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Almería “mega marathon” blood drive breaks record with 1,000 donations

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1,001 people donate blood and plasma in donation marathon
Credit: Shutterstock, Gorodenkoff

Thursday, May 7, was a truly remarkable day in Almería, as over one thousand people took part in the XVII Almería Donation Marathon, donating their time, blood and plasma to the crucially important cause

Mega blood marathon

Not just any blood drive, this was a “mega-marathon”. Organisers anticipated a big turnout and even hoped to eclipse last year’s campaign which attracted 868 donors, including 654 blood donors and 150 plasma donors.

In anticipation of the large-scale blood drive, over 55 healthcare professionals were mobilised to manage the donations and ensure participant’s comfort, and 26 specialist plasma donation machines were installed to improve efficiency.

Over 1,000 blood and plasma donations collected

The event began at 9.30am and by mid-morning more than 350 donors had already visited the blood drive. Long queues continued throughout the afternoon as local residents responded to repeated calls for support ahead of the busy summer period.

By the end of the day, the Donation Marathon surpassed one thousand donations for the first time ever. A total of 1,001 donations were collected, including 779 blood donations and 222 plasma donations, breaking the previous record of 989. Organisers described the achievement as a major milestone that further establishes Almería as one of Spain’s leading provinces for donation campaigns.

Why plasma donations are so important

This year’s campaign placed a special focus on plasma donation, with organisers keen to increase awareness of its life-saving role in modern medicine. Plasma is used to produce treatments that cannot be manufactured artificially and is essential for patients suffering from immune disorders, clotting conditions such as haemophilia, severe burns and other serious illnesses.

The 222 plasma donations collected represented a significant increase on last year’s figures, highlighting growing public awareness of its importance

Almería maintains strong blood reserves ahead of summer

Almería currently maintains high levels of blood stock, with reserves estimated at seven to eight days, above the national average of six days. Health officials say campaigns such as the Donation Marathon are vital in helping hospitals prepare for the summer months, when blood reserves often fall due to increased demand and fewer donors.

Medical professionals praised the generosity and solidarity shown by residents throughout the marathon. Thanks to the continued commitment of donors and healthcare staff, hospitals across the province are able to continue operating with strong reserves and without the need for urgent public appeals.

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Almeria

Taste the Mediterranean: gourmet olive oil tasting in Mojacar

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Treat your taste buds to a decadent experience at LaCala Beach Bar with a one-of-a-kind gourmet tasting, hosted by one of Spain’s leading olive oil producers.

Each year, Campos de Seralba blend traditional farming methods with sustainable production techniques to deliver an exquisite harvest of extra virgin olive oil. Each drop is made all the better for the generations’ worth of knowledge and care infused into every bottle. Their commitment to quality has helped establish the producer as one of the most respected names in Spanish olive oil.

Campos de Seralba, traditional olive oil producers

By combining time-honoured agricultural practices with environmentally conscious production, Campos de Seralba continue to produce oils recognised for their depth of flavour and exceptional quality. The producer’s careful harvesting methods and attention to detail ensure every bottle captures the character of the Mediterranean landscape.

On May 22, award-winning sommelier Alba Sanchez will lead a small, intimate group on a gastronomic journey through the world of premium olive oil tasting. Four different varieties will be on offer, including early harvest, extra virgin, arbequina and olive oil selections, each carefully chosen to showcase unique flavour profiles and aromas.

Mediterranean olive oil and chocolate pairing experience

More than simply sampling Campos de Seralba’s products, guests will be guided through a full sensory experience. Alba Sanchez will help attendees experience the oils with every one of their senses, exploring the layers of flavour, rich aromas and varied textures found within each sample. From peppery and robust notes to softer, fruitier finishes, the tasting aims to reveal the complexity behind high-quality olive oil production.

Each sample of oil will be accompanied by a sweet bite of artisanal flavoured chocolate, allowing guests to discover how beautifully olive oil pairs with contrasting flavour profiles including sweet, salty and spicy combinations. The carefully selected pairings promise a memorable and unexpected culinary experience by the Mediterranean.

Gourmet food events and tastings on the Almería coast

The tasting, scheduled to begin at 7pm, costs just €20 per person, with reservations available through the LaCala Beach Bar’s social media or by filling out this online form. Attendees will also have the option to stay for dinner afterwards, extending the evening with a more varied taste of Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed beachfront setting.

With limited places expected to fill quickly, the event offers food lovers  the opportunity to enjoy an intimate evening centred around one of Spain’s most celebrated culinary traditions.

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Almeria

Costa de Almeria newspaper 7 – 13 May 2026

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Euro Weekly News delivers the latest news and events for Mojacar, Albox, Antas, Arboleas and Huercal Overa all in one place in English.

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Almeria

Vera streets brought to life in open-air painting competition

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The XXII “Vera City” Open Air Painting Marathon once again transformed the streets of Vera into a vibrant open-air gallery, attracting artists from across the region to take part in this much-anticipated cultural event. Organised by Afipintura Asociación in collaboration with the Vera Town Hall, the day-long art marathon continues to strengthen the town’s reputation as a hub for artistic expression.

A celebration of art in the streets of Vera

From early morning, painters set up their easels across the municipality, capturing some of Vera’s most picturesque streets, historic corners and everyday life. The event invites both amateur and professional artists to interpret the town in their own unique style, resulting in a diverse and colourful collection of works created within just a few hours.

Although the day began with light rain, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of participants. Many adapted by working under shelter or adjusting their compositions, proving that creativity can thrive even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

Convento de la Victoria hosts final exhibition

As the day progressed, attention shifted to the surroundings of the Convento de la Victoria, where the completed paintings were exhibited. Visitors and organisers gathered to admire the variety of interpretations, highlighting the richness of Vera’s landscapes and urban scenes through different artistic lenses.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony held in the evening, bringing together participants, organisers and art enthusiasts to celebrate the achievements of the day.

Winners of the XXII “Vera City” Open Air Painting Marathon

Carlos Montero Gil was awarded the prestigious first national “Vera City” prize, receiving €2,000. The second “Maraú” prize went to Cristóbal León García, while Rafael Carrascal secured third place with the “Bayra” award. A total of €8,500 in prize money was awarded during the event.

The marathon closed on a high note, reinforcing Vera’s cultural identity and leaving behind a lasting impression of creativity, resilience and artistic talent.

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