THE main Nordic tour operators have visited Fuengirola this week to enjoy the town and the Feria.
This first familiarisation trip seeks to advertise the city in countries such as Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Estonia.
Visitors were presented local hotels, specialties and monuments such as Bioparc, Sohail Castle or the sea promenade.
The Feria of Rosario was also visited in a horse carriage including a flamenco show.
Mayor Esperanza Oña said she was sure the tour operators “would love Fuengirola, its living standards and the high level of public and private services”. The purpose of the initiative is to gain new contracts for the local tourism, to foster economy and employment.

AROUND 200 people attended the Christian Cultural Music concert held in Plaza de la Mezquita in Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena. A variety of styles of music were performed by musicians from Malaga to Estepona, including African, Flamenco, contemporary Christian worship songs and hymns. The event was opened by the Culture Councillor and also attended by the Sports Councillor.

FLAMENCO dancer, Sara Baras, stopped by Benidorm to perform ‘La Pepa,’ in honour of the 200th anniversary of the first Spanish Constitution.
For nearly two hours, Baras put on the show that premiered in her native Cadiz on March 19, on the bicentennial of the enactment of the Magna Carta in 1812.
Baras personified the title character, an allegory of hope and freedom, but also joy in the tough times during the Pennisular War between Spain and France. The piece was set in the artist’s home city of Cadiz.
Seats in the Julio Iglesias Auditorium in the Parque de l’Aiguera were filled last Saturday with audience members who came to enjoy the show brought to Benidorm by the Council of Festivals and Events.

MALAGA’S annual August feria is underway. The exuberant 10-day long street party, with plenty of flamenco and spirits, started Friday and continues until Sunday with two entertainment zones. 

The ‘Day Fair’ in the historic centre of the city has undergone several changes this year, sparking criticism from journalists and politicians alike. The recently created marquee with live DJs for young people has been called a ‘dangerous ghetto’ where youth take drugs and fight. Nevertheless, according to historic centre resident, Nicolas Morales, “the centre is more traditional now the music has been controlled, and people aren’t any wilder at the youth marquee than in other areas downtown.”  When asked about the noise, he stated that “the music is loud, but it’s only playing during the day, and it’s no worse than Holy Week music which is played until late at night; it’s just another one of our local traditions.” 

The main feria is the Real de la Feria in the Cortijo de Torres district, where the ‘Night Fair’ takes place from about 9pm until dawn. Large booths are set up for entertainment and refreshment around which swirling dancers and waiters rush around. Outside is the dazzling fair with soaring Ferris wheels, roller coasters and careering dodgem cars with thunderous music blaring out from the various attractions. 

Article by Nicole Hallett and Daphne Hilarides

WENDY PORTER, Valerie McGlade and Lucy Steward were the winners of the third Mazarron Dance Festival held in Camposol. The ‘Flamenco For All’ Dance Center, directed by Raquel Peña saw the three dancers winning four gold medals, one silver and Valerie McGlade a trophy for highest points in the adult category. 

The competition is a non-profit event and sponsored by La Caixa Bank, DK Casa Care, Fiestas Camposol, Ken Sherwood Garage, Vistas de Murcia, The Adam Steward Foundation, Teatro Canavero and Murcia Dance.

The Flamenco For All Dance Center and the Sevillanas Club will start their activities again the begining of September, for information on class schedules and activities please call 630 689 431 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.