Gonzalo Silvan and “Confluencias Mojaqueras” new exhibitions for Mojácar’s Summer Culture Programme
An eye-catching collection of paintings by the artist Gonzalo Silván is running until July 15th at Mojácar’s Centro de Arte, La Fuente.
Born in Bilbao, Gonzalo Silván graduated in Fine Arts and later began teaching his craft to students. He himself trained under renowned artists such as, José Caballero, Seisdedos, Alberto Miralles, Miguel Picazo and Antonio Lago Rivera.
In addition to his broad background in the art world, Silán also studied image and dramatic art, producing short films and set designs. 31 story telling pieces have been selected for this exhibition, including some very topical such as man’s relationship with the mobile phone, which has now become a focus in our lives even at the most intimate times.
The Culture Councillor Raquel Belmonte, who was present at the show’s inauguration, is very keen for her department to maintain Mojácar’s high art profile by keeping two exhibition halls open all year round and broadening the cultural programme, especially during the summer.
For those visiting Gonzalo Silván’s show, there is also the chance to see “Confluencias Mojaqueras”, another exhibition at the town’s Castillo gallery which runs until the end of July. It features paintings, sculptures and crafts with a strong Mojácar theme by 15 artists including Vicente Heca, Juan Gallardo, Carmen Cano, Ruiz Ruiz and Emilio Pérez.
Again, just another example of the wide range of cultural activities on offer to residents and visitors alike, as well as some alternative ways to pass away the hot summer days.
Mojácar’s Summer school starts
Mojácar’s Bartolomé Flores School opened its doors again this week for children between 3 and 12 years old who wish to take part in the summer classes.
Organised by Mojácar Council’s Social Services in co-ordination with Almería’s Diputación Provincial, the classes aim to provide a range of educational, yet playful activities for the town’s children, now that the academic year is at an end. The plan is to give them some alternative ways of spending their free time over the summer, including sporting and cultural pastimes, whilst giving their learning a boost and instilling valuable social skills.
So, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout July and August, the children’s time will be filled with enjoyable workshops and lessons in English, music, swimming and handicrafts, in addition to some more formal educational instruction. For this summer the number of students has risen considerably, with more than 150 youngsters taking part, necessitating the School to double its provision and form a variety of age groups.
Mojácar Councillor, Raquel Belmonte, spent the first day at the Summer School alongside the children, parents and teachers making introductions. There was all the typical excitement when getting back together with friends, along with some apprehension about what was in store for them. However, at the end of the session, the children’s faces showed they were eagerly anticipating a summer full of new things.
Mojácar holds the revived Cuartillas Fiesta
Last weekend, to celebrate and honour San Antonio, Mojácar held the Cuartillas Fiesta for the second time after a break of 70 years.
The initiative to continue with the revival and improvement of this event in their patron’s name came about through proposals by children and grandchildren of those townsfolk who were forced to leave their homes and lands in the past, in search of a better life.
The past fiestas, of which there are hardly any visual records, bring back vivid memories to the older generation, who still fondly remember those special days.
This year, it has been a special tribute to Pedro Grima Flores, who in his 76 years, never turned his back on the Cuartillas, even through the harsh challenges and living conditions of the post war years. To this day, he continues to look after his land and home after witnessing how his neighbourhood was practically abandoned, with the satisfaction now that the Cuartillas have been brought back to life.
At this year’s midday fiesta, a giant paella was made for more than 300 locals and visitors, who all came along to enjoy the festive day. Also during the Mass, the bread was the blessed and shared with the congregation. Later of course, was the essential entertainment provided by the group “Alma Andaluza”, with dancing until the early hours.
The hope and enthusiasm that the Cuartillas supporters started with last year by reviving local customs and traditions has already paid off, with the recent creation of their own Association. One of the first things on their agenda is the restoration of their chapel, which will require various fundraising initiatives in order to make this wish, so dear to many, come true.
Elaine Brown and Macs are Honoured in The Voz de Almería VIII Levante Awards
A gala event was recently held at Vera Playa’s Maraú Beach Club to celebrate the Voz de Almeria’s VIII Levante Awards, which recognise the work and causes of citizens living in the area.
Among the award winners was the founder of MACS, Mojácar’s Elaine Brown, who was honoured for the support she has given to cancer sufferers and their families.
The award was presented by Mojácar’s Mayor, Rosa María Cano, along with her supporting Councillor, María Luisa Pérez.
Elaine Brown has been involved in this venture for over 10 years, taking a huge amount of work and dedication, but which now boasts premises in Mojácar, Turre, Albox and Huercal Overa.
MACS is an enterprise which sprung from an advert in the paper and an invitation for coffee at Elaine Brown’s home. At the outset, she sprung into action with determination, along with the fixed aim that no one-else should have to go through what she herself had experienced.
Over this long journey through the years, MACS has managed to forge together a team of more than 40 that have formed a titanic force, helping with the endless needs of those suffering with the start, development and return of this illness.
Help is provided, free of charge, for transport for chemotherapy and requests for electric beds, wheelchairs, showers or whatever is required. Most important, however, can be the emotional support, therapy, friendship, sharing of experiences along with the hope and strength to continue fighting.
After explaining the work already achieved by MACS as well as their future plans, Elaine Brown expressed her thanks for the award to the Voz de Almeria, Cadena Sur and los 40, as well as Mojácar Council for their support with all the initiatives in the Town.
First Mojácar Classic Car Rally
Mojácar was the venue for the “Ciudad de Mojácar” Classic Car Rally I,, when 140 vehicles arrived from all over the province and, other parts of Andalucía.
The rally was organised by the “Agrupación Clásicos de la Comarca del Mármol Pasión por lo Clásico” and the Autor shop in Mojácar Pueblo, in collaboration with Mojácar Council’s Tourism Department, Cervezas Glamour and Ginebra Ignis. Although the rally had been set up for 100 vehicles, they have had to increase the number of participants for the next gathering, as an extra 40 cars turned up.
All the cars were more than 25 years old, with the oldest being registered in 1920. On show were the beloved Seat 600 and 1430 amongst other models and, the ever popular Citroen “dos caballos” (2CV), all sitting alongside an elegant Bentley and a Chevrolet, sharing a day of motoring camaraderie.
After all the cars had been on show in front of Mojácar’s Sports Centre, the participants took a tour through the Pueblo which attracted the attention of everyone as they went by, before they got together for an association lunch.
There were prizes for the youngest drivers, María Jesús Liria Fernández, with her Seat 1430 and Enrique Javier Alonso Lozano with his BMW E30. Manoli García, with his Seat 127 and Indalecio García, on board his Seat 600, received the veteran drivers distinctions. The prizes for the best restored cars were bestowed to Juan Gómez Fernández for his Bentley S1 and Antonio José Galvez with his Seat 600 Abarth, who had come from Córdoba to join the in the rally.
Everyone was delighted with the day’s gathering, with the organisation planning to get together soon to start planning the next meeting in the autumn, to be held once again in Mojácar.
End of School year for Mojácar’s Musical Youngsters
The youngest students at Mojácar’s Music School and the Junior Town Band recently gave an end of year concert at the Centro de Usos Múltiples, with over sixty pupils aged 3 to 16 showing off their musical progress.
The School of Music gives all children and adults the opportunity, regardless of age, to approach the world of melody and musical instruments. Included in the wide curriculum are; music and harmony, musical language, learning an instrument (solo as well as with others), group vocals as well as the chance to progress in grade.
Amongst the wide and ever expanding range of instruments that they have a chance to learn are; piano, guitar, various flutes, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, tuba as well as percussion.
The Town Councillor for Youth, Raquel Belmonte, attended the concert with Anna García, the Councillor for Education and was delighted with the student’s progress. She went on to say “the School and the teaching staff are ready to take in every type of student, whatever their level.”
From age 3 to 5, children can attend introductory classes of music and harmony, then from age 6 they can choose an instrument. At age 7, they can progress to other subjects they wish to study.
So, if anyone is interested, whatever their age, there is the chance to join Mojácar’s Music School and enjoy the pleasurable world of music.
Record attendance for Mojácar’s Romantic Night
Mojácar had to hang up the ‘no vacancies’ signs for its recent “Noche Romántica” and the “The Most Beautiful Kiss in the World” event, which was a runaway success.
The evening surpassed all predictions, bringing together thousands of people through the efforts of the organisers, Mojácar Pueblo’s Asociación de Comerciantes and Mojácar Council. However, there is no doubt that for this initiative, created by Asociación de Pueblos Más Bonitos de España, Mojácar pulled in the biggest crowd.
The Pueblo was decorated with more than 1,400 heart shaped helium balloons that had to be quickly sent from England, as Spain had completely sold out! Beneath the fireworks shooting from the church bell tower at midnight, all the squares in the historic part of town were packed with those eager to join in the fun and countless snaps were taken at the photo-call points.
The competition for the best love phrases was a big hit, with many filling Lucinda’s “la enamorada” antique box with romantic sayings and declarations of love, making judging a difficult task. Ana Amestoy Plaza won the 1st prize of a night at the Hotel Arco Plaza with dinner in the Arlequino restaurant and a drink in the Loro Azul with her inspired words. Antonio José Carmona and Francisca María Rosa León came 2nd and 3rd, winning books with stories about Mojácar.
Televisión Española, with its well-known programme “Comando Actualidad”, chose Mojácar from all the most beautiful towns in Spain to film the entire romantic event, which will be put forward for the finals in July.
Mojácar captured the evening and without a doubt, has the power to turn everything it sets out to do into a success. This first “La Noche Romántica”, on 24th June, has firmly placed itself in the future calendar of events after making such a great impact, just like the traditional “Night of the Candles” in August.
"Beautiful, eternal love" and a world record kiss
"Amor Bello y Eterno" is the exclusive creation of the Junior Masterchef contestant, Marta Álvarez, for Mojácar’s most romantic night on June 24, starting at 10 p.m.
This special dessert will be on offer in the town’s restaurants on this special day, when the Association of the Most Beautiful Places in Spain will join the hearts of more than 300 municipalities throughout Europe.
Made with red fruits and other secret ingredients, "Amor Bello y Eterno" will be the prelude to the "The World’s Most Beautiful Kiss", when every effort will be made to unite a million people in a simultaneous kiss and gain a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
The Mojácar Departments of Tourism and Fiestas, along with the Town’s Merchants Association have organized a multitude of events (as well as extra local buses) for the night of the 24th, which as it coincides with the night of San Juan, is also the most magical night of the year.
Around 1,400 helium balloons will decorate Mojácar’s streets and squares, along with music, romantic menus, fireworks, treats and other surprises that will hopefully turn this first romantic night into an annual event.
It certainly looks like it will be a very successful event as the town’s hotels and restaurants already have many bookings from visitors travelling from all over Spain who are keen to join in the fun.
Lucas John Mayo, new Councillor
Mojácar’s Independent Councillor, Lucas Mayo, has been appointed as Foreign Relations Councillor at the plenary meeting held on June 16
The former Councillor for Foreigners, María Luisa Pérez, becomes Deputy Councillor attached to the Mayor's Office, with a commitment to residents of the town. Lucas will be taking over part of the work that has up to now been carried out by María Luisa and, during an interim period they will be combining efforts. María Luisa will continue actively with her role with regards to Social Services, regardless of the applicant’s nationality.
Lucas will be available at the Town Hall on Thursdays to help and offer assistance with all the issues that María Luisa has done to up to now, with the exception of Social Services. Soon, the phone service will be re-organized so that calls can be diverted to Lucas or Maria Luisa, depending on the nature of the call.
This new addition to the municipal services, with a favourable report from the Town Hall Legal Department, was created by the Governing Grupo Popular and the Mayor. The decision was based on the growth of the municipality and the important projects that Mojácar faces in the very near future, as well as the new challenges that the Town is acquiring in its unstoppable provincial, national and international projection.
The new post does not involve any increase in municipal expenditure, as the remuneration of the existing Councillors has been adjusted accordingly.
Lucas Mayo is British, although he has been living in Spain since 1974 and, is completely bi-lingual (English Spanish). He has worked throughout his career in Mojácar, as well as other areas such as the Costa del Sol.
After the last municipal elections and the resignation of the candidates who headed the group Union Mojaquera 10, Lucas was sworn in as a Councillor and spokesman for that group in August 2015. Last February, he resigned from the group and became an Independent Council Member.
At the plenary session in which his new position was approved, he expressed his intention to fulfil his commitment to his voters and reiterated his commitment to Mojácar. After his appointment he said “I feel this is a firm step in the right direction and I am very pleased to have this opportunity. In future the Town Hall will be able count on having a bi-lingual councillor on hand, as would be expected within a population where almost half are English Speakers.”
Further information about how to contact Lucas will be made available on Facebook “Mojacar informa” and mojacar.es soon.
"The World´s most beautiful kiss" in Mojácar
Everything or almost everything, has been said about Mojácar. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain as well as one of the most beautiful places in Europe and the World.
Home and inspiration to artists, as well as the scene of legends and ancestral magic, its powerful light shines on the unmistakeable landscape.
Stories of love and friendship, among many others, have been written among its charming streets, secluded squares and corners, where you can still hear the old stories that triggered the imagination of children and adults.
The idea to hold a night of romance, dedicated to love, by Spain’s Most Beautiful Towns of is suited to Mojácar more than anywhere on the planet.
In addition to the 57 municipalities belonging to the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain, there are also more than 300 Italian and Belgian towns celebrating the summer solstice on the night of June 24. On this day, Mojácar invites all lovers to an evening of romance.
Large illuminated hearts will welcome everyone and there will be a photo call to capture the sweet moment, on this unforgettable night.
More than 500 heart-shaped helium balloons will be placed all over the Old Town to herald the celebration, including a balloon arch Calle Enmedio, where no couple should resist pausing at, holding hands.
The Cueva Mariquita La Posá (where a beautiful maiden sacrificed herself in marriage to a local sorcerer to save her people) is the perfect place for those romantics who wish to hand in their love phrases, which the enamoured character Lucínda will be on hand to collect then choose the best. The most inspired ones will receive a book of Mojácar legends and the writer of the winning phrase, a night for two in a charming hotel in the town, plus a dinner for two with drinks in "super romantic" places.
In the Parish Church, married Catholics may renew their vows and receive the benediction and, some of the most beautiful messages of love from the bible and will be read out.
On the gastronomic front, the restaurants will be romantically decorated with more balloons, flowers, hearts and Cupids, with love themed menus, in addition to a recipe especially devised by the Masterchef junior winner.
The shops, with window displays and special offers, will remain open late for those who still need to buy a special present for their loved one or for those who happen to fall in love on the day.
Music, which plays a leading role in so many romantic evenings, will be in all the squares in the Old Town. Live piano melodies, saxophone and boleros. On the Mirador of the Plaza Nueva, there will be a dance for couples, with romantic music supplied by a DJ, who will also be the master of ceremonies for the high point of the night. At midnight, signalled by fireworks from the the church bell tower, Mojácar, along with thousands of people all over Europe, will show their affection or their eternal love with the "Most Beautiful Kiss in the World".
A date in Mojácar that should definitely not be missed, whether you are in love or not, on Saturday June 24th, starting at 10.00 p.m.
Moors and Chirstians photography competition
This year, to mark the 29th anniversary of the Moors and Christians fiesta in Mojácar, the Al Mosaquer Asociación de Moros y Cristianos has organized their 1st Annual Photography Competition.
It will focus on photos taken during the 2017 fiesta weekend, with the aim of promoting and emphasising the splendour of this important Andalucian fiesta.
The competition is open to anyone age 14 or over, but those under 18 must have permission from a parent, guardian or teacher. The images must be presented between June 12 and October 31 this year and be of this year’s Moors and Christians celebrations.
The photos must be unpublished and not been presented in any other competition or contest or been seen on any social networks, advertising, etc. Each participant may submit a maximum of five photographs per category, which may form a joint theme.
There will be six categories which are: Photographs of Moors, Photographs of Christians, Young Photographer (aged between 14 and 18), Best Black and White Image, Free Subject Photo (as long as it is of the fiesta and conforms to the above rules) and finally, the best Group Photograph of Moors or Christians taken at Sunday’s procession.
The organization is offering ten prizes. The overall 1st prize for the Best Photography will be chosen from one of the category winners, who will all receive 150 Euros and a diploma. The overall winner will additionally be given an honorary prize and have their work featured on the cover of the 2018 Moors and Christians brochure.
The winning Young Photographer will be awarded with a camera along with their diploma. For any photographs that the jury have found outstanding but have not received a prize, there is the chance to be given a Special Mention honour.
All photographs that are submitted may be used to promote future competitions, but will always be credited to the respective photographers and, not assigned to or used by third parties.
Mojácar fooball players visit Benalmádena
Youngsters from Mojácar Sports School, aged between 8 and 11, travelled to Benalmádena for a workshop organized by CEDIFA, Centro de Estudios, Desarrollo e Investigación del Futbol Andaluz (Andalucian Centre for Studies, Development and Football Research), and Mojácar Council in order to interact with other schoolchildren from all over Andalucia.
Soccer matches in the junior categories do not have a competitive purpose but aim to foment camaraderie and a sporting spirit in the youngest athletes. There were prizes for all, for their interest in the sporting life and also a group visit to Tivoli and the beautiful town of Benalmádena.
The 21 young footballers who attended the course were accompanied by their parents, teachers along with Mojácar Sports Councillor, Ana García. The Town Council subsidized 50% of cost of the trip.
Ana García, who will later accompany students from all of the soccer categories to these friendly meetings, expressed her pleasure at the success of the trip. She also pointed out its importance, not just as a reward for the youngsters hard work during the year, but mainly for their teamworking, the exchange of experience with others and integration through sport.
Among the many disciplines that the Municipal Sports School offers children and adults, football has the most participants, with teams in all categories.
"Más que pintura" Art Show in Mojácar
A stimulating exhibition of artworks under the name “Mas Que Pintura” (More Than Painting) has opened in Mojácar’s Municipal Art Centre, "La Fuente", with a collection of over one hundred works by three local artists. Anika Poort, Bernice Willis and Didi Arias are exhibiting their works, which are full of life and sensitivity, with a very prominent role given to animals and nature.
Anika Poort regards herself as self-taught, although she has worked with different professionals artists for more than 10 years. Her landscapes uniquely capture peace and tranquillity, atmospheres that only nature can provide. Like many other artists who have worked in Mojácar, Anika brings out the locality’s contrasting light and shade above all other influences, when she is in front of her canvas.
Bernice Willis, a professional painter, also shares in Mojácar’s light and colours as inspiration, which give the extra dimension to her work.
An internationally recognized artist and a well-liked local figure, she is an animal lover, shown in her portraits of dogs and cats. She regularly collaborates with Mojácar’s animal protection association, “PAWS” /"PATAS" as well as the "Galgos del Sol" charity, the elegant dogs she brilliantly brings to life in her paintings.
This artist has shown her solidarity by donating several paintings in the exhibition to raise funds for the associations she is involved with.
Didi Arias, a long time Mojácar resident, has had a very eclectic background, covering a wide range of experience in teaching, art, writing and dance.
These interests are also reflected in her works, which have been described from elegant and moving to fanciful and surprising.
There are works in all kinds of media and materials that in these artists’ hands have discovered life and dimension. The lovely small works that are made from the simplest rescued objects are remarkable, and especially striking.
The exhibition runs until the end of June and, all the works on display are for sale.
Mojácar´s municipal sport school term ends
The Mojácar Municipal Sports School’s year has ended with a mass gathering at the town’s football ground including students, parents and representatives from Mojácar Town Council.
More than three hundred students with ages ranging from three to over 80 gathered at the Rio Abajo stadium to collect their "merit of sports participation" medal that the Council presents each year to all students who have attended the School’s various disciplines.
Eight sporting disciplines are offered in Mojácar for lovers of sport and healthy living: paddle tennis, pre-sports games, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, senior exercise, and finally, and more numerous, football in all its categories.
Mojácar Councillor for Sports, Ana García, said that the Council intends to expand the range sporting activities each year, whilst continuing to encourage and support existing ones.
The prize giving ended with everyone joining some fun games, eagerly awaiting the next year of courses, starting in September. In the meantime, the Summer Sports School will open in July with activities for all ages.
"Momentos de Luz 3" exhibition opens in Mojácar
The "Momentos de Luz 3" photography exhibition has opened to the public at Mojácar’s Mirador del Castillo Art Centre and will run until June 15th.
The show includes 60 photographs, in colour and black and white, all taken in the last year and, inspired mostly by Mojácar and the surrounding area. There are also some images and snapshots from all over the world.
The inauguration was well attended by keen viewers including Ana García, Mojácar Councillor for Education, representing the Town. She was impressed with the high quality of the photos on display and said how pleased she was that the municipality continues to be a focal point for art and artists.
The exhibition has been put together by 5 members the Colectivo FotoArt, namely: Elaine Palmer, Emilio Aramburu, Howard Dickson, Rob Palmer and John Michael.
All of them are professional photographers, with a total of more than 250 years photographic experience, who have never lost their passion for looking through the lens. The passing of time has only made them reaffirm their interest in finding the perfect image, to capture the fleeting moment that will last forever.
For the members of FotoArt, the recognition of their first class work over their intense professional life is to be members of the prestigious Royal Photographic Society, with distinctions as well as a wide range of international awards. All the members live in Mojácar, which they have made their base and where they continue their lives as top level artists, taking inspiration from the area’s light and scenery.
Emilio Aramburu, a journalist and photographer, is an active part of this group. A Mojácar resident for more than 30 years, he is an important figure in the town with links to all of the artistic and social circles.
In this exhibition, Aramburu has merged his boyhood interest in photography and archaeology. It is part of an extensive and continuous personal project, resulting in a graphic collection of the places, spaces and elements that are proof of man’s footprints left over the centuries. These excellent photographs can now be admired, free of charge, in the Centro Municipal de Arte at the Mirador del Castillo, every day from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
9th year of promoting of healthy habits in Mojácar
Mojácar's 9th Healthy Habits Promotion Week was organized by the Town’s Council in conjunction with the Northern Almería Sanitary Management Area within the Andalucia Regional Government Health Council.
María Luz Ibarra, a nurse from the Mojácar Medical Centre, along with Juan Francisco Cazorla, care coordinator at Garrucha's UGC, gave a talk at the local Centro de Usos Múltiples about healthy habits to the Town’s senior citizens exercise class.
Joined by Mojácar Councillor, Ana García, they were given an interesting presentation on the importance of physical exercise and a healthy diet in all the stages of life, especially in later years.
For Ana García, the care of the elderly is an important part of her Department’s work saying, "we try to encourage personal autonomy and prevention of dependency through occupational workshops, collective health education activities, communication and assertiveness courses as well as sociocultural activities and excercise, among others".
The advice on food and the benefits of the Mediterranean diet had a practical demonstration immediately after the conference with a healthy breakfast served to all participants.
Mojácar Officially presents its Moors&Christians Fiesta
Mojácar Council and the Town’s Moors and Christians Fiesta Association, along with with representatives of the seven participating groups, held a press conference in the council chamber to present the official fiesta programme as well as the first issue of the event’s official magazine.
The President of the Association, Esteban Vizcaíno, opened the meeting with a short history of the fiestas to date, emphasizing the work that the people of the whole town carry out throughout the year to ensure that the celebrations are successful.
Also present were Diego Morales, representing the Christians and Felipe Kirch, who spoke for the Moors. They read the event’s official program, highlighting two new ideas for this year, namely the first edition of the official Moors and Christians magazine as well as an international photography competition with a prize for the images that best capture the Fiesta mood.
The first issue of the magazine has been published in a glossy format in both English and Spanish. It depicts the 29 year history of the celebration from its beginnings, with photographs of the characters that gave life and shape to what is today one of the provinces most important events.
Emmanuel Agüero, Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Tourism, closed the press conference, emphasizing the importance of the Fiesta to tourism, especially as it draws in an average of 6,000 visitors during the three days of celebrations.
In the fabulous Sunday Parade you will see 1,600 people dressed in wonderful costumes, accompanied by 14 bands, floats and horses as well as street performances. During the entire three days of the event, the whole town and its streets become a medieval stage.
The Mojácar Moors and Christians Fiesta brings in tourists from all over the province as well as the entire peninsula, with its fame reaching much further afield as the local Tourist Office is currently dealing with enquires from all four corners of the world.
Mojácar Council actively supports and collaborates with these Fiestas, not only by including them in the promotion of the Town at national and international tourism fairs, like FITUR, but it also takes care of all the logistics, security and infrastructure to ensure its smooth and safe running.
The Mojácar Moors and Christians Fiesta began in 1988 in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the capitulation and the transfer of the town between the two cultures, which has become a symbolic celebration, emblematic of the Town.
2017 Mojácar Triathlon Results
Sunday, May 28, saw the 5th annual Mojácar Cross Triathlon, a qualifying event in the Andalucian championship.
The Triathlon was organized by Mojácar Council in collaboration with the Federación Andaluza de Triatlón and, coordinated by the sports event company Almeritair Sport.
The swim had to be suspended due to the sea conditions but instead, the scheduled 6 kilometre run was increased to 10k by the organization. There was also a 20-kilometre cycle race that ran from Macenas beach to the Manaca chiringuito on "sombrerico" beach, then up to the hamlet of Sopalmo and back to Macenas.
Bernardo Rubio, from El Ejido Triathlon Club, was the overall winner with a time of 1 hour and 33 minutes. In second position was Kilian García Rodríguez frrom Club CTR 360 with a time of 1 hour and 35 minutes. Juan Manuél Tejada Martínez, was classified third overall and first in the local competition.
The first to finish in the women's category was Elena Cavas Olmos, from the Mandareche Club Cartagena, with a time of 2 hours and 18 minutes.
Around 60 athletes competed in Mojácar's annual round of the Andalucian triathlon championship and the event passed without incident, except for the cancellation of the aquatic stage.
The prizes were presented by Ana García, Mojácar Sports Councillor, who thanked all competitors for their participation as well as all members of the supporting organization and volunteers who made the event possible. She also praised the safety and security team for their impeccable cooperation, which included; 20 Civil Protection volunteers from Mojácar, Turre and Carboneras, two mobile ambulances and a doctor, ATS volunteers, the Red Cross, Local Police and Guardia Civil.
Mojácar Triathlon 2017
Next Sunday, May 28, sees the 5th annual running of the Mojácar Cross Triathlon, a classic sporting event in Andalucia.
The event has already attracted more than 50 triathletes, although around 100 are expected to participate as entries are still coming in.
The Cross Mojácar Triathlon is organized by Mojácar Council in collaboration with the Federación Andaluza de Triatlón and, coordinated by the sports event company Almeritair Sport.
The race is made up of three parts, starting with a 1,000 metre swim followed by 20 kilometres of cycling and finally, a 6 kilometre run. All of the trials will take place in and around the Playa de Macenas.
The cycle test consists of a circuit that runs from the Castillo de Macenas to the Manacá Chiringuito, then up to the hamlet of Sopalmo and down the rambla to end at the starting point.
The running race follows the Macenas beach, along the Sendero de la Mena, returning to the Castillo.
The event is run almost entirely by the seashore, renowned for its scenic beauty. It is not a significantly difficult course, which makes it very attractive for athletes and, it always enjoys a high level of participation.
To ensure a safe and successful day for all the trials, Mojácar Council has arranged a safety service made up of the Local Police, Civil Protection, the Red Cross, lifeguards, a mobile UVI unit, a doctor and ATS as well as volunteers who will support the judges and officials in charge of the sporting aspects.
2017 Moors and Christians Fiesta Programme
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
From June 5 to 9 Mojácar’s Bartolomé Flores School will be running various activities and educational workshops related to the Moors and Christians Fiesta which will be adapted according to educational level and age. The specific objectives for this project are to:
1. Learn about and participate in the town’s traditional fiestas.
2. Discover the origins and history of the celebration of the Moors and Christians Fiesta in Mojácar.
3. Gain some knowledge about the Middle Ages i.e. life, customs, society.
4. Appreciate the various parts of the entire Moors and Christians event: acts, representations, parades, important characters and, to respect each one’s collaborative rules.
5. Enjoy and recognize different types of marching or fiesta music, as well as the musical instruments involved and the different groupings.
6. Respect other cultures and ways of life.
Also to learn through workshops about; shields and masks, medieval costume making, theatre, creation of comparsa groups, music ....., which will culminate on Friday June 9 with a Moors and Christians Fiesta, during which the school will become a "Culture Market" where the items made by the children in the different workshops will be exhibited, brought alive by music and decoration of the era.
Overall, the aim of this educational project is to help the children understand and value of Mojácar’s traditional fiestas, whilst keeping them keen to participate and preserve them.
MEDIEVAL MARKET
FRIDAY JUNE 9. FROM 12:00 NOON.
SATURDAY JUNE 10. FROM 11:00 A.M.
SUNDAY JUNE 11. FROM 11:00 A.M.
The MEDIEVAL MARKET opens at 12:00 Noon on Friday June 9 in the Plaza Nueva and Calle Glorieta in Mojácar Pueblo.
On their stalls, the merchants dressed in medieval attire will have all kinds of hand made products for sale.
This is a great opportunity to stroll through our streets and imagine the medieval times, whilst enjoying the breath-taking views from our village which is undoubtedly, unique throughout the Mediterranean.
COMMEMORATIONS AND HISTORICAL REPRESENTATIONS
FRIDAY JUNE 9.
9:30 p.m. Trabuqueros with their blunderbusses gather at the Centro de Usos Múltiples at La Fuente.
9:45 p.m. Troops assemble in La Fuente.
The Moorish King delivers the key to the Town to the Christian King.
10:30 p.m. LA FUENTE. The troops march noisily up to the Pueblo, announcing the presence of hostile troops in the vicinity. The comparsas with the largest number of members will go first, presided over by their respective captains, accompanied by music, fireworks and the sound of random gunfire.
11:00 p.m. PUEBLO. Entry of the troops into the Town, followed by the traditional PREGÓN DE LAS FIESTAS read out by the junior and adult ambassadors, followed by fireworks.
11:45 p.m. PUEBLO. Opening of the various groups’ Kábilas and Barracks presided over by their ambassadors, accompanied by live music and a party until dawn.
SATURDAY, JUNE 10.
4:30 p.m. Trabuqueros gather at Playa Del Lance, in front of the Pueblo Indalo.
6:00 p.m. PLAYA DEL LANCE: Horse Riding and dressage exhibition. Moorish and Christian troops are engaged with shots from the sea and land. Medieval Tournament where Moors and Christian knights try to get the largest number of handkerchiefs, worn by ladies on both sides.
Finally, the troops march from Chiringuito Ankara to the Red Cross with dancing and a fire show.
11:45 p.m. PUEBLO. The Kábilas and Barracks re-open, presided over by their ambassadors, accompanied by live music and a party until dawn.
SUNDAY, JUNE 11.
12:00 noon ALONG THE SEAFRONT. Bands of Moorish and Christian Trabuqueros roam noisily along the beach.
6:30 p.m. PUEBLO. SPECTACULAR MOORS AND CHRISTIANS PARADE, WITH FULL GALA AND MILITARY COSTUMES, ACCOMPANIED BY NUMEROUS BANDS, POMP AND CEREMONY.
ORDER OF THE PARADE:
CHRISTIAN GROUP: 1ST CISNEROS, 2ND TEMPLARIOS 3RD BANDOLEROS (CAPTAIN)
MOORISH GROUP: 1ST MOROS VIEJOS 2ND TUAREG MOXACAR 3RD MORISCOS ALI OLE 4TH ALJAMA MUDEJAR (CAPTAIN)
Four blue flags for Mojácar’s Beaches
The ADEAC organization has categorised them as one beach, although they each have all the services and infrastructure necessary to obtain a blue flag of their own.
Four Mojácar beaches have been awarded blue flags for the 2017 tourist season, namely Marina de la Torre, Piedra Villazar, Venta del Bancal, Ventánicas and El Cantal.
Although four flags have been awarded, technically there should be five, as the Playa del Bancal and the Playa de Ventanicas are covered by one flag and the town council considers them to be separate beaches.
In any event, Mojácar has one more blue flag than last season, due to the inclusion of the playa El Cantal.
The Municipal Tourism Department are very pleased with the incorporation of this beach to the number of blue flags, considering it as recognition of the great effort made by the Town Council to improve the quality and facilities of this highly frequented area of the Mojaquero coast.
It is also important to mention the efforts of all the Councillors involved in maintaining and improving the optimal level of use and, to offer the high standard of all the beaches in Mojácar.
With this objective, the improvements are related not only to the infrastructure and the quality of the lifeguard and rescue services provided to the beach users, but also respect for the environment and sustainability of the coast.
Among other things, Mojácar Council continues its commitment to improving the accessibility of several kilometres of the town’s beaches, incorporating adapted showers, wheelchair friendly beach walkways and shaded areas for those with reduced mobility. Every year Mojácar invests in the provision and management of beaches, which has undoubtedly led into the incorporation of new beaches into the Blue Flag program.
A great effort, considering that the Municipality has 17 kilometres of coast, of which 7 kilometres are beaches.
Mojácar Council organizes active aging workshops
For 2017, workshops have been chosen to cover laughter therapy, dance and physical expression, writing and reflection, cognitive stimulation and games, art therapy and building self-esteem.
The Municipality of Mojácar, in collaboration with the Provincial Delegation of Almería, has launched a series of activities for the over 60s under the banner "Active Aging" within its Promotion and Prevention programme.
In these holistic workshops, the three keystones of aging, namely health, participation in society according to needs and abilities and finally, the safety, protection and care of people who need assistance.
The workshops will be held every Tuesday from 6.15 p.m. until 8.15 p.m. up to the 13th of June in the Adult Education Area, located in the Mojácar Centro de Usos Múltiples.
Ana García, Mojácar Councillor for the Third Age said, “The quality of life of our senior citizens must be an absolute priority, especially in a society with a higher average life expectancy”.
This kind of activity has been developing in the municipality during the last nine years and the level of interest in all the workshops is demonstrated by the high number of participants.
Ana García also considers it very important to support the elderly in what is called active aging, a process of health maintenance as well as promoting greater participation in society, regardless of age, thereby achieving an improvement in the quality of life for both them and their families.
In short, it is not only important to live to a good age, but also to enjoy a good quality of life, fully integrated with society and family.
A new roundabout for Mojácar’s Paseo Marítimo
Dekton is a revolutionary product and leader in architectural coatings worldwide and, has been gifted to Mojácar by its inventor, Francisco Cosentino.
The new roundabout by Mojácar’s Parque Comercial, with its three waterfalls, is already fully operational after its recent remodelling. The work is nearly completed with only the name of "Mojácar" still to be added.
Uniquely made in Dekton, it is an original design by the Municipal Technical Architect, Rodrigo Simón. Its new conception features three flowing sheets of water in the form of a waterfall, an area of foliage covered with blue flowers imitating the Mediterranean and an Indalo at the very top, also made from Dekton.
For the new roundabout’s construction, three types of this new product have been employed. The Indalo is made in Dekton Keranium, for which 30m2 has been used. The surface of the island required 250 m2 of Dekton Trilium and Keranium, whilst the white waterfalls used 50m2 of Dekton Zenit.
This material, which has received many international awards and is used by the best architects worldwide, is the result of the research and development of the Cosentino Group, one of the most important companies in Europe.
Since its inception in 2014, Dekton has revolutionized the world of construction and despite being on the market only for a short while, has been used many times and, in some of the finest buildings. However, it is the first time that it has been chosen for the embellishment of a roundabout and, for the construction of a sculpture like the Indalo.
The decision to renew the Parque Comercial roundabout was taken due to the continuous repairs of the old fountain’s motors, which were costly and had a low operating life and therefore, was a great expense to the town.
The new roundabout, an indicator of urban architecture, has given the area a modern look that is much more appropriate to the municipality.
Kitesurf World Champion trains with Osaia Reding in Mojácar
Carlos Mario, current World Freestyle Kitesurfing Champion, has been training in Mojácar with his sports partner and friend Osaïa Reding, our most international Mojaquera, Spanish Champion and World Runner-up Kiteboarder.
“Bebé” or “El Chico Maravilla” (Wonder Boy), as he is affectionately called in Kitesurfing circles is, at just 19 years old, a prodigy on the waves.
Born in Brazil, no one who sees him compete is surprised that he has won the world title, even when he has been the youngest in the competition. Both the amplitude and technical ability of "Bebe" are unrivalled by anyone, setting the bar very high and providing a new standard for future freestyle competitions.
During his stay in Mojácar he has been training Osaïa to perform his new "tricks", as he calls the exercises or movements he makes on his board. Many of which he has invented and, only he is able to execute. One that particularly stands out is his triple rotation in the air, nicknamed the "1080", as well as others that he has in the planning stage.
For Carlos, training in the Mediterranean has been very different from his routine in Brazilian waters, but he considers his experience in Mojácar to be "excellent training". He has shown a great affinity to the town and plans to return as soon as his competition calendar will allow.
Osaïa, who is preparing to defend her title at the Spanish Championships, has been training with "Bebe" during his stay in Mojácar’s waters.
Whilst the young Mojácar Kiteboarder takes strength from the world champion, Carlos Mario, he benefits from the style, joy and passion for the Kite that Osaïa brings out in him.
These two great talented figures of the Kitesurf world, despite their enviable youth, have been developing their talent off Mojácar’s beaches. Many people who been walking along the beach have been surprised and amazed at their "tricks" and their great routine exercises.
Mojácar raise funds for the fight agains cancer
The Spanish Association Against Cancer, AECC, in collaboration with the Mojácar Town Council, held the now traditional "Lazo de la Vida" (ribbon for life) day which is held annually in the town.
In its sixth consecutive year, the Local Mojácar Committee and the Garrucha volunteers organized a day of collaboration and fun in order to raise funds for research in the fight against cancer.
Rosmarí Cano, the Mayor of Mojácar, and Raquel Belmonte, the Councillor for Fiestas, also joined in solidarity with the cause.
The Mayor highlighted the important work of the AECC and the work the Local Mojácar Committee carries out to raise funds throughout the year.
The “LAZO DE LA VIDA” takes place on the Paseo Marítimo in Mojácar and consists of gathering the maximum number of one metre long ribbons, which when tied together, have to travel the distance from Cueva del Lobo to the Hotel Indalo. A kilometre and a half of solidarity, which as expected, does not stop going back and forth between the two points for the maximum possible number of times.
The pink ribbons, bought by everyone who wished to donate, are joined up, one by one, by the volunteers and are stretched out in the presence of a notary who testifies to the number of tapes and the distance in meters that are covered. The record distance is set at 6,300 metres and this year it has been very close to being beaten.
Along the Paseo Marítimo throughout the day, a market was held with 50 stalls selling all kinds of art, sweets, clothes, handicrafts and a huge variety of other articles.
A flamenco dance show added an extra note of colour and joy to a sunny morning that, together with a giant paella and mobile bar, ensured that a great time was had by all.
Even the pets added their contribution thanks to the animal charity "Paws", who organized a fun owners and dogs competition in which nobody left without a prize.
VI Sierra Cabrera XTREME / La Mojaquera 2017
Mojácar Town Council together with Mojácar Bike CCD, organizers of the Sierra Cabrera Xtreme "la Mojaquera" cycling event, have finalised the details of what will be the VI edition that is scheduled to take place on May 7, 2017, according to the conditions of the FAC (Andalucian Federation of Cycling) and the RFEC (Royal Spanish Federation of Cycling).
Mojácar Councillor for Sports, Ana García and Gerardo Martínez Cabello, Director of the Mojácar Bike CCD Club, met with the Mojácar Local Police, Civil Protection and Red Cross to discuss health and safety, traffic and volunteering to ensure that the Sierra Cabrera Xtreme "La Mojaquera" cycling race is a complete success.
In order to guarantee the smooth running of the event, Mojácar Council has arranged the participation of 12 members of the Local Police, 30 Civil Protection and Red Cross personnel, as well as two UVI ambulances, first responders and 2 doctors.
For their part, Mojácar Bike CCD has thirty volunteers, 5 cars and 6 motorcycles for accompaniment and assistance. There are 3 refreshment points, a mechanical workshop available to the riders, as well as marshals at hazardous points such as descents, steps or road crossings, etc.
Spanish MTB XCM champions and a large group of high level cyclists, both national and international, have participated in previous years’ events.
As usual, in this sixth running of the race, the "La Mojaquera" route will run practically its entire distance off road, in most cases on tracks, ramblas and trails.
Not forgetting the ascent to Mojácar's historic centre, passing through the Puerta de la Ciudad, one of the most spectacular and colourful moments of the entire race.
The most outstanding characteristic of this endurance event is the demanding course, with an accumulated ascent of 2,500 metres, over a distance of 75 kilometres, of which only 8 km is on asphalt. It is estimated that the leaders will complete the race circuit in around 3 hours and the rear enders up to 5.30 hours.
The start will be located at Macenas Beach and the finish at the Hotel Marina de la Torre, of the Servigroup chain. With the last entries still to come in, they already have about 300 cyclists signed up.
This project was started off by Gerardo Martínez Cabello, with the collaboration of Mojácar Council, various organizations and clubs in the area, as well as many sponsors and volunteers.
The results of the 6th edition of "La Mojaquera" count towards the rankings of Andalucia and the Provincial Circuit of Almería, which places Mojácar in the spotlight of professional cycling.
The Plaza del Ayuntamiento Indalo Wins the 2017 Indalo de Flores Prize
The Indalo located in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, made by the Casa Minguito Restaurant and the shops Arena, Nacara and Indalos Juan, has been declared the winner of the Indalo de Flores 2017.
The winning Indalo was chosen by a professional jury from among the 9 Indalos that were set up in Mojácar Pueblo’s squares. They were individually decorated by the local businesses with the assistance of the Town Council, along with all the volunteers who wanted to join in this unique celebration.
From Saturday, April 29 until May 1, residents and visitors have been able to enjoy some special days during which Mojácar has been flooded with flowers, flamenco, typical Andalucian "tapas" and the special local gastronomy.
Organized by the Merchants Association and the Town Council, the Indalos de Flores is only in its second year, but it has settled into the festive calendar in addition to the many attractions already offered by Mojácar.
For this occasion, 6,000 carnations were used to decorate the Indalos and handed out by locals dressed in typical Mojácar or Flamenco costumes as gifts to all the visitors.
The forecasts for visitors and hotel occupancy in Mojácar were similar to those over the Easter Holiday. Despite the bad weather on the first day, many people were able to enjoy the festival and the bank holiday weekend, which starts the tourist season and builds on the success of the Easter trading in the town.
During the bank holiday weekend, the Mojácar Tourist Offices worked summer hours, dealing with requests for information, both about the programme of events of the Indalo de Flores Festival and the options of other future events throughout the locality.
Isabel Sánchez and José Catalán, President and Spokesman of the Mojácar Merchants Association, expressed their pleasure at the success of this year’s event on behalf of the whole Association.
They already have plans for next year in which they will incorporate great improvements, more Indalos and new original ideas that put the month of May in Mojácar firmly on the tourist calendar.
For Mojácar’s Fiesta Councillor, Raquel Belmonte, it has been a great move to hold the Indalos de Flores event at this time of year when the weather is great, whilst being something additional to add to the broad range of things for tourists and residents to do in Mojácar.
Floral Indalo Festival in Mojácar
For the second consecutive year, Mojácar celebrates its Floral Indalo Festival which it combines the celebration of its characteristic emblem, the Indalo, with the arrival of spring and the new season’s flowers.
From Saturday, April 29 until May 1, the town will be flooded with flowers and flamenco music that the residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy, simply by exploring the captivating streets and squares of Mojácar.
Around six thousand flowers will be used to decorate the 9 Indalos that will be set up in different areas of the Old Town and handed out to all those who want to come to see and enjoy a Mojácar in traditional dress.
The Floral Indalo Festival is organized by the Mojácar Pueblo Merchants Association in collaboration with the Town Hall and the full participation of Mojácar's residents, who during the bank holiday weekend will grace the town’s streets wearing typical Mojácar or flamenco costumes.
By noon on Saturday, the town will be ready to welcome the first visitors to enjoy typical Andalucian tapas, sangria and flamenco. At 1.00 p.m. the official opening of the Festival will begin with a floral tour around the town.
On Sunday, April 30, in addition to the midday fiesta, there will be a flamenco performance at 6.00 p.m in the Plaza del Arbollón by the Lita Paredes Dance School.
On Monday, at 12.00 noon, the best decorated Floral Indalo will be chosen. The jury will be made up of members of Mojácar Town Council’s Tourism Department, among others.
These celebrations, which are now in their second year, originate from the "May Crosses" which in Mojácar take the form of its millennial symbol, the Indalo.
"Mojaquero Dictionary" launched on International Book Day
The “Mojaquero Dictionary”, by Esteban Carrillo, an illustrious Mojaquero who passed away in 2002, was launched last weekend in Mojácar to coincide with International Book Day.
Mojácar’s Mayor, Rosmarí Cano, the Town’s Councillor for Tourism, Emmanuel Agüero, the well-known historian and editor of the book Juan Grima, and the author’s children, Elisa and Esteban Carrillo Ridao were all present.
The Mayor of Mojácar highlighted the importance of the recovery of the 1,500 words contained in this dictionary as a valuable interpretation of Mojácar’s history. The dictionary includes terms and expressions that are still used by many and the knowledge of them should be encouraged among the new generations.
Rosmarí ended her speech with a few words in Mojaquero as a clear example of the complexity and richness of the old local vocabulary.
Emmanuel Agüero emphasized the importance of Mojácar’s heritage as an important attraction and, a different aspect to offer the town’s visitors.
The Tourism and Culture Departments have both put in a lot of work and have great expectations, in bringing about one of the planned objectives of this administration.
The Tourism Councillor also unveiled the title of the next publication to be added to the Moxacar Collection, sponsored by the Town Council. “Toponimia de Mojácar” will be the third work that will be published very soon which will explain the origins of the names of the places and areas of the locality.
The historian Juan Grima, the book’s editor, thanked Mojácar Council for their interest and collaboration, as well as for helping in the promotion and recovery of culture, history and reading which, concurs with the importance of culture and tourism. He revealed that he is also working on a new reformed and improved edition of Mojácar's history.
Esteban Carrillo’s relatives told some lovely anecdotes about their father, as well as adding the nice gesture by showing the files and small notebooks in which he had spent years collecting the words that shaped this "Dictionary Mojaquero".
The speeches were interspersed by guitar performances by the master Juan de Dios Santiago and, ended with a glass of Spanish wine provided by Mojácar Council to everyone present.
Mojácar Council sponsors the "Mojaquero Dictionary"
On Saturday April 22, the day before International Book Day, the posthumous work of Esteban Carrillo, "Diccionario Mojaquero", will be seen for the first time.
The presentation will take place at 8.30 p.m. at Mojácar’s Centro de Usos Múltiples. The Mayor of Mojácar, Rosmarí Cano, the Town’s Councillor for Tourism, Emmanuel Agüero, the book’s publisher, Juan Grima and, the author’s daughter, Elisa Carrillo Ridao will all be present.
The "Diccionario Mojaquero" was the life’s work of its author, who kept a note of the words and expressions used by Mojácar townspeople in the 1950’s and 60’s. In it, the local way of speaking in the town was captured and, now serves as a great contribution to the historical-linguistic and dialectal heritage of Mojácar.
It contains more than 1,500 words, all of which have been cross referenced with official dictionaries and which include their origins, as well as popular phrases or poems illustrative of their use and meaning.
This "Diccionario Mojaquero" is the second publication of the Mojácar collection, sponsored by the Town Council’s Department of Tourism.
The regaining of the Town’s rich history and memories is not only a means for cultural diffusion, it is also a clear commitment by the Council to show their rich heritage. Within the tourism sector it serves as a differentiating element, clearly demonstrating that Mojácar has much more to offer than sunshine and beaches.
After the presentation, there will be a flamenco concert by Juan de Dios Santiago, as well as a glass of Spanish wine for all.
Mojaquera Osaia Reding, runner up at the World Junior Kitesurf Championships
Mojácar’s young 2016 Spanish Kitesurf Champion, Osaïa Reding, begins the 2017 competition season with a second place in the World Junior Kitesurf Championship held in the French town of Saint-Pierre la Mer.
More than 70 contestants aged between 8 and 19 representing 20 different nationalities inclucng Brazil, Colombia, Italy, Switzerland, New Caledonia, Spain and the host country, France, met in Saint-Pierre la Mer. The competed for the World Cup, The World Junior Kite Freestyle or the 2017 World Youth Kiteboarding, organized by the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA).
This championship is unique in the world and showcases this spectacular sport’s promising youngsters. Being the best at this discipline, all of them promise to be the future stars of the kiteboarding world.
In the sport, surfing is combined with paragliding. The board allows the athlete to offer greater resistance to the wind and to glide across the water at the same time as performing rotations, turns and acrobatics at amazing speeds. The force exerted by the wind and the waves is considerable, so you have to be a real athlete. That is why it is also considered a risk sport.
Sponsored by Mojácar Town Council, Osaïa, at the age of twelve, is a promising youngster who is used to presenting Mojácar’s coat of arms which is proudly emblazoned on her board, on the podiums of all the competitions which she enters.
The female under 16 category, in which our most international Mojaquera competes, has a tough competitor in twelve year old Osaïa who will soon, very soon, rise to the top.
Meanwhile, she continues to train daily on the waves off Mojácar beach and, like any young person her age, shares her classes and teenage secrets with her Mojácar School companions.
Mojácar hotels full for easter
Mojácar’s hotels have already hung the "no vacancies" sign even before the Easter holiday weekend, starting on Holy Thursday.
The 4 star hotels in Mojácar have a 100% occupation of their rooms. Also the majority of the smaller hotels have reached their capacity and the hostels are, at the time of writing, up to 95% and expect to reach 100% easily.
The tourist apartments are at around the same figures, ensuring Mojácar will enjoy a busy Holy Week, at full capacity.
Mojácar has a total of 7 top quality hotels, which have 3,078 places. There are also five three star hotels with a total of 2,701 beds.
Including the small family and boutique hotels, Mojácar has a total of 10,200 hotel spaces that will be occupied over Easter.
In order to help visitors enjoy the various things on offer in Mojácar, both on the beach and in the Old Town, the Council has increased the frequency and the operating hours of the local bus service which takes in all the hotels, the beaches and the climb up to Mojácar Pueblo on its circular route. The Pueblo also has a large parking area and lift, making the Old Town easily accessible.
The two tourist information points, in the Old Town and on the beach, are open all year round, from Monday to Saturday, mornings and evenings as well as on Sunday mornings. As Mojácar is an official tourist area, supermarkets as well as shops will remain open throughout the Easter break.
Mojácar Town Council works throughout the year to keep the public areas maintained and in perfect condition. Recently, all the town’s residents were reminded of the need to paint and refresh the facades of their buildings. All these works over a number of years have deservedly turned Mojácar into one of the most beautiful municipalities in the world.
The Mayor of Mojácar, Rosmarí Cano, is very pleased with the occupancy rates forecast by the town’s Tourist Office and considers that these good figures are the result of the Council, the business sector and the whole population of the town working together all year round.
Mojácar´s Mirador and Plaza Nueva reopens to the public
Mojácar Town Council recently held an extraordinary plenary session with a single item on the agenda, to pass all the legal procedures for the opening and use of the town’s Mirador and the remodelled Plaza Nueva.
In order to accommodate the town’s influx of visitors over Easter and the start of the tourist season, this plenary session approved the handover of the works after a favourable legal and technical report. Thanks to the votes of the Popular Party and Councillor Lucas Mayo, the Plaza Nueva opened to the public and, the traffic though the old town of Mojácar returned to normal last Sunday.
The Plaza Nueva now covers an area of 531 square metres, finished in marble from Macael in earth tones harmonious with the spectacular landscape in the background.
It has steps and an access ramp, in addition to a glass enclosed elevator, that will connect the plaza to the municipal offices once the second phase part of the project is completed.
The main purpose of the remodelling that has taken place in the square was to increase the functionality and improve the accessibility of the viewpoint.
The demolition and reconstruction of Mojácar's Plaza Nueva and the new facilities for the Town Hall is one of the most important projects Mojácar has undertaken in recent years.
The square that we now call the Plaza Nueva dates back to the 16th century, although the first structure, as we know it now, was built in 1969, on top of a building that housed various different municipal services.
After numerous repairs and structural problems in the building, it was decided to rebuild it using the latest architectural techniques that ensured safety, whilst making the internal useful once more.
The Plaza Nueva and the Mirador are open to the public, although some of the street furniture will be installed in the next few days, restoring the café culture to the open terraces and the bustle of visitors enjoying the incomparable views.
Professional lifeguard course in Mojácar
A life-saving course has been launched in Mojácar, which will lead to registered students from all over the region becoming accredited as professional lifeguards.
Ana García, Mojácar Councillor for Education, as well as Chamber of Commerce trainers Virginia Rodríguez and Teresa Gallego, met in the Centro de Usos Múltiples in Mojácar, to inform interested students about the course.
This initiative is part of the Labour Revitalisation Plan for the Unemployed, organized by the Almería Provincial Council, the Chamber of Commerce and Mojácar Town Council.
The courses are aimed at unemployed people between the ages of 16 and 30 who are registered in the Ministry of Employment’s "Youth Guarantee" database, but not currently enrolled in any training.
Although the classes will be held in Mojácar, they are open to all those eligible within the Levante Almeriense region and from municipalities with less than 20,000 inhabitants.
For are four tutors and, in addition to the first-aid course, other subjects include social skills and employability, CV writing and job interview guidance. They will also have the help of a social networking professional in order to help them to access offers of employment through this growing media.
The practical classes will be held in Mojácar’s Municipal Swimming Pool, located in the town’s Sports Pavilion. The theoretical subjects will take place in the Centro de Usos Múltiples.
Classes will officially begin on April 17 and will run through May 31. Upon successful completion, the students will automatically become part of an employment exchange that will promote their recruitment.
"Puerto Rey" art group exhibits in Mojácar
Mojácar’s Municipal Art Gallery, "La Fuente", is hosting a collective painting exhibition by the Puerto Rey art group until the end of April.
The exhibition was inaugurated last Sunday and includes a total of eighty paintings by eleven artists that demonstrate a diverse selection of different artistic styles.
Mojácar Councillor, Raquel Belmonte, was among those attending the inauguration and highlighted the support for art as a key part of the town’s identity by saying; "art and artists have always been an important part of our history and have contributed in a very positive way to make Mojácar what it is today".
The Puerto Rey art group is an enthusiastic set of amateur artists of all nationalities who meet every week under the direction of Denise Butler, artist and professional art teacher. They also create their works in natural outdoor surroundings, which gives freshness and spontaneity to their compositions.
In this exhibition, Denise Butler and her students have put together an interesting collection that shows many different methods and techniques of pictorial art including portraits, landscapes as well as different perspectives of the country and its characters.
There is free admission to the exhibition, which will be open to the public until April 30 from 9.00 to 13.00 Tuesdays to Fridays and, from 10.00 to 13.00 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Mojácar starts off semana santa with a concert of sacred music
The Easter activities programmed by Mojácar Council for this year’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) start with a concert of Sacred Music performed by the Town’s Municipal Band.
On Saturday April 8 at 9 pm, the Municipal Band will play a wide selection of the best religious music compositions in Mojácar’s Santa María Parish Church.
The concert will feature some of the most well-known classical themes of Semana Santa including works by Eloy García López, Martín Salas, Miguel Sánchez Ruzafa, Víctor Manuel Ferrer and José Vélez, with titles such as “Alma de Trinidad”, “Costalero”, “Palio Blanco”, “Mi Amargura”, “La Última Noche” and “Mesopotamia”.
Under the baton of Band Director, Miguel Ángel Miranda, the seventy performers will include many new young musicians who will play for the first time in public and become fully integrated into the musical group.
Solos will be performed by Luisa Castaño on flute, Ana Montoya García on clarinet and Marlene Diene on alto saxophone with percussion by Francisco González, Andrés Contreras and David Martinez. The standard bearers will be Aarón García, Daniel Flores and Manuel Torres.
Although the Mojácar Town Band is composed of very young musicians with an average age 15, they still manage to be among the best in the province of Almeria.
With the unconditional support of Mojácar Town Council since its foundation in 2002, this young group of musicians collaborates in all the local events. They also visit various Spanish cities to participate in concerts, contests and musical gatherings, always obtaining a high rating from the public and jurors as well as members of other Municipal Bands.
Programme of religious acts for Semana Santa in Mojácar
The religious events that mark the beginning of Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Mojácar are already taking place this week, with the traditional Novenas that will be officiated until the 7 of April, at nine in the evening in the Town’s Santa Maria Parish Church.
The official Easter activities organised by Mojácar Council for this year’s Semana Santa start with a concert of Sacred Music performed by the Town’s Municipal Band, on Saturday April 8 at 9 pm, in Mojácar’s Santa María Parish Church.
On Palm Sunday, the Procession of the Donkey will depart from La Fuente at 11:00 a.m. and proceed to the Parish Church accompanied by the Municipal Band for the blessing of the Palms and Olives, as well as to receive Holy Mass.
This gospel passage of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem is depicted in Mojácar as a living procession, with Jesus accompanied by his apostles, children and the townspeople with their palm and olive branches.
On Tuesday, April 11, at 10:00 pm, the Stations of the Cross will leave the Parish Church and be taken through the streets of Mojácar Pueblo, carried solely on the shoulders of women bearers.
The processions of The Nazarene and The Virgin of Sorrows will leave the Parish Church at 22.30 on Holy Thursday, passing along the streets of the town, accompanied by the Municipal Band.
The beautiful ornate floats or thrones (tronos) with their sculpted images (pasos) have had to be adapted to suit the special characteristics of the locality and the narrow, winding streets which make its passage especially spectacular. There are places where the accuracy of the bearers is essential as they have only a few centimetres to spare between the tronos and the houses. Through the Town Wall Gate the bearers are required to be almost to their knees to allow the pasos to go through the gap.
The Holy Burial procession will take place on Good Friday at 22.30 from the Santa Maria Parish Church, once again going through the streets of the town accompanied by the Municipal Band.
Mojácar Holy Week’s religious events come to an end on Sunday at noon, after celebrating the Mass, with the procession of the Risen Christ making the last tour through the town
Mojácar aspires to be a top destination in 2017
The company "CazaAventuras" has been in Mojácar filming a special edition of their TV programme “En busca del destino más top”, in which they are searching for the best destination.
The presenters, "Josemi" and “J.M." toured various parts of the town and tried out some of the activities that are available to Mojácar’s visitors, to show in their successful and well-known series "Caza Aventuras".
Accompanied by personnel from Mojácar Town Council’s Tourism Department, they enjoyed; playing Golf on the Marina de la Torre course, scuba diving in the calm Mediterranean waters and, a stroll through the Old Town, checking out Mojácar’s rich history and the timeless charm of its streets.
Also, they couldn’t miss a stroll along the Mena footpath and through Macenas to visit the Pirulico Tower, the Sombrerico beaches and finally experience an unforgettable sunset on Mojácar’s Paseo Marítimo. Just a small sample of the many possibilities that Mojácar has to offer the tourist, which undoubtedly highlight the uniqueness of a destination that always makes a big impression.
Mojácar is represented in every tourist initiative, at media or sector level, promoting its unique offer and brand, which is synonymous with quality.
The TV programme is in its first year of production and seeks the most attractive destination for their viewers between Mojácar and 25 other selected municipalities. It will be broadcast by local TV stations in the Basque Country such as Tele Bilbao, Tele Donostia and Tele Vitoria, as well as on all Local Media TV channels.
It will also be available on YouTube and Facebook where the "likes" and the number of views will be counted and the winning location chosen.
With their natural and friendly manner in front of the cameras, the presenters have managed to attract a million plus audience, of which two hundred and fifty thousand are Basques.
Hopefully, Mojácar will be the top destination, but in any case its good name and what it offers the visitor will be presented to thousands of homes.
Mojácar revives its theatrical tradition
Mojácar revives its theatrical tradition with the production of "Indalo, messenger of the gods".
Mojácar has rediscovered its theatrical roots, in the hands of the “Agrupación Teatral Aquelarre”.
The first municipality in the province of Almeria to have a theatre and a theatre group, has recently returned to the cultural forefront with the gala premiere of "Indalo, Messenger of the Gods".
This original work was written in the style of "Game of Thrones" by Joaquín Sáez and Antonio Casado, both from Mojácar. It is an allegorical and free adaptation of the famous Indalo story, matching the names of villages of the province with characters in the plot.
For the premiere, they also had the special support of the Mojácar Town Band, who performed live during these first performances.
In total, around 100 people worked to stage this "opera prima", which raised the town’s expectation to the highest level.
In addition to the 50 members of the Municipal Band, there were a total of 20 actors who portrayed 26 characters.
Also vital to staging the performance were the dance company, technical teams, dressmakers, set designers, assistants, electricians and stage hands.
The Almeria composer, David Miralles, known for his music in various video-clips, musicals and short film projects, contributed the original theme tune for this creation.
The set design was by the artist Serafín Redondo and, Loli Cayuela was the dressmaker in charge of the costumes.
The premiere of "Indalo, Messenger of the Gods" took place last Saturday and Sunday in Mojácar’s Centro de Usos Múltiples and was sold out on both nights.
Over both performances, a supportive audience of more than six hundred enjoyed an exceptional performance and, also witnessed at first-hand the resurrection of a Mojácar tradition.
Thanks to this amateur group, who go under the name of "Aquelarre", all the local residents have been able to enjoy the great work of this newly formed theatre project.
It has taken a year to prepare and polish the presentation of this work and there is doubt that they have entered the cultural panorama by "the big door".
After the success of this premiere, the "Aquelarre" Theatre Group plans to continue its activity and to consolidate itself as an association. For this, it already has the support of Mojácar Council and the resident’s firm backing, who identify theatre past and present, with the town.
Mojácar celebrates the day of "La Vieja"
Mojácar, along with the municipalities in the Almeria Levante region, celebrated the traditional "La Vieja" fiesta.
The day is celebrated on the Thursday nearest to the halfway point of Lent, hence the Spanish expression "partir La Vieja cuaresma" and consists of a day of food and wine, together with family and friends in the countryside.
With this in mind, Mojácar’s residents scatter themselves in one or other of the town’s many green areas, particularly in the "Los Gurullos" and "Las Alparatas" districts to share a good paella and taste the sweets that are hidden their "Viejas".
It is at this point that the children take centre stage. At the end of the meal they congregate around their "Vieja" which is a small doll that resembles an old woman, made on a wooden cross with the head made of cloth and stuffed with sweeties.
The "Vieja" will have been previously staked in the ground and the smaller children are the ones in charge of breaking it open, like a piñata, to find and eat the sweets it contains.
Traditionally it is a typical time to taste the "Hornazo" (an elongated, sweet, braided bread enclosing a hardboiled egg), although the day is generally characterized by the abundance of all kinds food.
The day of “La Vieja” is the only fiesta not represented by an Andalucian Saint, but by a pagan figure, although it still has Christian roots.
Whatever its origin, the truth is that it has been celebrated since "forever" and no Mojaquero willingly misses one of the first opportunities of the year to enjoy the outdoors. Although for this year’s "La Vieja fiesta", the weather has not been as helpful as usual.
Mojácar completes course for youngsters
Mojácar completes course for youngsters on leisure and free time regeneration
Mojácar has recently completed a “Dinamizador de Ocio y Tiempo Libre” course, organized by the Sports and Youth Department of the Diputación Provincial de Almería and Mojácar Town Council.
The course began last November at Mojácar’s "Rey Alabez" School and, concluded last weekend with the diploma presentations after the successful completion of the course.
The diplomas were presented by Ana García, Mojácar Councillor for Sports, and Ángeles Martínez from the Diputación Sports and Youth Department.
21 3rd and 4th grades students, aged between 14 and 15, attended the course.
The course was aimed at meeting the training needs of young people in the town by providing the human and material resources to promote learning, self esteem, workplace training, and other experiences that will help them access the labour market.
Emphasis on group motivation, sports regeneration along with leisure and free time projects were amongst the objectives promoted through the skills of the organizers.
As the sessions have been so well received by the participating students, Mojácar Council has been encouraged to ask for more new courses. At the request of the students, Councillor Raquel Belmonte hopes to organize a theatre course for next summer.
Am I allowed to walk my dog on the beach?
The Junta de Andalucía has banned animals from all the province’s beaches during the entire swimming season.
The purpose of this ban is to prevent and control the problems and dangers that animals can cause to both people and facilities. Therefore, it is prohibited to take any type of animal onto the beach between 31 March and 31 October each year.
However, guide dogs are permitted to go to and from the seafront or from the parking areas, to the seasonal facilities (including the beach), as long as they are accompanied by the officially recognized user. These animals must be accredited and identified as guide dogs for people with disabilities.
This specific presence of animals on the beaches and on the walkways is subject to compliance with the safety and sanitary conditions and rules of citizen coexistence relating to animal ownership established in the beach ordinances.
The guide dog owner or user is held responsible for the animal’s actions, damages to people, articles and the environment in general, as well as any stipulated fines.
During the period from 1 November to 30 March, when animals are allowed on the beaches, their handlers must take care to prevent them from defecating on the beach. At all times, the person in charge of the animal is obliged to collect and remove the excrement and to clean any part of the public walkway that has been affected.
The level of fines applied for contravening the regulation depends on the relevant Municipal Ordinance on animal ownership and any other applicable regulations.
2017 / 18 School year
Between the 1st and the 31st of March, it is the registration period In Andalucia for students of infant education, primary education, special education, obligatory secondary education and baccalaureate.
The pupils’ schooling begins in this way, where they are enrolled for the first time in the educational system in order to attend public or private schools, or to change schools.
For more information call free 900 848 000 weekdays from 8.00 am until 7.00 pm. http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/educacion/portals/web/escolarizacion
The “Buena Mesa Restaurant Association” visits Mojácar
Members of the prestigious “Buena Mesa Restaurant Association”, who recently held their 44th meeting in Vera, visited Mojácar to see at first hand one of the most internationally renowned towns of the Region.
More than a hundred Association members were treated by staff from the town’s Tourism Department to a guided tour of Mojácar Pueblo’s unique streets, where they learnt about the history, legends and magic of one of Spain’s most beautiful villages.
During the visit, Mojácar’s Mayor, Rosmari Cano, officially welcomed the Association’s representatives in the Municipal Plenary Hall. The Association then gave a token of appreciation to the Mayor for the warm reception they received from town. In return, Rosmari Cano gave reciprocal gift of a plaque of recognition to the Association President, as a memento of their official visit to the town.
Before leaving, Association President Adolfo Muñoz, Juan Moreno, representatives of the Carmona family, along with the important chefs and their colleagues signed the Town Hall Book of Honour.
Gardering workshops in Mojácar School
Mojácar Council and the Town’s Bartolomé Flores School have organized Gardening Workshops and a School Garden for both the students and their teachers.
The greenhouse where the workshops will take place is located on a municipal lot next to the School. Suitable facilities have been set up, especially for the youngsters to carry out the tasks for this new adventure.
The aim of the School Garden and the Horticulture Workshop is to complement other extracurricular activities that take place throughout the year. It is hoped that this initiative will motivate the students to interact in an ecological and natural environment and to serve as reinforcement to their classroom nature study lessons, whilst gaining a basic knowledge of gardening and horticulture.
Several workshops have been set up, according to the pupils’ age, with the youngest beginning with the "My Bonsai" workshop. Each student will have direct contact with nature through their own bonsai that will be with them for the rest of their educational cycle.
As the courses and the years pass, they will grow together and be able to follow the different phases of growth of these unique miniature trees. Once this journey is finished, they can take it home as a souvenir.
Other workshops include; planting and care of "Kiri" trees, propagation of the centennial Ficus in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, cultivation of Stevia plants, Olive trees, native and evergreen Vines (which are almost extinct) along with the planting and tending of seasonal vegetables.
This initiative has proved to be very successful among the students as it counterbalances the technology and gadgets that flood youth culture nowadays.
Mojácar women celebrate their day with a trip to Granada
To celebrate International Women's Day, Mojácar Council’s Department of Culture organized a trip to Granada for the 4th and 5th of March.
The bus trip set off from Mojácar for the capital of Granada where the party visited the Cathedral and the Alhambra Palace. It included a guided tour of the different districts of the famous Andalucian city and the Generalife Gardens.
No one should miss a tour of the well-known Sacromonte neighbourhood (especially if it includes dinner and a flamenco show), taking a walk along the street full of tea houses and tasting the local "tapas" in the old quarter of Granada.
It is the second year running that the Council have marked this day by organizing a trip for the local women. After the success of last year’s trip to Guadix, it was decided to extend this year’s trip to a whole weekend.
Raquel Belmonte and Ana García, Mojácar Councillors for Culture and Education respectively, accompanied the twenty women who travelled to Granada and participated in all the scheduled activities.
At the request of the participants, Raquel Belmonte was requested to organize another trip, to Cordoba in November, as they certainly do not want to wait until next year!
Mojácar Bowls Club celebrate the 3rd anniversary of their new green
Mojácar Bowls Club has celebrated the third anniversary of their new bowling green, located at the town’s Hotel Servigroup Marina Playa.
To mark the occasion, the club invited members of other clubs in the area to take part in a friendly competition. Also present were Ana García and Emmanuel Agüero, Mojácar Councillors for Sport and Tourism respectively, as well as the Director of the Servigroup Hotel Marina Playa, Ricardo Escudero.
On March 7, 2014, the Bowling Green was inaugurated by Rosmari Cano, the Mayor of Mojácar and other dignitaries of the province of Almeria. The green is located 100 meters from the hotel and has an open air, 25 metre x 25 metre artificial turf surface. It has everything for a sporting day including 6 rinks for up to 48 players, a club house with a bar and a terrace and changing rooms.
The Mojácar Club was founded in 1994 with around 25 members and was originally located in the "La Mata" area. When this establishment closed, the current facilities were built with the collaboration of Mojácar Town Council and the company Servigroup. Since the relocation, the club has grown and, currently has 65 members.
Club President, Alan Bramble, is very pleased with the new setup which he says, has not lost the "spirit and the essence" of the founders. Ana García expressed her pleasure at the wide range of sports on offer in Mojácar, an area which they are working to consolidate and expand even further with new activities in the future.
Mojácar Supports "Leo´s" cause
Mojácar supports "Leo´s" cause with a concert and a theatre production
A support movement is sweeping through the Levante Almeriense towns to provide help for a family that lives with the tough experience of having their son Leo suffer with cancer and, not having sufficient means to pay for his treatment.
Leo is four years old and, has a brain tumour that has already caused him to endure the operating theatre four times.
He does not know what school, or playing in a park is, or anything about the normal life of any child. He only knows about hospitals and doctors. He only knows of a relentless fight that is too big for his small shoulders.
At the "Alarcón Fernández de Arellano" School, in Palomares, where his sister attends class, a programme has been created to help Leo. All the teachers participate and are getting involved, as well as residents of the region and Local Administrations.
In support of this, Mojácar Town Council gave the use of their Centro de Usos Múltiples to stage a concert to raise funds for Leo to receive treatment in the United States.
Rosmari Cano, the Mayor of Mojácar and Emmanuel Agüero, the Town’s Councillor for Tourism, joined the movement and supported the call from this group of teachers who have been organizing all kinds of events to help Leo’s family for the last two years. Rosmari expressed her thanks to both the people and businesses of Mojácar who turned out to respond to this initiative.
On Friday, March 10, at 9:00 pm, the doors of the Mojácar Centro de Usos Múltiples will be opened to the classic comedy play “Tres Sombreros de Copa” by Miguel Miura, performed by the Veratense group of Antonio Gallardo. The show will serve to raise the curtain once again for this cause in Mojácar and, continue helping little Leo in his big fight.
Moving "Burial of the sardine" in Mojácar
Mojácar re-enacted the Burial of the Sardine, carrying on the tradition that marks the end of the Carnival and the beginning of Lent.
For the first time, Mojácar re-enacted the battle between Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma, a well-known allegory in the Libro del Buen Amor (Book of Good Love), written in 1330 by the Archpriest Hita.
Members of the carnival group, "Los Implicados", represented the challenge and the subsequent defeat of Don Carnal in the face of such an austere rival, in the town’s Centro de Usos Múltiples.
The solemn burial of the sardine pageant was carried out after the battle at 8.00 pm, with several attendants who escorted the fish to its final destination.
The crowd of locals and visitors who accompanied the funeral procession emphasized the greater participation, every year, of the town’s non Spanish residents who enjoy getting involved with the local traditions.
Numerous ‘mourners’ accompanied the beloved sardine along its candlelit final farewell with litanies, pronounced by the burial "priest" and responded to with passionate sorrow by those present. Each and every Saint’s requests are relevant and to the point.
The Mojácar Municipal Band played all along the route, putting a final musical touch to the Carnival. This year, the Carnival has had an even bigger program of activities, with more people joining in than ever.
Finally, after the burning of the sardine, good heart-warming hot chocolate and churros were served to comfort the “mourners”, courtesy of the Town Council.
The Almería Education Delegation in Mojácar
The Almería Education Delegation celebrates Andalucía Day in Mojácar
To celebrate Andalucia Day, Mojácar Town Council’s Department of Education and its leader, Ana García, collaborated with the Region’s Permanent Education Centres to host an event in the town where more than 300 students, teachers and councillors from the different participating municipalities gathered.
The meeting began with a guided tour of Mojácar by local tourist office staff, who explored the streets in various groups to learn at first hand, the history and the unique corners of the old town.
Afterwards, they met up in the Centro de Usos Múltiples, where they enjoyed an elaborate snack served by the Hospitality School’s volunteer students accompanied by some live music to entertain them.
This special Andalucia Day celebration was attended by the Almeria Delegate of Education, Francisca Fernández Ortega, and delegates from the Permanent Education Centres of Garrucha, Los Gallardos, Sorbas, Turre, Vera and Mojácar, as well as municipal representatives from all around the region.
The event was a complete success not only in terms of numbers attending and organization, which concluded with congratulations from all the attendees to both the Municipality and, the Mojácar Councillor for Education.
The Almeria Delegate of Education from the Andalucian Government also highlighted the good work of Ana García and thanked the Town Council for the hospitality and the planning of this festive day of coexistence.
For her part Ana García, gave thanks for the honour of Mojácar being chosen for this inaugural event and stressed the importance of learning for anyone at any age. She hoped also that the number of students and participating centres would be even higher at the next meeting.
All the attendees received the town’s emblem, an Indalo, from the Town Council as a souvenir and a memento of their visit.
Carnival time for Mojácar infants
Mojácar’s youngest also joined in the carnival party at the "Garabatos" Municipal Nursery.
The party was a surprise for the parents who did not know what the children were going to look like, since the costumes were entirely made by the nursery teachers, who dressed and made up the little ones on the premises. Each class had different costumes, all inspired by marine themes. Neptune had a hand in the carnival magic and the nursery was "flooded" with young sea turtles, seahorses, starfishes and little fish. Yes, they were all ‘small fry’ but definitely not suitable for fishing!
All the 70 children participated in the small carnival dressed as well known marine species and, took to the celebrations "like fish to water". Of course there was the obligatory photo-call so that the parents could capture the party atmosphere. This, together with the party and a snack was a recipe for the fun carnival celebration for both children and adults.
Raquel Belmonte, Mojácar Councillor for Culture and Fiestas, attended the party suitably dressed up and, shared the Centre’s carnival activities with everyone. After the event she said, “although they are very small, they certainly are aware that it is a special day which entertains, as well as reinforces their enthusiasm for all organized activities. They love to dress up and enjoy a party with friends and be involved with all those things that conjure up imagination and colour.”
There is no doubt that the Mojácar carnival is based on solid foundations and that the celebration of the event in the town is assured for many generations to come.
New Indalo for Mojácar
A shiny new Indalo for Mojácar´s Parque Comercial Roundabout.
The Mayor of Mojácar, Rosmari Cano, revealed the details of the remodelling of the roundabout located by the Parque Comercial on Mojácar Playa, in a live interview on the local radio station Spectrum FM.
The new design will include greenery, a water feature and, a large Indalo made in Dekton (a revolutionary architectural coating product used worldwide) which is to be donated to Mojácar by its creator, Francisco Cosentino.
Dekton was invented as a result of research and development by the Cosentino Group in 2014. It is a new product that uses the exclusive technology "TSP", a technological process that represents an accelerated version of the metamorphic changes suffered by natural stone exposed for millennia at high pressure and high temperature. It is a blend of raw materials now used to make glass, state-of-the-art porcelain and, large-format quartz surfaces.
The decision to renovate the Parque Comercial roundabout was taken due to the continuous costly repairs to the pumps of the old fountain, which also had a short operating life, making it very expensive for the municipality.
With the incorporation of Dekton in the design, the new roundabout will become a prominent feature of Mojácar’s urban architecture and a showcase for new sustainable, environmentally friendly materials.
The interview with Rosmari Cano and Emmanuel Agüero, the Councillor for Tourism, was part of their regular appearances on the Mojácar’s Spectrum Radio Station, which has the highest English-speaking audience in the region.
Andalucía Day celebrations in Mojácar
On February 28 Mojácar will celebrate Andalucia day, a festival to commemorate the Autonomous Community of Andalucia, with a series of events organized by the Town Council’s Department of Culture and Festivities.
At twelve noon, the Mayor of Mojácar accompanied by her entire council, along with many residents and visitors to the municipality, will raise the Andalucian flag in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, in a solemn act to the tune of the Andalucian Anthem, sung by the Rociero Choir "Embrujo Mojaquero".
At 2.00 pm. a free giant paella will be on offer in the Plaza del Parterre, to all those who have decided to celebrate the day in the town of Mojácar.
The day’s events will end with a performance of the Guitar Ensemble led by Pedro Clemente, Gustavo Criado's Spanish Dance School and a guest appearance of the Irina Ergorova dance group "Arco Iris".
The finale will be in the hands of the Mojácar Rociero Choir, "Embrujo Mojaquero" with its popular Andalucian songs that always raise great applause. The "Embrujo Mojaquero" choir was formed more than twenty years ago and has several generations of singers among its ranks. They have been present at important music contests and shared the stage with many great Andalucian groups of our generation.
Mojácar School celebrates Andalucia Day
The students of Mojácar’s Bartolomé Flores School celebrated Andalucia Day with a party during the morning break and, a "typical Andalucian" breakfast.
Usually schoolchildren celebrate Andalucia Day just before the actual date, but this year, due to the bank holiday coinciding with Carnival week, it has been brought forward so that the children could commemorate their community day together.
Mojácar Town Council provided students with a nutritious breakfast consisting of bread with tomatoes, olive oil and mandarin oranges. A typical breakfast found all over Andalucia, made with local products.
The celebration was organized for the morning break and the mothers joined in the event, laying out tables in the patio and creating a fun "photocall" consisting of a screen depicting a typical window with its Andalucian iron grid and geraniums in flower. The children brought to school items characteristic of Andalucian attire: hats, flowers for the hair and caps, among others, which they wore during the break time.
Also present at the school event were Mojácar Councillors Raquel Belmonte and Ana García, representing the departments of Culture and Education respectively. The best way to celebrate the Day of Andalucia, according to both councillors, is to encourage young people to continue with the traditions of their elders.
The Andalucian gastronomy and the Mediterranean diet in general, according to Ana García, is not only a healthy regime, it is one more aspect of the culture of Andalucia that is more valuable than ever, especially among young people.
Mojácar Carnival 2017
Mojácar’s Carnival celebrations start on Thursday February 23, with a fun, children's parade with pupils of the "Bartolomé Flores" school.
The procession will start off from the school and will wind its way through Mojácar’s streets and end at the Plaza del Fronton.
The whole school, with over 360 students and their teachers, will become pirates, superheroes, police officers, canine patrols and other imaginative and fun characters who will march their way through Mojácar in a spectacular display of colour.
This year, the Mojácar Carnival week will include, for the first time, a chance for the youngsters to participate in a Junior Carnival Contest that will take place at the Centro de Usos Múltiples on Friday, February 24 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. This is an event with the young ones in mind, with a Mobile Disco, favourite TV and cinema characters, entertainment and competitions. There will also be gifts, prizes and surprises to make sure that the Mojácar Carnival will encourage a future generation of followers to carry on the tradition of this really popular fiesta.
Later on, at 11.00 pm. the older ones take the stage at the Centro de Usos Múltiples and the Chirigotas show will start. Please take note, that all the Carnival events organized by the Town Hall have free entrance.
On Saturday, from 8.00 pm in the Centro de Usos Múltiples, there will be a band to liven up the much anticipated fancy dress dance and from 10.30 pm. the Comparsas will start to arrive to eagerly await the 2017 Mojácar Carnival prize giving ceremony. The jury will award prizes for the best, the most original and, the most elaborate costume as well as the best Chirigota.
The Grand Carnival Parade is scheduled for Sunday, February 26 departing from the Rio Aguas roundabout and making its way to the finish line at the Parque Comercial. The Parade will include local and regional Comparsas and floats, the "Patrulla Perruna" and, all those residents and visitors who wish to dress up for the carnival and spend a day full of surprises.
Mojácar hosts Thomas Neukirch exhibition
The painter, Thomas Neukirch, is currently showing an interesting selection of his paintings in Mojácar’s ‘La Fuente’ gallery until 4 th March.
Thomas, who was born in Germany, first took up residence in Andalucía as an independent artist in Mojácar. Although he is currently based in the nearby hamlet of Cariatriz, he has not however, lost his artistic link with Mojácar.
After studying Fine Arts at the Academie des Beaux Arts in Lyon, he became a professor at the Jean Bertholle Academia de Bellas Artes in Paris until 1996.
Since 1990, Thomas has been regularly exhibiting in galleries in France, Spain, Germany and Argentina. His works are on permanent show in Stuttgart’s "Galerie Andreas Henn" and in the "Galerie Peinture Fraîche", Paris. His paintings are also to be found in public collections in Baden Württemberg, Germany as well as in Andalucía.
Recently, he opened his Mojácar show exhibiting seven large format oil paintings, some of which have already been seen in Paris and Germany, which captured the anguish and restlessness of the characters portrayed. In another part of the show, there is also a large and impressive collection of small pieces in Chinese ink. In contrast, they depict everyday scenes with man as protagonist, in both his active life and leisure time, where there is a sensation of peace and tranquillity.
Raquel Belmonte, the Councillor for Culture present at the inauguration, was delighted with the standard of the work displayed and to welcome an international artist, or "cultural activist" as he calls himself, such as Thomas Neukirch.
At the closure on March 4th at 6p.m, there will be a "cultural festival", which will include the Mojácar Sansonora Choir, the poetess Betariz Towers and, the philosopher Jose Antonio del Moral.
Those interested in seeing the exhibition may view it from Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Diploma presentation at Mojácar´s "Carmen de Burgos" painting workshop
The students from the "Carmen de Burgos" painting workshop, which was organized in Mojácar by Almeria’s Provincial Council and the Mojácar Town Council’s Culture Department, have received an accreditation diploma for their course attendance from the Provincial Deputy, Dolores Martínez Utrera and the town’s Councillor for Culture, Raquel Belmonte.
The event, held in the town’s Centro de Usos Múltiples, brought the 22 students together, who have been working since last October on the basic techniques of painting, brushstrokes, colour theory, personal creativity empowerment, as well as cultural development.
This workshop was part of the 5th Provincial Strategy for Equality for Women and Men in Almería Province, coordinated by the Provincial Council with the collaboration of Mojácar Council, through its Culture Department.
Class tutor was Ángela Sirvent Artero, who graduated in Fine Arts at Valencia University, followed by her Postgraduate at Granada University. Raquel, Mojácar’s Culture Councillor said how delighted she was at the number of attendees on the workshop, which was one of the highest in the province, as well as the standard of learning amongst the new artists.
On presenting the diplomas, Raquel announced the Council’s plan to host an exhibition of works that the student’s completed during the workshop, as well as requesting the Provincial Council for further collaboration on new courses.
Mojácar continues to promote its artistic tradition with both the painting classes organized by the Council and, the workshops that are organized regularly throughout the year, which are always so popular with the town’s residents.
Urban art lesson in Mojácar Secondary School
Mojácar’s Rey Alabez secondary school now has a graffiti artwork made by the 4th year plastic art students in collaboration with two of the most outstanding Spanish artists of this medium, Alberto Clerencia and Jesús Moreno. Both graffiti artists are in Mojácar via the program of scholarships run by the Valparaíso Foundation and Mojácar Town Council.
Graffiti is a type of mainly urban free painting that arose though times of marked rebellion and protest. It has now become part of Hip Hop culture and the high quality of the works of many artists has earned it a deserved place as an artistic and cultural movement in its own right.
Graffiti connects with youth in a fast and direct way and, Mojácar’s youngsters have had the opportunity to work and learn with two of the best Spanish exponents of the genre. During their stay in the town, they have worked with eight students at the school and have given the sports hall a new contemporary and youthful look. The chosen theme was the name of the school, with amusing references to different sporting elements.
It was both a unique experience for the young participants and an interesting collaboration of two artists who each express their own works in different ways.
Alberto Clerencia moves in the natural environment, in imaginary worlds where animals question their place in the urban environment and the importance of nature. He began painting aged 16 and last year participated in the "Pow Wow", held in Worcester, Europe's most important international mural arts festival.
Jesús Moreno, under the nickname "Yes", graduated in Fine Arts from Madrid’s Complutense University. Multifaceted, with a large body of work seen in exhibitions and shows, both individually and collectively, the work of Jesús Moreno is characterized by the use of flat colour forms. With a very personal symbolical approach, the interpretation of his works remains free. His letters and geometric figures have a personal touch that makes his work equally unmistakable.
Golden Indalo Award´s 25th anniversary
Golden Indalo Award's 25th Anniversary, FITUR 2017
During the upcoming FITUR Tourism Fair, Mojácar will celebrate 25 years since the Town’s Council established the "Indalo de Oro" awards, which recognise people or entities that have helped in the promotion of the vicinity.
Over the years, all types of artists, politicians and successful entrepreneurs have obtained their own Indalo of Gold. Among them are well-known people in the national and international field, such as early recipients, Miguel Ríos and Pedro Piqueras.
This year, at the 25th anniversary, a special award of a Golden Indalo will be granted posthumously to former Mayor, Jacinto Alarcón Fuentes. Jacinto took on the role of Mayor in Mojácar when the municipality was about to disappear due to depopulation of its inhabitants and, the abandonment of homes at a difficult time when emigration was the only solution.
In just a few years he managed to bring electricity, water, roads, transport links, a National Parador Hotel as well as the reconstruction of the houses in the town "as he remembered them as a child". All these things were soon enjoyed by ambassadors, representatives from the royal houses, the Queen of England’s Secretary, famous bullfighters and artists from all over the world. He also won a national improvement prize and put Mojácar firmly on the map as one of the most cosmopolitan places in Spain, if not the World. At that time, Mojácar was the reference point not only for Almeria, but for the whole peninsula.
He encouraged many of the town’s people to come back from emigration with jobs and a future, the first hotels of the province, the best restaurants (one run by the chef of the Maxim's de Paris). The street’s donkeys began to live side by side with the Rolls Royce of a famous American pianist and, other luxury vehicles carrying owners of African gold mines. Then, there wasn’t a place in the world with so little space that possessed such a select and glamorous atmosphere, like Mojácar.
At that time, a small drawing appeared on the walls of the old houses, taken from the ancient cave paintings of the area. Today it is well known as the Indalo and, it came to represent not only Mojácar, but also a whole province and an inspiration for the name of these awards.
Later, in the wake of this fame and, following a path of no return during which intellectuals and art had established their meeting point in Mojácar, it also attracted the attention of important European and Spanish politicians as well as trade unionists for their chosen holiday destination.
Registration opens for the 2017 Mojácar Carnival
Registration opens for the 2017 Mojácar Carnival
Mojácar Council’s Culture Department has opened the registration period for those who wish to participate in the Carnival competition, either as individuals, couples, groups or musical troupes.
Entries for the contest can be made at the Culture Department until February 14th. It will be held on 25th and 26th February and March 1st, at Mojácar’s Centro de Usos Múltiples.
Entrants must provide their full name along with the telephone number of the lead person, as well as the name of the group, the number of participants and, the sections in which they wish to be included.
To participate in the group mode, there must be between 3 and 9 people and, for the Comparsa musical troupes, there needs to be a minimum of 10. Both can include children, but there must be a higher ratio of adults. In the Chirigota section, entrants must provide the jury with a written copy of their act.
The originality, quality and workmanship of the spectacular costumes, makeup, humour and staging, all together make carnivals one of the most special and fun festivities of the year.
The jury, both for the Chirigotas and the Costume Contest, will be made up by members of the orchestra. The prizes will be announced on Saturday, after the contest.
Of special note is the official inclusion of the little ones in the proceedings, with the organization of Mojácar’s 1st Children's Carnival Competition. Inscriptions, as for the others, can be made in the Culture Department until February 14th.
The Councillor for Culture and Youth, Raquel Belmonte, acknowledged that the young people and children are the ones who really get into the spirit of Carnival time and said, "it is a celebration that brings out their imagination and offers an additional incentive by encouraging group work and collaboration".
Mojácar mourns the death of international, cyclist, Serge Baguet
Mojácar, along with so many others, is saddened by the death of the Belgian cyclist, Serge Baguet.
Serge enjoyed a well-deserved, high prestige in his country, where he was a champion, as well as being a participant in many rallies, races and awards in the most prestigious European cycling races.
On retiring from competition, he became the sports director of the Doltcini Flanders Baguet continental team, as well as for its junior squad. In this new professional role, he was also a diligent and frequent visitor to Mojácar.
Captivated by its landscape and people, he established one of his cycling centres here, where hundreds of professionals and amateurs spend time each year going through the preparatory stages for their various seasons and in 2012, setting up the “Clásica de Mojácar-Sierra Nevada” test.
In 2014, having won the heart of the town and firmly putting the town on the map for all cycling lovers and professionals he was awarded a Golden Indalo in recognition of his work as an ambassador of European cycling in Mojácar.
Mojácar Council, on behalf of the whole town, has sent an official letter of condolence to the family and friends of Serge Baguet, to share in the grief that the town feels for his loss.
Today, cyclists are very much part of Mojácar’s winter landscape, but in the multi-coloured pack riding along and around the town’s roads, there is no doubt that there is a very empty space that is impossible to replace.
More than seven million visit Mojácar´s facebook page
The "Turismo de Mojácar" Facebook page, managed by Mojácar Council’s Tourism Department, is one of the leading tools in the promotion of the municipality. In 2016, it was viewed by more than 7 million internet users from all around the world, all at no cost to the town.
During the same period, the number of followers increased by almost 10,000 more than 2015 and by early February this year, the number of followers rose to 40,000. Undoubtedly, these figures demonstrate the tourist pull of Mojácar.
It is indisputable that Facebook has become the most important and popular social network in the world. It is estimated that 900 million people connect and interact with each other and with the outside world via Facebook.
Being aware of this important opportunity, Mojácar Town Council has updated both the municipal website and the social networks it manages, in particular its "Turismo de Mojácar" Facebook page. This improvement has seen the incorporation of new image galleries, a fresh look and a more intuitive navigation which makes it easier for the potential visitor or resident alike.
According to Emmanuel Agüero Leclerc, Mojácar Tourism Councillor, "the previous update was made four years ago and as the changes in social networks are so continuous, it was essential that our website and especially our social networks were updated to maintain the interest of their followers. A static Facebook page does not grab anyone’s attention and will have no followers and without followers, we cannot get the message across. That is why the new Facebook page and our website are much more visual, with a more modern image, fresher colours and a greater emphasis on attractive photography that shows visitors what they will find in Mojácar. As well as the new designs, the work of the tourist office personnel is fundamental, since it is that team who fill it with interesting content".
Along with the municipal website and the "Turismo de Mojácar" page, there are other pages including "Mojácar Informa", which in common with the tourism page is in English and Spanish. In addition, the tourist office also manages the "Mojácar Ofertas" page, open to all local businesses, which showcases all their offers to promote their activities. This page is especially useful to both tourists and the residents of Mojácar and district, to let everyone know what is available and happening in Mojácar.
The success of this new website and the Facebook pages have been the subject of enquiries by other municipalities interested in developing a similar programme. A fitting tribute to the continuing achievement of Mojácar’s Municipal Tourism Department, which continues to reap the benefits of its work.
Mojácar aspires to be Andalucia´s most charming town
The rural accommodation portal, Andalucía Típica S.L., has started its annual social network contest to find "The most charming town of Andalucia".
Mojácar is one of the selected localities for this contest, in which municipalities are suggested by and later voted for by the users of the internet. In the province of Almería, only Velez-Blanco and Mojácar have been chosen as candidates this year.
2017 is the third consecutive year of this competition and for this year the organizers have divided it into three phases. In the first phase readers proposed their candidates, then in the second phase (which runs until February 14) the first vote will be held. Only the top ten will then go on to the final vote to be the 2017 winner.
Andalucía Típica S.L. is a very important portal for rural accommodation and tourism in the sector. This original initiative has not gone unnoticed on the internet as in 2016, more than one hundred thousand people cast their vote and many more visited and made consultations on their website.
According to the company, the increase in the demand for accommodation in competing municipalities has multiplied, in some cases by up to 40%. It is seen as an opportunity for many small municipalities to increase their profiles and show their charisma and facilities to a growing market of tourists. The average voter is profiled as being between the age of 35 and 50, professional, with a medium-high income level.
Mojácar, for the moment, has more than four hundred votes. It is hoped that the lovers of Mojácar continue voting on the page of "www.andaluciatipica.com" and, confirm that it is not only one of the most beautiful towns of Spain, but also of Andalucia.
Mojácar hosts the 3rd annual "Big Mac" event to raise funds for cancer patients
For the third consecutive year, Mojácar sets the scene for a very popular “Big Mac” charity event, which aims to raise funds to help those suffering from cancer.
This Sunday, February 5th, Mojácar’s Puerto Marina Hotel opens its doors from 12 noon until 8 p.m. to a bursting programme of music, dancing, stalls, gastronomy, games especially for the children and, much more. In all, a great way to spend a Sunday and get together with the volunteers, who spend so much of their time helping this good cause.
Elaine Brown, founder of MACS (Mojácar Area Cancer Support) has been helping people with this difficult disease for almost 10 years and, thanks to the intense work over that time, has opened shops in Mojácar, Turre, Huercal-Overa and Albox.
Cancer patients have many needs starting from the moment the diagnosis is confirmed; from emotional support, therapy or exchange of experiences to the purely operational ones such as transport for chemotherapy, electric beds, wheelchairs etc.
Together with help and support of volunteers of all nationalities, MACS receives contributions from individuals, companies, as well as the collaboration of Mojácar Town Council. In the town, the decoration shop "Volverán las Golondrinas" has recently given their prize money for the Christmas Window Contest to MACS.
In 2016, MACS were able to buy a van and, in this year alone have made their services and assistance available to 164 patients along with their families. They also collaborate with the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) and are currently in the process of ensuring that they are to be officially considered as a public service.
BMW Motorcycles launch their new range in Mojácar
The prestigious brand BMW Motorcycles are presenting their latest 2017 models in Mojácar, with an event that began in January and will continue until March. Worldwide, BMW are only making three official launch presentations: one in the USA, one in Asia and one in Mojácar.
More than 300 motorcycles of all types: racers, road, urban and cross-country are at the Hotel Servigroup Marina Playa to be tried out by amateur and professional bikers from all over Europe and guided by BMW, touring Mojácar and the region.
The German company Bike Promotion organizes guided tours in which motorcycle enthusiasts stay in Mojácar for four days and have different circuits each day depending on the type of motorcycle.
These presentations have now been successfully carried out in Mojácar for seven years as, according to the organizers, Mojácar is an ideal venue for lovers of motorcycling, with great weather, good quality roads and sparse traffic enabling the bikers to enjoy and appreciate the new features of motorcycles. To all these benefits must be added the good reception that the riders always receive from the town’s tourist sector and the unconditional support of the Mojácar Tourism Department.
During this annual event, the official launch presentation of the new models is also made to representatives of the media and specialized magazines throughout Europe. Mojácar brings together in the town, the best specialized journalists and outstanding personalities of the motoring world. The event is reported in countless publications aimed at the many people passionate about motoring, motorcycling and cycling.
In an impressive display, the organization brings all kinds of models to Mojácar. This year’s two wheeled offering includes electric scooters, with a range of up to 200 Km.
There is no doubt that these types of events are an important element of the promotion of Mojácar and, a good support to winter tourism which helps the town towards its goal of being a year round tourist destination.
The Valparaiso Foundation and Mojáar Town Council gives scholarships to artist worldwide
Mojácar Town Council and the Valparaiso Foundation have welcomed four new artists and writers, all receiving scholarships from both institutions, so that they have an opportunity to develop their work whilst staying in the town for two weeks.
Alberto Clerencia and Jesús Moreno, who are ‘plastic’ artists, along with Tucker Hollingsworth, an American photographer and Clare Best, an American poet and writer, are currently in Mojácar working on their new creations.
Since May 2016, forty artists have come to the town since the new collaboration between Mojácar Council and the Valparaíso Foundation was set up. By the end of 2017, there will be over 70 artists who have passed through the municipality in this cultural exchange, which also acts to promote of the locality.
Representatives from all creative areas, from all over the world, have written, painted or photographed Mojácar’s points of interest which, along with the bohemian spirit that makes it so unique, are an artist’s inspiration.
Aware of this important legacy, the Town Council, through its Culture Department, collaborates with a number of people including Beatrice Beckett, who settled in with her husband, Paul Beckett, in Mojácar in the 60s. Both were founders of the private institution Valparaíso, dedicated to the promotion of artistic creation and research in the field of fine arts, literature and music.
Mojácar Town Council also operates two exhibition galleries, one at The Fuente and another in the Castillo de Mojácar, where more than twenty exhibitions will be held throughout this year, both individual and collective.
There is an annual outdoor painting marathon, which brings numerous painters to the town from the province and other parts of Spain as well as classes and workshops in painting and photography. It can be said that on every day of the year, there is some sort of activity in Mojácar, ready to be visited.
Mojácar is now, more than ever, a centre of art, in which more than two hundred artists spend time every year, showing their work to local people and visitors alike whilst reflecting the name of the town through their diverse and expressive works.
The writer Ben Clark recites his poems in mojácar
With the statement "Not all poets are dead", the writer Ben Clark began a recital of poetry at Mojácar’s “Rey Alabez" School, to an audience of year 4 E.S.O students.
Ben Clark is currently staying at the Valparaíso Foundation in Mojácar as part of an award programme set up by the Town Council in conjunction with the Foundation, which brings artists from all over the world to the town for a fortnight, to give them an opportunity to further develop their work.
Ben, a Spanish writer of British origin, lives in Ibiza and has received numerous literary awards, among them the Hiperión Prize, the VII National Prize Félix Grande for Young Poets, the IV RNE Young Poet Prize and the Ciutat Prize of Palma Joan Alcover. He has been a literary scholarship recipient at the Antonio Gala Foundation, the Hawthornden Castle International Retreat for Writers in Scotland and the Château de Lavigny International Writers' Residence, Switzerland. He is also a translator of important literary works, a columnist and collaborator with well-known newspapers, activities that he combines with being one of the most recognized current poets.
During their stay at the Foundation, the scholarship holders carry out some activity organised by the Department of Culture, in which they get to interact with different sectors of Mojácar’s residents. The sessions, which often involve young people, allow local people to get a feel for the latest trends in the art world.
In the literature class prior to the meeting with the poet, the students had the chance to find out about his biography and work, in particular one of his poems called "El Regreso", The Return. This was a first contact with contemporary poetry of the moment, of which Clark is a clear exponent. Poems in prose were selected and recited from his numerous works as he managed to capture the attention of more than thirty young people, between the ages of 15 and 16, who attended the session.
Through the young poet, this group of Mojácar students were given an experience of great value, by which he proved that poetry does not have to be boring or old fashioned.
Mojácar represented at the Belgian International Cycling Fair
Emmanuel Agüero, Mojácar’s Tourism Councillor, attended the international cycle show "Velofollies" which was held in the Belgian town of Kortrijk, giving the most complete overview of the cycling world.
This international event not only focussed on the latest trends in professional and amateur cycling, but also showcased a wide range of options for travel possibilities and organized routes based around sports tourism.
Emmanuel travelled directly from FITUR in Madrid to Belgium where he had intense meetings with agencies and tour operators specialising in the cycling sector. Accompanied by María Victoria Hernández, director of Mojácar’s Hotel Marina Playa and representing the hotel company Servigroup, they consolidated important agreements for the municipality, which further reinforces the work done by the town’s Department of Tourism as well as local hoteliers and tourist entrepreneurs.
Emmanuel has been working for some time towards the goal of consolidating sports tourism in the area, to achieve a greater influx of visitors to partake in this type of off season activity. He has maintained his progress towards this key objective at this important Benelux cycling event.
Mojácar, which is already the official venue of the Belgian national cycling team for its winter training, has a firm position at an international level within cycling sports tourism at both amateur and professional levels.
Emmanuel said, "Mojácar is in an optimal situation to compete on equal terms with other localities such as Calpe as a traditional destination for this type of tourism whilst providing more offers and variety".
In recent years, the presence of cyclists on Mojácar’s roads in the winter months has become commonplace. This is viewed as a very important starting point for a wide range of possibilities that are taking shape thanks, according to the Tourism Councillor, to the joint work of the Town Council with all those involved in the tourism sector of Mojácar.
Mojácar´s 1st. Moors and Christians Fiesta Poster Competition
Juan Diego Ingelmo Benavente has been announced winner of the first poster contest for the 2017 Mojácar Moors and Christians Fiesta.
Juan Diego Ingelmo Benavente has been announced winner of the first poster contest for the 2017 Mojácar Moors and Christians Fiesta. The jury was made up of members of Mojácar’s General Association of Moors and Christians, who selected the work, presented by this designer, who was born in Oviedo but now resides in Burriana, Castellón. Juan has had a long professional career and, is one of the leading designers and has won the most awards in Spain for this type of event, covering diverse themes such as fiestas, sports and cultural activities.
Over 10 artists took part in the Mojácar Moors and Christians Fiesta Poster Contest, entering 12 pieces of work between them, each aspiring to win the prize of 300 euros. Among them were hopefuls from the province of Almeria, Murcia and Valencia. The announcement was made at the same time as The Outdoor Painting Marathon, organized by Mojácar Town Council’s Department of Culture.
For Esteban Jesús Vizcaíno Flores, President of the Mojácar’s Moors and Christians General Association, the idea of holding a contest for a poster to announce one of Mojácar's most significant fiestas arose from the need for a change in the range and scope, as well as finding a aesthetic poster more in line with new times and tastes in the world of design.
The winning poster will be presented at FITUR 2017, the International Tourism Fair held in Madrid, as part of the promotional material that the Delegation from Mojácar Town Council will take to the event as a sample of the many interesting touristic things on offer in the town.
III Chistmas window display competition results
Now that the Christmas holidays are over and all the gastronomic and family commitments are fulfilled, Mojácar Town Council has announced the names of the winners of the III Mojácar Christmas Window Display Competition, bringing to a close this year’s Christmas holiday season programme.
The Boutique Palme, located in the Mojácar Parque Comercial, was declared the winner of this popular event, which was supported by entries from a large number of local merchants.
The competition, organized by the Mojácar Councillor for Festivities, is already in its third year and enjoys a high level of support among local businesses whilst encouraging them to create a great Christmas atmosphere all around the town.
The public vote was done this year by using Facebook. "Palme" boutique gained 825 followers or "likes", which earned them the first prize, valued at 500 Euros. The tobacconist La Fuente, with 660 votes, achieved second position and a prize of 300 Euros. In third place, with an award 100 Euros, was the decorations shop "The Vuelta de las Golondrinas" which is located in the old town of Mojácar.
It is worth noting the large number of contestants, as well as the high quality and imagination, of all the shops that took part. Mojácar looked really festive and its window displays attracted the attention of both residents and visitors alike.
Almería´s Tourism representative visits Mojácar
After meeting with Rosmari Cano, the Mayor of Mojácar, along with the town’s Councillor for Tourism, Emmanuel Agüero, Alfredo Valdivia, the Delegate for Tourism, presented the Andalucian Government’s new plans for the sector to the business people and Mayors of the Levante Almeriense region.
The event, which was held at Mojácar’s Hotel Marina Playa, aroused a lot of interest with numerous local business representatives and members of the Levante Almeriense Region Administration in attendance.
Alfredo Valdivia, reiterated the incentives and subsidies already in place, as well as presenting the future initiatives (some of which are already in their preliminary stages) that the Regional Government Tourism Ministry will work on during 2017.
The meeting dealt with several topics of interest to Mojácar and the local area, such as investments in; promotions and installations, increasing sports tourism, improvements to beaches, computerisation and, the improvement of accessibility to municipalities. For all these projects, the necessity of collaboration and talks between the Local Administrations in Tourism was stressed.
The Minister emphasized the importance of continuing to fight the seasonality of the tourism sector which is one of the priorities of the Ministry. He also presented the favourable data obtained at the close of last season, which was the region’s best ever, statistically speaking. During the month of November 2016 for example, tourism in the province of Almeria increased by 45% over the previous year.
He also reiterated the Regional Government’s commitment to the Levante Almeriense area, taking as an example the promotional work at the ITB Fair in Berlin. Also there are the tools available to help those in small, medium enterprises (Pymes) and entrepreneurs in general, in addition to the many subsidies, training courses and technical advice on offer from the Andalucía Lab organisation, among others.
The Three Kings will be in Mojácar on 5th
Their majesties The Three Kings of the East will visit Mojácar to personally deliver their gifts to all the children of the municipality.
After the official welcome from Rosmarí Cano the Mayor of Mojácar and, her fellow councillors, their Majesties will set off from La Fuente to the Centro de Usos Múltiples, where they will distribute the toys.
This year, due to the works on the Plaza Nueva, they have been forced to leave their carriages outside the town and not take their usual route from the old town. However, The Three Kings did not want to miss their date with Mojácar’s youngsters and so, will depart from La Fuente at 17.00h on foot, along with their pages and helpers.
The official entourage, including local dignitaries and Mojácar Municipal Band, will escort The Three Kings and all the residents and visitors who wish to accompany them. Mojácar Town Hall’s Department of Fiestas also want to encourage children to join the royal party dressed up as pages and, if they do not have a suitable outfit, a Council representative will help them find one.
Once they arrive at the Centro de Usos Multiples, they will distribute presents to the 672 children registered in Mojácar born between 2006 and 2016, special gifts that their Majesties have chosen according to the age and gender. Starting with the youngest, the children will receive their own gifts, one by one, in alphabetical order.
No child will be left without their gift in Mojácar because the Magi, always remember to ask if there is any child in the room that has not been named, so they can also collect their gift.
For the distribution of so many toys, their Majesties will be counting on the willing help of Mojácar Town Council’s Government Team.
Mojácar hosts 2nd Flamenco Gala "Zambomba Navideña"
Today, Friday December 30, Mojácar Town Council’s Festivities Department has organized the 2nd Flamenco Gala featuring the well-known group, "Zambomba Navideña".
At 9 p.m, at the Town’s Centro de Usos Múltiples, the flamenco world celebrates Christmas to the sound of the zambomba, a traditional homemade instrument accompanied by tambourines, rattles and a bottle of Anís. Of the numerous Flamenco events that take place throughout the year, the Christmas ones are the most popular.
They take their name from this traditional instrument and, have their origin around the courtyards where, from early December, the residents meet spontaneously to sing carols, bulerías, tangos and all types of flamenco. Its history goes back to the eighteenth century, in the neighbourhoods of Jerez, where they shared food, wine and songs, although it quickly spread throughout Andalucia.
Although there are fewer patio performances nowadays, the tradition has not been lost and is still celebrated in clubs, associations and neighbourhoods, forming groups that are spreading the art and culture from town to town.
In Mojácar tonight, we will be treated to great performances by Ana Alonso, Isabel and María Ángeles Carrillo and Tony Santiago, who will dance to the vocals of Antonio Garcia "El Genial", Cristo Heredia and Eduardo García. Also performing are the guitarists Antonio Luis López and Eduardo Aguilera whilst the percussion is in the hands of Moisés Santiago.
Council approves the 2017 municipal budget
Mojácar has approved the municipal budgets of 2017, in a special council meeting. For the next financial year, the Consistory will have a general budget amounting to 10,115,375 Euros.
Rosmarí Cano, Mayor of Mojácar, is very pleased with the financial plans presented by the Council’s Popular Party, saying: "these are real, austere and balanced budgets. They guarantee the payment of wages to workers and suppliers bills within a maximum period of one month". She also added that it also takes into account the payments of the municipality’s ICO loan, as well as continuing to reduce its principal, as has been achieved in the last three years.
With respect to municipal expenditure, the wage bill, the largest cost of all, remains the same as in 2016. The increased expenditure of 11.14% on goods and services is due to improvements to the Town and, the growth of the municipality and its facilities.
With regard to infrastructure investments, the most important items for 2017 are centred on the expropriation of land of the third phase of the Paseo Marítimo and the cost of Coastal road improvements. Also included is the installation of public lighting in the area of Marina de la Torre and, beach improvements such as: walkways, rescue modules, toilets, etc. Various streets in the locality will also be tarmacked and refurbished. The acquisition and improvement of computer equipment and motorcycles for the Local Police are likewise scheduled.
In terms of income, the main source of financing is the Property Tax or IBI, which represents 53.12% of the budget, just over 5 million euros, followed by the Tax on the Increase of Value of Natural Urban Land.
The budgets were approved with votes in favour by the Popular Party Group and Union Mojaquera.
Mayor and councillors onto "Almería Today"
The Mayor of Mojácar, Rosmarí Cano, accompanied by Councillors María Luisa Pérez (for Non-Spanish Speaking Residents) and Emmanuel Agüero (for Tourism), were recently interviewed on the English language local radio station, Spectrum.
The programme "Almería today”, hosted by Richard Shanley, invited the senior members of the Mojácar administration to review 2016, as well as give a preview of the municipal plans for 2017.
Topics of interest, such as the Paseo Marítimo and the planned beach relief road were covered, in a relaxed chat that did not miss out Richard’s question on the Town Council’s position regarding the Brexit issue. Both the Mayor of Mojácar and the Councillor for Foreigners confirmed the municipal position, in continuing to support and offer the same services to the British population, regardless of the UK's membership in the European Union.
During the programme, Richard Shanley and the Mayor agreed to make contact with Spectrum listeners a feature every other month, in order to keep everyone up to date with municipality news. The Mayor and her team also took the opportunity to wish the entire British population of the municipality a Happy Christmas and New Year.
Spectrum FM Mojácar, Almería, is part of Spain's largest English-language radio network, committed to providing the local community with all the latest information. It has established itself in the years that it has been broadcasting as the local reference station, both for news and music. "Almería Today" is broadcast from Mojácar, Monday to Friday, from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.
The Mojácar Local Police have a new patrol car
The Mojácar Local Police have recently gained a new all-terrain vehicle, a Seat, Ateca that is already at work for the municipality.
The car has the latest low-profile LED roof warning light bridge which allows greater visibility, even in case of adverse weather. Likewise, the exterior markings are applied with a special high visibility paint of that allows easy identification of the vehicle.
For emergencies, the new vehicle has fire extinguishers, a first aid kit, flashlights, a radio transmitter and siren, as well as other equipment that varies according to the needs of the task in hand. The acquisition of this new 30,000 Euro vehicle has increased the Local Police fleet to 7 cars.
The purchase of two motor scooters is planned for the next year to help the movement of Mojácar Local Police agents throughout the municipality.
Emmanuel Agüero, Mojácar Councillor for Security reiterated the intention of the Municipality in adapting, updating and improving the resources already available to the town’s Local Police.
With regard to the work carried out by the Mojácar Local Police, Mr. Agüero wanted to highlight his satisfaction with the quality of the service they provide to residents and visitors alike: "It is a police force that we are very proud of and it is rewarding to see their good work recognized at the regional level, as shown by the award given to them by the Andalucian Government in November".
Santa Claus visits the Mojácar municipal Nursery
Arriving directly from the snowy Arctic regions, Santa Claus, accompanied by some of his helpers, visited the "Garabatos" municipal nursery to personally deliver some of the presents that will be distributed to all the children in the world this Christmas.
All the centre’s children received their personal gifts directly from the hands of Santa Claus himself, a total of 60 gifts in all.
The children were accompanied by their parents, their 8 teaching monitors and Raquel Belmonte, Mojácar Councillor for Children, who officially welcomed Father Christmas to the centre and informed him of the children’s progress, as well as pointing out the new improvements to the facilities.
Inevitably, the sudden visit of such an eminent person caused some anxiety and a few tears from the little ones at first, but they all ended with big smiles on their faces when they were presented with their toys.
The day at the nursery finished with a snack accompanied by refreshments and of course, unwrapping gifts, playing games and other fun.