Marenostrum Fuengirola is taking live music to a new level this season with the incredible introduction of haptic t-shirts that allow concertgoers to physically feel the music through vibrations and sensory feedback. Developed by local Rhytmo, the innovation is designed to make live performances more accessible and immersive for people with hearing difficulties, meaning they can experience rhythm, bass, and musical intensity in a new and inclusive way.

How the haptic T-shirts work

Rhytmo’s garments are fitted with sensors and electrostimulators that convert sound into vibrations felt directly through the skin. Rather than simply listening, wearers experience rhythm, bass, and melody as physical pulses creating what the company describes as a fully immersive alternative sensory experience. Each garment costs around €300 to produce.

Rhytmo transforms music into physical sensations via electrostimulation, creating a new experience that engages other senses,” said Josema Ezquerra, Chief Executive of Rhytmo.

How can I get one this summer at Marenostrum Fuengirola 

This first phase will have approximately 20 t-shirts made available at concerts on the main Unicaja stage, with priority given to those with hearing or visual disabilities.  Anyone wishing to use one must contact the venue at least 24 hours before the event by emailing accesibilidad@marenostrumfuengirola.es, where staff will confirm availability and protocol.

A summer lineup worth feeling

This year’s line up is equally as impressive as the last. The iconic Sting performs on July 13, with Gipsy Kings following on August 9. Latin superstars Romeo Santos and Prince Royce are also due to perform and many, many others. 

The long-term accessibility commitment

Marenostrum Fuengirola has operated an accessibility Plan since 2019, partnering with Fundacion Music For All since 2023. Further measures this season include vibrating backpacks, magnetic hearing loops, subtitles, and sign language interpreters.

Rodrigo Rodríguez, Fuengirola’s Councillor for Culture, confirmed the goal is for every fan to enjoy live music on equal terms, regardless of physical ability.

For more information on the t-shirts and their other sensory equipment visit the Rhytmo website and for the festival visit the Marenostrum pages directly. 

The Costa Calida town of Mazarron is once again preparing to celebrate its young local talent and creativity within the fine arts, with the return of its popular “A Escena” theatre programme. This is a popular cultural initiative that places young performers in the spotlight, and with a varied programme of works, the event is expected to be a major draw for locals and visitors alike this spring.

A springtime event to inspire theatregoers in Mazarron

Running from May 19 to June 3, the event will take place at the town’s Cultural Centre auditorium, where audiences can enjoy the programme free of charge. The initiative, organised by the Universidad Popular de Mazarron, unites schools, theatre groups and educational institutions in a celebration of drama, aimed primarily at children and young people in the municipality.

A programme, putting Mazarron’s young talents in the spotlight

Forming a major part of “A Escena” are the XXIX Theatre Days for Children and the XXIV Theatre Days for Youth, two events that highlight the importance of the performing arts in education. Morning performances are dedicated to younger audiences, with primary school students presenting imaginative and complex theatre productions. These shows not only entertain, but also encourage values including creativity, teamwork and confidence among the little ones of the municipality.

The programme continues with musical storytelling and original plays from secondary school students and other groups, which explore themes like unity, camaraderie and mental and emotional wellbeing. The programme’s evening performances will shift the focus to youth theatre, featuring more complex works staged by student companies. Titles including Todo por el petróleo (“Everything for Oil”) and Arbitrium demonstrate the range and ambition of Mazarron’s emerging young talents.

Commitment to community theatre and fostering young actors and producers

“A Escena” also reflects Mazarron’s wider commitment to culture and community participation. By offering free access to theatre and showcasing local talent, the event reinforces the role of the arts as a vital part of civic life.

As the curtain rises once again on the young talents of the Costa Calida, the “A Escena” programme promises to bring together both performers and audiences in a shared celebration of storytelling, ensuring that theatre continues to thrive in this vibrant Murcia cultural and theatrical hotspot.

Flip-flop fans in Spain, Italy and other parts of Europe are being warned that wearing flip-flops in the wrong place could lead to unexpected fines. 

European authorities have stepped up seasonal safety campaigns ahead of what hopes to be another busy holiday season. Some social media posts often claim flip-flops are “illegal” across southern Europe, but this isn’t the reality. In most cases, tourists are not fined for the footwear itself, but officials do believe it creates a safety risk.

In Spain, drivers can face fines of up to €200 if police decide their footwear affects safe control of the vehicle. Over in Italy, tourists hiking the famous Cinque Terre coastal trails have been warned they could receive penalties ranging from €50 to as much as a huge €2,500 for wearing flip-flops or unsuitable shoes on steep routes.

Spain’s DGT clarifies the driving rule

Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has repeatedly clarified that there is no specific national law banning flip-flops while driving. However, officers can still issue penalties under road safety regulations requiring drivers to maintain full control of their vehicle at all times. Traffic police may intervene if footwear appears to interfere with pedal control, reduce freedom of movement, slip beneath pedals, or affect reaction times. That means loose sandals, flip-flops, high heels and even driving barefoot could potentially become an issue if dangerous driving is observed or an accident occurs.

This warning is extra relevant for tourists hiring cars in the busier areas over the summer. 

Italy’s hiking fines are very real

Italy has taken a tougher approach, particularly in Cinque Terre National Park on the Ligurian coast. Authorities introduced the rules after repeated mountain rescue incidents involving tourists attempting steep cliffside trails in beach footwear. The warning is that open shoes such as flip-flops and sandals are unsuitable for the terrain and can result in substantial fines.

Cinque Terre’s hiking routes connect five beautiful villages and attract huge numbers of visitors every summer, mostly cruise passengers and day-trippers with many tourists who underestimate the difficulty of the trails because of the area’s beach-town image.

Why authorities are concerned

Safety experts say the issue is stability and control. Driving with loose footwear means they can slip off while braking, become trapped beneath pedals, or reduce precision during emergency manoeuvres. With the hikers, flip-flops increase the risk of slips on rocky terrain, twisted ankles, falls near steep edges, and emergency rescue situations.

Online travel forums prove that many tourists remain confused about how strictly the rules are enforced. Some Reddit users visiting Cinque Terre this year reported seeing checks on hiking trails, while others said enforcement appeared inconsistent.

What you should know for this summer

Tourists travelling to and through Europe are advised to keep proper driving shoes in the car, wear suitable trainers or hiking shoes on mountain trails, and check local safety guidance before visiting protected tourist areas.

Don’t spoil your holiday and get caught with a fine over something as simple as a flip flop.