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.