’s duty to guarantee the water supply for all residents”, the councillor emphasised. These 4.25 million euros will cover part of the funding for the first phase, while the remainder, up to 5.6 million, will be borne by the land developers. Reaction from the opposition The opposition criticised the change in stance by the government team, claiming that they had previously argued that these works should be paid for by Acosol. They also criticised the fact that this project is being funded when other municipalities pay nothing for their water motorway. “Why should the people of Mijas have to pay for this out of their savings rather than Acosol? And another question we have is: why has
The motion was passed with the votes of the government team and Cs, while the PSOE voted against it / I.P.
The councillor for Economy and Finance, Mario Bravo, defended the motion before the full council, chaired by the mayoress, Ana Mata / Irene Pérez.
A MULTI-PHASE project
13.5 MILLON 1st phase 5.6 millon The project to supply water to Mijas Pueblo has been estimated at 13.5 million euros and has already been approved by the Local Government Board, according to the councillor for Infrastructure and Works, Juan José Torres Trella (PP). This is an undertaking that has been divided into several phases. The first phase, costing 5.6 million euros, will involve the construction of a pipeline to link the El Lagarejo reservoir with the Cantera de El Puerto reservoir in Mijas Pueblo, bridging a 400-metre height difference. This pipeline will ensure a water supply to the village, which currently relies solely on aquifers. In subsequent phases, the water flow rate will be increased and the reservoir’s filling capacity expanded, Torres Trella explained.
the government team apparently changed its conviction that the funding also had to come from Acosol? Because right up until September, you were defending that position with great fanfare”, argued Roy Pérez, spokesperson for the PSOE, who voted against the measure. For his part, the Cs spokesperson, José Carlos Martín, recalled that, “when they raised the water rates, they argued it was to improve Mijas’ infrastructure”. “It turns out that not even two months have passed and now we have to pay a further four million euros on top of what we’ve already contributed through the price rise to improve the infrastructure of a jurisdiction that, however you
The councillor for Infrastructure and Works, Juan José Torres Trella, during his speech / Irene Pérez.
[Mario Bravo] choose to spin it, is not ours”, he added. Distribution pipeline The government team explained that while the Costa del Sol water motorway is a transmission pipeline managed by Acosol, the one to be built in Mijas is a distribution pipeline, funded not by Acosol but through the water levy, the works for which were approved by the previous government team and partially amended by the current one. “It is absolutely essential to have this amount available as soon as possible for phase one, because with the water levy, which generates an annual income of 900,000 euros, it would take us several years to accumulate the funds needed to carry out this vital project. It is vital that this Town Hall, using the surplus funds at its disposal, puts this money on the table so that we can carry out this very important project as soon as possible”, explained the councillor for Infrastructure and Works, Juan José Torres Trella (PP), referring to the depletion of the aquifers. In this regard, Bravo had previously clarified that the Regional Government of Andalusia “is beginning to ban the permanent use of aquifers and prefers them to be reserved solely for emergency situations”. The cou-
ncillor for Works also revealed that the pipeline construction project has already been approved by the Local Government Board and that the remaining phases will serve to “increase the flow rate and the filling capacity” of the Mijas Pueblo reservoir. The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), before proceeding to the vote, invited the opposition to table an amendment to the management agreement with Acosol in the plenary session and clarified that in other municipalities not all water is managed by the public water company; there are also private companies involved. “We can amend the management agreement we have with Acosol. You are welcome to table a proposal for an amendment, but, as the councillor has rightly pointed out, 900,000 euros are allocated annually to our municipality’s water infrastructure. There is infrastructure that is not just obsolete, but simply does not exist, and we have a responsibility to ensure that all services reach the people of Mijas under the same conditions”, said the mayoress, adding that they must stay one step ahead of “the changes caused by water loss from the aquifers and, above all, modernise all the infrastructure in our municipality”.
MijasNews 05
2nd to 8th of October 2026
Mijas Weekly
The Town Hall considers
entrusting Acosol with
water management in El Chaparral The initiative aims to reduce water supply incidents, as well as improve supply quality and lower water bills Irene Pérez
Residents from around twenty housing developments in the El Chaparral area attended an information meeting on Wednesday 30th, organised by Mijas Town Hall at the La Cala Branch Office. At the meeting, the mayoress, Ana Mata (PP), announced that work is beginning to change the operator managing water in the area, with Acosol set to take charge of this service, just as it has been doing in the rest of the municipality. Since the 1960s, explained Mata, the family-run company Aquavega has carried out water
The meeting took place on Wednesday 30th at the La Cala Branch Office / M.C.
supply and distribution tasks in El Chaparral, managing around 3,000 water meters in the area, “and the aim of this meeting is none other than to inform residents that we have already met with this entity to begin the transition towards that agreement, so that Acosol provides service throughout our entire municipal area”. This initiative, Mata noted, aims to reduce the incidents recorded in recent years in the area regarding the water supply, but it brings further advantages, “among them a reduction in the price of water, as Aquavega’s
bill is currently somewhat more expensive than Acosol’s”. For her part, Acosol’s managing director, Matilde Mancha, recalled that “residents of El Chaparral are currently paying a levy on their bills for the supply networks, but we cannot execute those investments without first municipalising the service”. Furthermore, Mancha announced, plans are being considered to improve the sewerage system in these developments, “so that the wastewater collected goes directly into the comprehensive sewerage system and can be treated and, once trea-
ANA MATA
MATILDE MANCHA
“We think that, in the 21st century, it makes sense for a single company, rather than several, to supply water to the municipality with the same standards of quality, and that is what we aim to achieve by entrusting this task to Acosol”
“We need to digitise and install smart meters; we need to make a leap forward because that is what we are doing in the rest of the municipality, and residents in this area must benefit from these technological advances”
Mayoress of Mijas (PP)
Acosol Managing Director
Access to one of the housing developments located in the El Chaparral area / Archive.
ted, discharged into the sea”. At the meeting, which was also attended by the councillors for Infrastructure and Finance, Juan José Torres Trella (PP) and Mario Bravo (PP), residents were also informed that optimising the pipework will, moreover, prevent
water leaks, something essential during periods of drought, stated the mayoress of Mijas. Finally, to give residents peace of mind, Mata assured that the water supply will be guaranteed at all times and that they will be kept informed of every step taken.
06 MijasNews
2nd to 8th of October 2026
Mijas Weekly
Safety SEGURIDAD CIUDADANA
The scooter by-law is
TAKE NOTE
supplemented from the 1st
A helmet is compulsory at all times while riding
by new national regulations
Lighting is compulsory at night or in poor visibility At night or in poor visibility, luminous or reflective items such as reflective vests are compulsory
15
Minimum age of 15 years to ride Single-rider use. Only one person per vehicle Riding on pavements and in pedestrian areas is prohibited The use of mobile phones, headsets or earphones while riding is prohibited
The councillor for Local Police, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson, alongside several officers at a scooter checkpoint / Archivo.
The entry into force of the reform of the General Traffic Regulations introduces new obligations at national level Ed. Dept. / Design: C.Bejarano
The regulation of electric scooters in Mijas is supplemented from 1 October by the entry into force of the reform to the General Traffic Regulations, which establishes new nationwide rules for personal mobility vehicles (PMVs). These provisions are in addition to those set out in the Mijas Municipal Traffic and Road Traffic By-law, which already specifically regulates their use within the municipality. The councillor for Local Police and first deputy mayor, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (Vox), pointed out that the aim is for “users to be clearly aware of the rules they must comply with”. “Mijas already has specific regulations for scooters, and now the new obligations established for the whole of Spain are being incorporated”, explained the councillor. Helmet Among the main changes in the national regulations is the mandatory use of a helmet for PMV riders. A minimum age of 15 is also established, matching that already set
out in the Mijas by-law, along with the requirement to signal intended manoeuvres with an arm signal. At night or in situations of poor visibility, users must wear luminous or reflective items, such as a reflective vest, which ensure they can be seen from a minimum distance of 150 metres. The requirement regarding lighting on PMVs came into force on 1 October 2027. These measures are in addition to the rules already in force in Mijas, where PMVs are for
The Local Police remind the public that Mijas already has specific regulations in place
individual use only, may not be ridden on pavements, promenades or other areas designated for pedestrian use, and their riders are prohibited from using mobile phones, headphones or earphones while riding. Furthermore, they are subject to the same restrictions as other road users regarding alcohol and drugs.
The municipal regulations also set out specific conditions to protect pedestrians. In areas where PMVs share space with them, the rider must dismount from the vehicle when it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least one metre or to travel five metres in a straight line continuously. Pedestrians always have priority. Registration In addition to this framework, there are national obligations regarding the registration of personal mobility vehicles in the relevant register and the taking out of compulsory third-party liability insurance, in accordance with the requirements and transitional periods established for these vehicles. Cuevas Dawson emphasised that the Local Police will continue to carry out public awareness campaigns to help users adapt to the new rules. “The scooter is a vehicle, and using it entails obligations. Knowing the rules and adhering to them is essential for riding safely and guaranteeing coexistence with pedestrians and other road users”, concluded Cuevas Dawson.
No alcohol or drugs. The same restrictions apply as for other road users
The reform of the General Traffic Regulations complements the Mijas municipal by-law.
TYPE-APPROVAL, REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE It is compulsory for PMVs to meet certification requirements. They must be registered with the DGT and hold third-party liability insurance.
FINES OF UP TO €500
Failure to comply with these rules may result in fines of between 50 and 500 euros, depending on the severity of the offence.
MijasNews 07
2nd to 8th of October 2026
Mijas Weekly
MATA, The dean of the Consular Corps ANA MAYORESS OF MIJAS
visits the 400th-anniversary exhibition The exhibition traces four centuries of consular history and Mijas’s role as an international town
“I would like to thank all the consuls for the magnificent work they do for all those who are already residents in Mijas. Fortunately, we can say that in this town we have 133 nationalities living alongside us”
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, alongside the dean of the Consular Corps in Málaga, José Luis Ramos / A.M.
Mijas: home to
133 NATIONALITIES Authorities during their visit to the exhibition, which can be visited over the next two weeks / A.Moreno. Alicia Moreno / Design: C.B.
The boulevard in La Cala de Mijas hosted a visit on Tuesday 29th by the dean of the Consular Corps of Málaga, José Luis Ramos, to the exhibition commemorating 400 years of the Consular Corps’ history in Málaga. He was accompanied by other consular representatives, the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), and the councillor for Foreigners at Mijas Town Hall, Mario Bravo (PP). The exhibition traces the evolution of the Consular Corps from its origins to the present day and its role in providing support and assistance to foreign nationals residing in or visiting the province. During the visit, Ramos highlighted the importance of raising public awareness of the work carried out by consulates. “I think it will be very interesting because it shows people what a consul is, what work we do, that it is not just a matter of represen-
The consular
corps plays a vital role for foreign residents tation, but also of providing help, whether with paperwork, a health issue, an accident or any other situation. We are the first point of contact, the first door through which people can come to us for help and request our services”, explained the dean. Mata thanked the consular representatives for attending and praised the work they carry out with the municipality’s foreign residents. “I would like to thank all the consuls, particularly the dean of the Consular Corps, for being here and, above all, for the magnificent work they do for all those who are now residents of Mijas, and we are fortunate to say that
The municipality is home to 133 nationalities living side by side, which is why consular representatives play such a vital role in Mijas thanks to the work they carry out with foreign residents. These figures mean that over 40 per cent of the population was born outside Spain.
Curious facts about registered residents:
2 STATELESS RESIDENTS 5 RESIDENTS FROM GUINEA 2 RESIDENTS FROM GUINEA-BISSAU 1 RESIDENT FROM EQUATORIAL GUINEA 2 PALESTINIAN RESIDENTS 3 RESIDENTS FROM SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS 9 RESIDENTS FROM SINGAPORE People who lack nationality. UNHCR reports estimate that there are 4.4 million stateless people
The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata, alongside the councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo, and the consular representatives during their visit to the exhibition / A.Moreno.
in Mijas we have 133 nationalities living alongside us”, she said. For his part, Bravo highlighted the relationship between the Consular Corps and the municipality, as well as the international character that Mijas has acquired. “This gathering of consuls based in the Málaga area is proof of the relationship between Mijas and the rest of the world”, said Bravo, who also highlighted the diversity of the town’s population, noting that “more than 40 per cent of the population was born abroad”. The councillor also emphasised the pride the town takes in its international profile:
“Today we feel very proud of Mijas because we are known all over the world, and we are very happy about that”. The exhibition also featured the participation of Costa Rica’s consul in Andalusia, Juan Domingo Corpas, who emphasised the importance of bringing consulates closer to foreign communities: “The main idea is to bring the community and the consulate closer together. They are not alone”. The exhibition will remain open for a further two weeks on La Cala Boulevard and offers an insight into four centuries of consular history.
People from the West African country that was a French colony
People from the West African country that was a Portuguese colony and is named after its capital
People from the West African country that was a Spanish colony and owes its name to its proximity to the equator More than 1,300 citizens of this nationality live in Spain
The smallest sovereign state in the Americas, situated in the Caribbean Sea
Countries with the highest Countries with the lowest number of registered residents: number of registered residents:
UNITED KINGDOM: 7,955
MALAWI: 1
MOROCCO: 2,761
MAURITIUS: 1
ITALY: 2,068
ANDORRA: 1
UKRAINE: 1,550
CAPE VERDE: 1
COLOMBIA; 1,314
EQUATORIAL GUINEA: 1
RUSSIA: 1,206
TAJIKISTAN: 1
ARGENTINA: 1,182
SOUTH KOREA: 1
SWEDEN: 1,166
MACEDONIA: 1
NETHERLANDS; 1,133
SRI LANKA: 1
GERMANY: 1,106
HAITI: 1
Total registered foreign residents in Mijas
34,930
Largest community: United Kingdom (23%) Large presence from the European Union and Europe (64,5%) Significant number of Latin American residents (13%) Morocco: non-European country with the highest number of residents (8%)
08 MijasNews
2nd to 8th of October 2026
Mijas Weekly
Tourism
The town ranked second in the province in July, with a hotel occupancy rate of 92.26 per cent, and third in August, when it reached 94.4 per cent
Tourists in the area of El Compás chapel / Archive.
Mijas ranks among the province’s top three tourist
FRANCISCO JEREZ Councillor for Tourism (Vox) “Being among the province’s three municipalities with the highest As explained by the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez, “July and occupancy is a very August work very well, but MIJAS positive result and HAS PLENTY OF ARGUMENTS TO ATTRACT VISITORS OUTSIDE THE demonstrates HIGH SEASON. Our goal is for tourism to continue generating activiMijas’ ability to ty over the coming months and for us to have an increasingly extencompete” ded season”.
DESTINATIONS WITH THE HIGHEST OCCUPANCY MIJAS FIGURES
Report by Ed. Dept. / Design: C.B.
Mijas has closed the two central summer months among the top three destinations with the highest hotel occupancy rates in the province of Málaga. The municipality recorded 92.26 per cent in July, the second-best result in the province, and 94.4 per cent in August, when it ranked third. These figures reflect “the high level of tourist activity achieved during the high season”, stated the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox). The figures also allow for an analysis of the evolution between both months. Occupancy rose by more than two
Jerez:
outlines the goal of “maintaining activity and attracting visitors during the autumn months”
percentage points between July and August, and the final month of summer also improved the figure recorded a year earlier,
92.26% occupancy
IN JULY
94.4% occupancy
IN AUGUST
Staff at the Tourist Office assisting visitors / Archive.
when Mijas ended August 2025 with 93.57 per cent. The 94.4 per cent recorded this year is also 1.55 percentage points above the provincial average for August, which was established at 92.85 per cent. “Being among the three municipalities with the highest occupancy in the entire province during July and August is a very positive result and demonstrates Mijas’s ability to compete
with some of the leading tourist destinations on Costa del Sol”, highlighted Jerez, who added that “behind these figures lies activity in our establishments, spending and employment, which is where we really want the strong performance of tourism to be felt”. The August figures place Mijas behind only Benalmádena, with 96.2 per cent, and Torremolinos, with 95.5 per cent. Fur-
These figures also represent an improvement of 0.83 percentage points compared with 2025. thermore, the town has climbed two places compared with the same month in 2025, when it held fifth position in the province, and has improved its yearon-year occupancy level by 0.83 percentage points. Autumn The councillor for Tourism
stressed that once the months of peak demand are over, “the work of the Tourism Department is now focused on extending activity through the autumn”. “July and August work very well, but Mijas has plenty of arguments to attract visitors outside the high season. Our goal is for tourism to continue generating activity over the coming months and for us to have an increasingly extended season”, explained Jerez. In this regard, the councillor highlighted the diversity of the municipality’s tourist offering as one of its main advantages when facing the coming months. “In autumn, our gastronomy, golf, nature, Mijas Pueblo, the coastline, local trade and a leisure offering that allows people to enjoy the municipality in a different way to the height of summer are still there”, said Jerez, who pointed out that “the Tourism Department will continue working on promoting these segments and on positioning Mijas as an attractive year-round destination”. “The summer results are good news, but we do not want to focus solely on the figures for July and August. Now we are focusing on the autumn and on continuing to generate reasons to choose Mijas outside the peak season as well”, concluded the councillor.
MijasNews 09
2nd to 8th of October 2026
Mijas Weekly
Needs and future of the service sector
Mijas discusses tourism at the
Marca Costa del Sol forum Our town shares concerns with Ojén, Casares and Benahavís at a meeting which addressed the strengths of the Málaga coastline as well as its weaknesses
ANA MATA
Mayoress of Mijas (PP) On the Costa del Sol, we have unfinished issues in such imp tant areas as public services and in astructure, and we must not f get that coastal railway line we have been talking about f so many years but which no government has managed to make a reality
THREE STRATEGIC KEY POINTS The meeting between the entities resulted in an assessment of the Málaga coastline structured around the following key themes: Ana Mata believes that levying taxes on overnight stays is a tool that has proved ineffective in regions such as Catalonia. The municipal roadmap pins the revitalisation of the economy on creating business opportunities that will increase the number of hotel beds available in the municipality.
A halt to TOURISM TAXATION
Mayoress Ana Mata alongside authorities and business leaders from Mijas, Ojén, Benahavís and Casares at the forum / I.P.
Irene Pérez
The Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol resort hosted the Marca Costa del Sol forum on Tuesday 29th, organised by the newspaper ‘La Opinión de Málaga’, with the participation of officials and business leaders from four municipalities: Mijas, Casares, Benahavís and Ojén. At the meeting, the destination’s strengths were analysed, as were its weaknesses, including the lack of alternatives to improve transport links within the province. “On the Costa del Sol, we still have work to do on such important issues as public services and infrastructure, and we mustn’t forget that coastal railway line we’ve been talking about for so many years but which no government has managed to make a reality”, recalled the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), who took part in the first panel discussion alongside the mayor of Casares, Juan Luis Villalón; the mayor of Ojén, Juan Merino, and the councillor for Tourism in Benahavís, Scott Marshall.
Infrastructure OV E R LOA D
Tackling SEASONALITY
The mayoress of Mijas with the editor of La Opinión de Málaga, councillors from Mijas and the mayor of Benahavís / I.P.
The event took place at Wyndham Gran Costa del Sol / I.P.
“Another issue we discussed was the A-7 motorway, which has become inadequate; while it is true that tourists can reach the airport very easily by plane, things become more complicated when it comes to getting to the various towns on the Costa del Sol”, added Enrique Ló-
pez, Director of Business Development at the Idiliq business group. As for the Costa del Sol’s strengths, the councillor for Tourism in Mijas, Francisco Jerez (Vox), highlighted that “three of the four municipalities represented here today (Mijas, Casares and Bena-
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Mobility is identified as the destination’s main weakness. Authorities and business leaders warned of congestion on the A-7, described as “inadequate” to handle the flow of travellers arriving from the airport, and called for the implementation of the long-awaited coastal railway project. To break the reliance on the sun-and-beach model, the strategy involves capitalising on the area’s geographical duality which combines coast and mountains. The aim is to attract a multidisciplinary visitor base by promoting an offering centred on the gastronomic, cultural and sporting sectors, as well as business tourism.
havís) have the unique feature of offering both coastal and mountainous areas, which means we can cater to a multidisciplinary type of tourist who can go on a mountain bike ride in the morning, have lunch on the beach at midday, play golf in the afternoon and go fishing at night”, he gave as an example. For his part, the councillor for Tourism Promotion in Mijas, Juan Carlos Maldonado (PMP), added that “the Costa del Sol is also investing in many other complementary sectors such as agri-food, gastronomy, culture, sport and even work-related tourism, which enable us to tackle an issue that the climate itself is already reminding us of: the fight against seasonality”.
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Tourist tax The debate also centred on whether or not to introduce a tourist tax in Andalusia. The mayoress of Mijas was not in favour of this, “and we can see this in Catalonia, for example, where there have been no exponential improvements in public policies”. On this point, Mata argued that there are currently other priorities, “such as ensuring that the major hotel chains see a business opportunity here in Mijas, to increase the number of hotel beds but, above all, to create jobs and opportunities in our municipality, as well as to boost the local economy”, she concluded.
W E E K LY
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10 MijasNews
2nd to 8th of October 2026
Mijas Weekly
St Michael the Archangel parades
PAINTING
through Calahonda ahead of his feast day Cristina Luque
On Sunday 27th, Calahonda celebrated the feast day of St Michael the Archangel with a day that once again brought together the town’s Spanish and international communities for an event that was both religious and a celebration of fellowship. The day began with a bilingual Mass, in Spanish and English, at the local Church of San Miguel. The Christian community and local residents gathered there. The parish priest, Fernando Luque, highlighted the importance of this day here. “Next Tuesday the 29th is the feast day of Saint Michael, and here in Calahonda we usually celebrate it on the preceding Sunday. We organise a Mass in his honour, which we hold jointly with the two communities, Spanish and English, and we also hold a procession through the area; and, of course, this time spent sharing and being a community, in the truest sense of the word. The truth is that the community responds very well to this day”. For her part, Emm Saunders, a representative of the Christian community, also stated that “it’s a special day, a time for celebration, and we’re very happy to be able to organise this gathering so we can be together”. Following the sung Mass, the image of the archangel was carried in a short procession through the area to bless the pla-
The church of St Michael celebrates his feast day with a procession and a day of fellowship
The Mijas Arts Centre presents ‘Transformation’, an ever-changing exhibition
The procession through the streets of Calahonda / M.C.
ce and meet with local residents. The day continued in the parish gardens with the traditional lunch for neighbours and parishioners, which also had a charitable nature: the proceeds raised will go to support Caritas’ work. The first deputy mayor, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (Vox), who attended the event, said: “It has been very moving for me. He is the patron saint of Calahonda and the defender of the Church. It is very special to me because I grew up here and have many childhood memories. This feast really touches my heart”. For his part, the councillor for Foreigners, Mario Bravo (PP) who was also present, noted that “this celebration is greatly appreciated by local residents,
GROUPS
The Lions Club celebrates ‘Memory Day’, dedicated to children with cancer Ed. Dept. A few days ago, the La Cala de Mijas Lions Club once again held, for the fourth consecutive year, its traditional ‘Memory Day’, dedicated to children with cancer and their families. This event, which was orga-
nised by one of the group’s volunteers, Wynson Beswick, took place last weekend at the Miraflores Tennis Club. More than 50 children, accompanied by their families, came together to enjoy a full day of fun, featuring
particularly the English-speaking community, who take part in this bilingual mass, thanks to the parish priest and other volunteers who also assist during the service. Taking part in these events is one of the ways to integrate into the community”. Also in attendance was PSOE councillor Roy Pérez, who said that “as we do every year, we have been here at the procession, taking part in this day of togetherness, which is also an intercultural and international occasion. So we are grateful for the organisation of this event”. The celebration thus retains its dual religious and social nature, fostering interaction between residents of different nationalities living in Calahonda.
competitions, painting and craft tables, the traditional fishing for duks, plenty of active games, face-painting stations and, of course, one of the big highlights: the giant water slide. Other highlights of the day included paella and pizzas. According to Beswick, the aim of this event is to create memories and magical moments, as these speak louder than gifts and will not be forgotten by these little ones.
C.Arroyo. The Danish multidisciplinary artist Karen Brinck presented her ‘Transformation’ collection at the Mijas Arts Centre on Monday 18th. This exhibition, featuring around 16 works, came to life during the opening, when the artist, drawing inspiration from the visitors, the space and the energy of the moment, transformed some of the paintings. This was not the first time the canvases had undergone a change, as Karen explained: “Many of the paintings here have many other layers of paint underneath, because I paint them over and over again; if I don’t like them or if I change something in my home, then I change the painting. It’s very easy to make a new one like this, a bit here and a bit there, and with different colours, you can change everything”, she said. The artist rarely considers a work finished, as she always sees in
them a starting point, new possibilities. With this work, Karen reflects on the idea that everything is in a state of constant change and is open to transformation. In this regard, the president of the Arts Centre, Pernille Knudtzon, explained that the exhibition is “a metaphor; each piece is made up of many layers, one on top of the other. This applies to life too: if you feel like doing something different, or changing, you too can transform yourself”. The paintings will be on display until 18th October and, as the Arts Centre states, “by the time the exhibition closes, it will bear no resemblance to how it opened”. They therefore invite the public to visit as soon as possible, as “it may not exist in that form for much longer”. The Mijas Arts Centre highlights that, as well as being a painter, “Karen is a designer, a craft and visual artist, and a sculptor. She has been a member and teacher at the Arts Centre for over twelve years, where she also served as president”.
Pictures from the event held at the Mirafores Tennis Club / Club de Leones La Cala.
FOREIGNERS
The Mijas Foreigners’ Department attends the German Unity Day celebrations
Councillor Mario Bravo with Consul Franko Stritt Grohe and staff members Katja Thirion and Laura Córdoba / Foreigners Dept.
C.Bejarano. On Thursday, 1st October, the German Consulate in Málaga held a cocktail reception to mark German Unity Day. This anniversary is officially commemorated on 3rd October and has been the country’s national holiday since the Unification Treaty came into force in 1990, bringing an end to 40 years of division. Members of the Mijas Foreigners’ Department, including the councillor in charge, Mario Bravo (PP), attended the celebration to show their support for the German people.
MijasNews 11
2nd to 8th of October 2026
Mijas Weekly
WHAT´S ON friday 2nd Talk: ‘El planeta colapsa. ¿Vamos a hacer algo ya o qué?’ Mujeres Mijitas Association, 17:30 Presented by Benigno Ruiz (Stop The Planet association)
A Tribute to A.M. Jackson and Queen Manuel España Theatre, 20:00 Tickets available at dentralia.com and Álora stationery shop
thursday 8th
do not miss
Screening of ‘Ajusticiamiento de Marie Corday: Muerte de Marat’ as part of the Andalusian Independent Film Series Manuel España Theatre, 19:30 Free admission
‘Miró’ Exhibition CAC Mijas Organised by the Remedios Medina Foundation Until 12th November
friday 9th Reading of the manifesto to mark World Mental Health Day Outside Mijas Town Hall, 11:00
Opening of the group photography exhibition ‘Opposing Forces’ Nuevo Enfoque venue, 19:30
Opening of Karyna Kiraro’s solo exhibition La Cala Cultural centre, 20:00 Until 9th November
‘Nos vemos en tu peña’. In tribute to Pedro Maldonado Peña El Gallo, 21:00 Elena Pino ‘La Cuqui’ singing and Juan Moreno on guitar
Painting exhibition by the Camino de las Cañadas Neighbourhood Association Las Lagunas Cultural Centre Until 20th November Meeting of the Patio de Ensueño Poetry Circle Las Lagunas Theatre Hall 20:00 Third Wednesday of each month
saturday 3rd Mijas History and Ethnography Conference Town Hall auditorium, from 10:30 to 17:00 Free admission
Olga Kubar’s Exhibition La Cala Cultural Centre Until 5th October
Seniors Week
Photography exhibition ‘The Colour of the Cold’ Mijas Folk Museum Until 19th October Flamenco Mijas Plaza Virgen de la Peña, Wednesdays at 12:00 Plaza de la Constitución, Saturdays at 12:00 Free admission Dancing at Active Participation and Senior Citizens’ Centres Mijas Pueblo Active Participation Centre, every other Sunday from 19:00 to 21:30. Next session: 11th October Lagunas Active Participation Centre. Every Friday, 20:00 to 22:30 La Cala Senior Citizens’ Centre, every other Sunday from 19:30 to 22:00. Next session: 4th October No prior registration required
Monday 5th: CPA Las Lagunas. Tuesday 6th: CPA Mijas Pueblo Wednesday 7th: La Cala Senior Citizens’ Centre At all centres: - From 17:30 to 18:30: interactive scavenger hunt and games fair - From 18:30 to 21:00: dancing
saturday 10th Open-air tango Torreón de La Cala, from 12:00 to 15:00 Free admission
FOREIGNER’S DEPARTMENT MIJAS TOWN HALL USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS SALUD RESPONDE (Doctor’s prescriptions etc.)......................................... 955 54 50 60 EMERGENCY/DOCTOR, AMBULANCE ANDALUSIAN HEALTH ............................ 061/112 LOCAL POLICE - MIJAS EMERGENCIES 24H........................................................... 952 46 08 08 / 952 46 09 09 OFFICE, MON - FRI 8:00-14:00.................................................................. 952 19 70 97 FIREBRIGADE 24H...................................................................................... 952 58 63 82 CIVIL GUARD 24H....................................................................................... 952 47 40 30 MIJAS TOWN HALL - MIJAS VILLAGE......................................................... 952 48 59 00 TOWN HALL BRANCH LAS LAGUNAS......................................................... 952 59 36 44 FOREIGNERS DEPARTMENT (MON - FRI 9:00 - 14:00).............................. 952 58 90 10 SENIOR CITIZEN’S DEPARTMENT ............................................................. 951 06 20 05 SOCIAL SERVICES (MON - FRI - 8:00 - 14:00)........................................... 952 47 66 91 WOMEN’S CENTRE..................................................................................... 952 58 90 01 FREE FURNITURE COLLECTION .................................................................. 648 960 541
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EMERGENCY 24H............................................. 016 HELPLINE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE - ANDALUSIAN GOVERNMENT 24H........................................... 900 20 09 99 MIJAS TAXI....................................................... 952 47 82 88
ACE Shin Autumn Lunch El Jinete Restaurant, 14:00 Ticket price: 50 euros per person (includes a 10-euro donation to ACE) Live music with singer Harvey James, charity raffle, welcome drink, threecourse menu and two drinks Tickets on sale at El Jinete Restaurant (Tel: 952 119 170). Also available at Ibex (Fuengirola) Bookings: 711 039 124 (Martyn), 647 647 671 (Carolyn) and by email at info@ ace-charity.org