Archive for On the Costa del Sol
Carnival ‘Madness’ in Malaga (and the rest of the Costa del Sol)
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We’re just a few days away from the start of Carnival Season and most towns and cities on the Costa del Sol are gearing up for a week of fun and entertainment.
Although the Carnaval is celebrated all over Andalacia – The Cadiz Carnival is probably the most famous – for the purpose of this article, we’re going to focus on the Málaga Carnival; only 25 minutes from our hotel and easily accessible, it’s a ‘must visit’ if you are planning a trip to the Costa del Sol in February.
We’re lucky enough to enjoy mild winters and this luxury allows the city of Málaga to live one of its most colourful, multicultural and spontaneous festivities of the year: The Carnival.
With hundreds of activities and events taking place during the week long (sometimes a little longer) festivities, you’re guaranteed to have a ball! Read More→
Fuengirola Launches New Gastronomic Initiative: “Grandma’s Casserole”
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From the 17th to the 26th February, Fuengirola will be presenting their latest gastronomic offering to help promote the town’s restaurants and bars: the 1st ‘Cazuela dela Abuela’ (literally translated as Grandma’s Casserole).
During the event, visitors and locals will be able to sample delicious home made stews, like the ones our grandma’s used to prepare! For the very reasonable price of €2, all participating restaurants will serve up a generous helping of warm stew (served in a clay bowl) and a drink; you can choose beer, wine or a soft drink.
Fuengirola continues to experiment and innovate with these original themed events designed to promote the towns gastronomic offering – a perfect example is last years Erotic Tapas Route – There is no doubt that this type of activity helps support the restaurant trade which, during the quiet winter months, can use all the help they can get to fill their establishments. Read More→
Rockin Race Jamboree 2012: 4 Days of the Best Music from the 50’s
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There’s not long to go now! In just over a week, the 2012 edition of the Rockin Race Jamboree kicks off in Torremolinos. From the 2nd February to the 5th February, music fans and visitors can attend this unique event which has become the largest festival in Spain dedicated to music of the 50’s and early 60’s. For 4 intense days, 19 international artists and groups will play the best of Rockabilly, Rhythm & Blues, Surf and other musical styles from the era.
Once again, the Rockin Race Jamboree will take place at the Palacio de Congresos de Torremolinos. Now in its 18th year, this popular festival has undergone notable growth attracting thousands of people – the organizers estimate attendance to be more than 3000 people this year – from Europe, United States, Japan and even from Australia! Read More→
Chinese New Year Celebrations at the Costa del Sol Racecourse
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I know, I know, you’re just recovering from New Year’s celebrations and here I am enticing you to celebrate again; this time, for Chinese New Year!
The Costa del Sol Racecourse will be hosting a special Chinese New Year celebration this coming Sunday the 15th January 2012. Starting at 4pm – which is 11pm inChina – the event is open to all residents and visitors to theCosta del Sol and is absolutely free J
All those who attend will be treated to performances by local dance groups as well as a special performance by well known Chinese dance group Jin Fan; made up of 25 dancers, this group of entertainers will be flown in from Beijing specially for the event which is financed by the Chinese government.
The Chinese New Year celebrations at the Costa del Sol racecourse are also sponsored by the Chinese Association in Andalucía and the Association of the Qingtián Community in the South of Spain.
Those of you who are a little more knowledgeable about Chinese culture might have realised that these celebrations are actually a week early as the Year of the Dragon actually starts on the 22nd January! The reason for this is that the Jin Fan group hired for the event has to be back in China on that date…
Anyway, could be an interesting event to attend; something a little different for all those of you visiting the Costa del Sol, or indeed, those of you living here 
Let us know how you get on!
Three Kings Parade in Benalmadena
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The kids are getting excited as their favourite day of the year approaches: Three Kings. As is tradition here in Spain, families congregate to watch the popular Three Kings parades which take place in most towns and cities. This year, Benalmadena town hall has organised a fantastic parade which you wont want to miss.
Official Route of the 3 Kings Parade in Benalmadena
12:00 pm – The 3 Kings arrive by boat at the Marina’s eastern pier. Upon arrival, they will head to the area between Avenida Alay and Antonio Machado; fromm here, the children will have the opportunity to hand over their letters (with their present wish list) to the 3 wise men as well as enjoy entertainment and animation which has been organised. The local business association will also donate a large number of gifts and toys which will be handed out amongst all children who attend the arrival of the Three Kings. Read More→
The Best Freestyle Motocross Comes to Málaga
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The best of freestyle motocross comes back to Málaga (the Martín Carpena Sports Arena). The 4th edition of “Freestyle Ciudad de Málaga” is set to be an unforgettable spectacle with some of the sports biggest names attending.
The impressive list of riders is headed by non other than Dany Torres, local hero(from Sevilla) and proud winner of the recent Red Bull X-Fighters World Championship held in Sydney, Australia. Read More→
3 Chances to Watch “The Nutcracker” Ballet in Málaga
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If you enjoy Ballet, you’ll be delighted to know that the Cervantes Theatre inMalaga will be showing three performances of “The Nutcracker”.
Performed by the Russian National Theatre Ballet of Moscow, this Christmas classic is sure to be a great success. Inspired on A. Dumas’ adaptation of E.T.A Hoffman’s famous story, The Nutcracker narrates the story of a young girl’s adventures with her only Christmas present; a nutcracker in the shape of a small soldier which comes to life. Together they travel to the magical Sweet kingdom where they are welcomed by the Sugar Fairy, candy sticks and marzipan figures.
Prestigious French choreographer M. Petipa put together the original choreography for this successful ballet; the unforgettable music of Tchaikovsky adds magic to a performance that you surely wont want to miss.
Performances of “The Nutcracker” will be on the following days:
- Thursday 22nd December at 9:00 pm
- Thursday 29th December at 9:00 pm
- Friday 30th December at 9:00 pm
Tickets are priced from €22 and can be purchased at the Cervantes Theatre.
Why not combine a night at the ballet with a romantic weekend getaway at Sunset Beach Club. Apartments available from just €45 per night… Go to www.sunsetbeachclub.com for more information and to check availability.
Cirque du Soleil Visit Málaga with New Show “Alegría”
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Málaga is set to become the first Spanish city to welcome Cirque du Soleil’s new show, “Alegría”.
From the 1st to the 4th December, Cirque du Soleil fans – and those who plan to experience their magic for the first time – will be able to watch the exciting new show at the Martin Carpena Sports and Events Hall in Málaga.
The show promises to be every bit as spectacular as previous Cirque du Soleil performances, with a total of 55 artists (because they truly are artists!) made up of 15 different nationalities. The unique mix of athleticism, artistic flair, amazing costumes, spectacular make-up and live music make this a show not to be missed.
The following is a descriptive excerpt taken from the “Alegría” website: Read More→
Fuengirola’s EroticTapas Route: A “Spicy” Gastronomic Adventure
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On the 1st November 2011, our neighbouring town of Fuengirola kicked off the 3rd edition of the “Ruta dela Tapa Erótica” (Erotic Tapas Route), a simple and original idea which, in the last couple of years, has become a reference all over Spain.
Up until the 20th November, visitors to Fuengirola will be able to enjoy this traditional Spanish snack, with a slightly “spicy” touch. This year, the route sees 69 different establishments take part, each preparing a sensual and fun tapa, with creativity and flair being the main ingredients.
Anyone who visits one of the participating restaurants or bars will be able to sample one of these “erotic” tapas and a cool beer for a – very reasonable – €1.5. They will also have the chance to enter a fun competition; all they have to do is pick up a “pasaporte del tapeo” (special tapas passport) at the Tourist Office or in participating establishments. Once they are equipped with their passports, they have to make sure they get it stamped every time they try a different tapa.
The aim of the competition is to complete the passport with the stamps of 10 different establishments and vote on a favourite tapa. Once the passport is full, they have to hand it in at the Tourist Office to be entered into the fantastic prize draw; these are some of the great prizes they can win: Mediterranean cruise for 2 people; 42”Plasma TV; Romantic weekend break; lunches, dinners, and, of course, one or two more erotic gifts
During last years edition of the “Ruta dela Tapa”, more than 120,000 tapas were served. From what we can see, this year could see them surpass that figure; during the first day of this year’s event, some establishments sold more than 700 tapas!
Valderrama Hosts the 2011 Andalucía Masters
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From the 27th to the 30th October 2011, the Costa del Sol will once again become the mecca of European Golf as the Andalucia Masters travels to the world famous Valderrama Golf Club in Sotogrande.
Defending champion, Graeme McDowell is back to defend the title he won last year and will be up against some tough opposition as this years line up includes some of the top players on the European Tour: Darren Clarke, Martin Kaymer, Justin Rose, the Molinari Brothers and local favourites Miguel Angel Jiménez and Sergio García will all take to the course on Thursday 27th October2011 in an attempt to win part of the hefty 3 million prize pot! Read More→
