Motril is preparing events for International Day against Violence against Women on November 25, with this year’s campaign focusing on financial abuse affecting older women.

Organised by the town hall’s Equality Department and Municipal Women’s Council, the programme carries the slogan ‘Roots that support against gender-based violence’. Funding comes from Spain’s Ministry of Equality.

Financial abuse under the spotlight

A key event takes place on Friday, November 13, when Motril hosts its sixth Legal Conference on Gender-Based Violence at the Museo Jose Hernandez Quero.

This year’s conference will examine economic abuse, bringing together academic, legal and social care specialists. Discussions will look at how financial control can be identified, particularly among older women, and why social services and legal professionals need to work together.

Economic abuse can include restricting access to money or controlling household finances. EWN has previously examined hidden financial abuse in Spain. Attendance is free, but advance registration is required.

A relationship workshop, ‘Mi amor por ti, tu amor por mí’, is scheduled for November 13 at the Centro Civico de la Matraquilla, from 10am to noon.

School and community events

Activities continue on November 24 with a workshop about respectful relationships for pupils at the primary school CEIP Ave Maria Esparraguera, led by illustrator Violeta Monreal. An illustrated children’s story, Acacia y el viento, by Mercedes M. Alfaya, will be presented at the Centro de Arte Jose Hernandez Quero at noon. A musical intergenerational gathering follows at Motril Conservatory at 7pm.

The main 25N event takes place at the Teatro Calderon de la Barca at 10.30am, with the reading of an official manifesto and participation from local schoolchildren. The programme also includes a meeting between women’s associations from Motril and Huetor Vega.

Motril’s deputy mayor for Equality, Inmaculada Torres, said the programme was intended to strengthen prevention, support and protection, while encouraging residents across Motril to build a society free from violence against women.

A small donation at the supermarket till this weekend could help ensure families across Malaga have food on the table this winter. Bancosol, the Costa del Sol Food Bank, is holding its Great Food Collection, or Gran Recogida de Alimentos, on Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14. Residents throughout the region are being encouraged to take part.

Andalucia’s delegate for Social Services, Families and Equality, Laura Valle, has called on people across Malaga and the Axarquia to show commitment, generosity and solidarity.

How residents can donate

It is easy to take part. Shoppers can visit a participating supermarket and ask staff to add a donation to their receipt. Contributions start from just €1, making the campaign accessible to anyone who wants to help but cannot give a large amount.

Bancosol is encouraging monetary donations rather than physical food this year. Money allows the charity to purchase exactly what its partner organisations need, while helping it manage stock, storage and distribution more efficiently.

People who prefer to give from home can use Bizum, Spain’s instant mobile-payment service, with the code 00887. Donations can also be made at the checkout in participating supermarkets across the province.

Support for vulnerable families

Bancosol hopes to raise more than €450,000 during the two-day campaign. Funds will help the organisation continue providing food support to 20,589 vulnerable people through 129 social organisations across the area.

Nearly a third of those receiving help are children or young people. Bancosol says rising living costs and ongoing hardship mean public generosity is essential to maintaining supplies for families who might otherwise go without.

A community effort in the Axarquia

Volunteers will be at collection points to explain the campaign, encourage donations and thank shoppers for their support. Around 4,000 people are expected to help across Malaga province, including students from the Santa Rosa de Lima education centre.

Local organisations in the Axarquia have long played an important role in the annual collection. Past campaigns have involved town halls, charities and volunteers from local towns including Nerja and Velez-Malaga, helping bring the province-wide effort closer to neighbourhoods across the region.

Last year’s Great Food Collection raised €450,000, and Bancosol is hoping the community will help it surpass that total in 2026. Every donation, however small, contributes to a wider network of support for households in need.

Supermarkets joining the appeal

Major supermarket chains are taking part, including Grupo MAS, Carrefour, El Corte Ingles, Alcampo, Eroski, Dia, El Jamon and Mercadona. With 285 stores involved, shoppers in Axarquia towns and villages should easily be able to find a nearby collection point.

Bancosol says there is no minimum donation and no pressure to give more than a person can afford. Every contribution helps the charity continue its work supporting vulnerable households who need it most.

A charity car gathering in Motril is set to bring more than 400 vehicles together, with the event raising funds to give disadvantaged children a summer break in 2027. It follows other charity car gatherings in Andalucia which have brought motoring enthusiasts together to support worthwhile causes.

The first Concentración Solidaria de Motril will take place at the town’s Recinto Ferial on Saturday, November 14. Organised by Mijitas Racing Club and charity INPAVI, the event is expected to attract classic cars, sports and rally vehicles, customised models, motorcycles and trucks. The region has previously hosted other charity classic car rallies in Spain, as well as popular classic car events in Malaga Province.

Fast and Furious “drift” event

Visitors will also be able to see cars inspired by the Fast & Furious films, while a drift zone is planned for controlled driving demonstrations. Entry for the public is free, making the gathering an option for motoring enthusiasts.

Money raised will support INPAVI’s Educa Vida summer camp, which provides activities and support for children from families facing financial difficulties. Motril Town Hall says the fundraising target is to provide places for 80 children in 2027.

The summer scheme gives children a safe and structured place to go when school closes. Activities include educational support, social activities and daily meals, helping families who may struggle to afford organised childcare and holiday activities. The University of Granada’s information about Educa Vida explains the programme’s educational and social objectives.

Raffle, competitions and foodtrucks

More than 50 volunteers from INPAVI teams in Motril, Granada and Malaga are expected to help run the event. A charity raffle will offer prizes worth more than €900, while children can enjoy bouncy castles, face painting, drawing and games.

Food stalls are also planned, with burgers, hot dogs, kebabs, baked potatoes, waffles and sweets available. Vehicle exhibitors will pay €15 to enter their cars or motorcycles, with seven categories of prizes due to be awarded at 4pm.

The gathering runs from 10am to 5pm at the Recinto Ferial. Motril’s official event announcement and the official tourism calendar provide further details for anyone planning to attend. Organisers hope the combination of unusual vehicles, family activities and fundraising will draw a large crowd and help give local children a summer experience they might otherwise miss.