CaixaBank Volunteering has successfully mobilised some 350 volunteers, and benefited thousands of vulnerable people in the Region of Murcia in a “Social Month” event that broke records. The event, which took place at the end of May and for the beginning of June, saw 75 solidarity activities carried out in the region across 35 local social groups.

Thousands of vulnerable people across Murcia benefit from massive charity effort

To be specific, more than 4,000 vulnerable people in the Region of Murcia benefited from this fourth edition of the social charity event, which saw 7 per cent more volunteers participate than in the previous edition and consolidating CaixaBank Volunteering as one of the largest corporate volunteering programmes on a national scale.

This “Social Month” event also coincided with the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, promoted by the United Nations, which recognises the contribution of volunteering groups and organisations.

How CaixaBank helped: From rescued animals to those without financial resources to the elderly

Some of the most notable activities included 24 volunteers collaborating with the association Autismo Somos Todos (AMUDEF) on a solidarity walk that brought together 300 beneficiaries in Cartagena; and in Molina de Segura, around twenty volunteers participated in a day with the Centauro Quirón Foundation and collaborated in the daily care of rescued animals. This initiative also included the participation of CaixaBank Group employees and the collaboration of the “La Caixa” Foundation.

The vulnerable people benefiting across the Region of Murcia and beyond from the “Social Month” initiative included elderly people, people with disabilities, those who lacked financial education, those who needed help with digital inclusion, and other, broader areas including environmental protection, culture, social inclusion, and sports.

More than 150,000 people helped in Spain

Across Spain, more than 19,500 volunteers have participated in “Social Month” activities, benefiting more than 155,000 people with low resources or in vulnerable situations.

CaixaBank Volunteering is one of the largest volunteering initiatives in Spain, and it brings solidarity closer to all citizens in the International Year of Volunteering. The association boasts a history of more than 20 years.

The Costa Calida city of Cartagena has given a historic boost to its policies in aid of seniors in the municipality with the 16th edition of the Senior Citizens’ Fair, an event that brought together a total of 42 organisations in the Parque de los Juncos. The fair also represents the tripling of the budget for the aid to seniors in the last two years, and this “comprehensive and successful model of active aging” will be presented to the World Health Organisation in San Sebastian as a glowing example of how to help the more elderly residents of the municipality.

A vibrant celebration of senior citizens with everything from health checks to live performances

The 16th Senior Citizens’ Fair, which was open on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, was a vibrant showcase of the resources available in Cartagena for the elderly population. The event featured a strong presence from local neighbourhood associations, women’s groups, senior citizens’ clubs (including those in Perin, El Albujon, Miranda, and Santa Ana), and non-profit organisations, including the Red Cross and Caritas San Diego.

During the weekend, attendees had uninterrupted access to hearing tests, blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests, and diabetes screenings. The fair’s programme, apart from these health-related initiatives, also included a fun aspect, with demonstrations and workshops, collections for charities, social events, musical performances, and active events.

Active participation to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Additionally, Sunday, June 14 saw a strong social focus to the fair with the commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is officially observed on Monday, June 15. Cartagena observed this day with an active hike along the Senior Trail to the Castillo de la Concepcion at 11:30am, as well as a reading of the institutional manifesto to reaffirm Cartagena’s commitment to the well-being and protection of its senior citizens.

Projects to protect senior citizens in Cartagena

In total, the 42 active organisations participating in the Senior Citizens’ Fair boast more than 10,000 members across the Region of Murcia and beyond. These organisations work to prevent and combat senior loneliness, make the digital divide more manageable for seniors, help boost health initiatives, and tackle other problems that disproportionately affect the older residents of the Costa Calida.

One such project is ‘Neighbourhood Neighbour,’ an initiative created to combat unwanted loneliness and which is already operating successfully in areas including the Old Town, San Anton, and El Algar, and will soon reach Pozo Estrecho.

The Cartagena City Council, in total, has exceeded €11 million in its investment to essential services for senior citizens, including home care, respite care, telecare, and day centres.

During the first days of June, Puerto de Mazarron became the epicentre of fine gastronomy on the Costa Calida with the special Rojo & Red Gastronomic Days 2026 event, a programme that brought together three talented, Michelin-starred chefs from the Basque Country in the idyllic southeastern municipality. The event combined haute cuisine, tastings, music, and activities for the whole family, and re-established Puerto de Mazarron as a hub for food and culture in Murcia.

An event that united world-class chefs in Puerto de Mazarron

The 2026 edition of the event took place from Friday, June 5 to Tuesday, June 9 on the Paseo Agustín Herrerín. Already established as one of the great gastronomic events of the Region of Murcia, this year was dedicated to the vibrant and savoury Basque cuisine and brought together industry-leading chefs, producers, wineries, and hospitality establishments. The programme highlighted culinary excellence, boosted tourism, and gave a jolt of life to the local Puerto de Mazarron economy.

One of the main draws of this edition of the event was the participation of three renowned chefs from the Basque Country, all of whom were awarded the coveted and prestigious Michelin star: Sergio Ortiz, from Restaurante Zarate in Bilbao; Julen Bergantiños, from Restaurante Islares in Bilbao; and Fernando González, from Restaurante La Revelia in Amorebieta.

There were also chefs representing the Region of Murcia present, including David López from Local de Ensayo; Joaquín Madrid from El Rincón de Joaquín; Pedro Buitrago from Tándem; and Antonio Velázquez, from El Portillo.

Workshops, tastings, and even children’s activities: An event for the whole family

The grand event included gastronomic presentations, cooking workshops, tastings for tapas, snacks, and wines, concerts, DJ sessions, and children’s activities, all culminating in an event for the whole family to enjoy, and a place where residents and visitors can learn about fine Basque cuisine.

Participating companies and groups

Numerous establishments participated in the organisation of the event, including Maguro Square Sushi, La Gente Restaurante, Ouh! Mami, Bodegas Delampa, Isla Salá Cafetería, La Concha Gastrobar, Arrozaxo, Ostrea Catering, Bodega Undersea, Oceánica, Salazones Valera, La Taxi Burguer, Wai Kai Surf Bar, Amorina Pastelería, Por Derecho Vinos, Ice Monkey Helados and Churrería Bernardo. The well-established event was also made possible by the support of Estrella de Levante and Coca Cola.

Giving Puerto de Mazarron a boost

The event also coincided with June 9, the Day of the Region of Murcia, drawing even more visitors to Puerto de Mazarron’s idyllic shores, shining cultural events, and charming inland areas.

Once more, Puerto de Mazarron has been placed on the gastronomic map, this time by Michelin-starred talents in a well-established event that combined food, leisure, culture, fun, and a family-friendly vibe for its entire duration.