Around 100 palm trees are being transplanted into Orihuela’s historic Palmeral as part of efforts to protect one of the city’s most important natural landscapes. The new trees will replace lost specimens, helping to preserve the Palmeral’s traditional appearance while ensuring younger palms are established for future generations.

One hundred palms planted in historic Palmeral

The trees have come from the council’s own municipal nursery and are being planted in gaps left where older palms have been lost.

The work forms part of the regular conservation and maintenance programme for the Palmeral, one of Orihuela’s most important natural and historic landscapes.

The latest planting is designed to maintain the number of palms within the site and prevent gaps from gradually changing the appearance of the historic landscape.

Younger trees replace lost palm specimens

Replacing lost trees also provides a younger generation of palms to gradually take the place of mature specimens as they reach the end of their lives.

The council says this is important for maintaining the traditional appearance and structure of the Palmeral rather than allowing the number of trees to slowly decline.

By introducing younger specimens alongside established palms, the conservation programme aims to maintain the landscape over the longer term rather than simply replacing trees when they disappear.

Municipal nursery supplies replacement palm trees

Using palms grown in the municipal nursery means specimens can be selected and planted according to the environmental and conservation requirements of the site.

The approach also allows the council to draw on its own supply of trees for the ongoing replacement programme.

The Palmeral has a long connection with Orihuela’s history and identity, and requires regular monitoring, maintenance and replacement planting to preserve its distinctive landscape.

Council continues Palmeral conservation programme

Councillor for the Environment Noelia Grao said the latest transplanting work forms part of those continuing efforts to protect the Palmeral and maintain its tree population.

The planting of around 100 palms represents another stage in the wider maintenance programme, helping to ensure the historic site retains its characteristic appearance.

With replacement trees being introduced where older specimens have been lost, the council hopes to safeguard the Palmeral’s distinctive landscape for residents and future generations.

Art, dance and live music are bringing a varied cultural programme to Catral this November, with three events at the town’s Casa de Cultura. From landscapes inspired by the light of eastern Spain to a dance tribute honouring pioneering women and a concert celebrating the patron saint of musicians, residents have plenty of opportunities to enjoy local culture throughout the month.

Levant Lights exhibition showcases Spanish landscapes

Local painter Aron Martinez is showcasing his Levant Lights Art Exhibition at the Casa de Cultura.

The exhibition features a collection of what the artist describes as “sensitive landscapes”, inspired by the light and scenery of eastern Spain.

It will remain open until Sunday, November 15, with opportunities to visit during the week and at weekends.

The collection offers visitors a chance to explore the artist’s interpretation of the region’s landscapes, with the distinctive light of eastern Spain providing the inspiration behind the works.

Dance performance honours pioneering Spanish women

Dance follows on Saturday, November 14, when the Arraigo company performs Open the Door at 8:00 PM.

The production pays tribute to Las Sinsombrero, the pioneering female artists and writers associated with Spain’s Generation of ’27.

Through dance, the performance brings attention to the creative contributions of women whose work formed part of an important period in Spanish cultural history.

The event adds a different artistic dimension to Catral’s November programme, following the landscape exhibition with a live stage production.

Santa Cecilia concert celebrates musical tradition

Music rounds off the trio of events on Saturday, November 21, when the Symphonic Band of Sociedad Union Musical La Constancia celebrates the patron saint of musicians, Santa Cecilia.

Conducted by Mario Ortuno, the concert begins at 8:00 PM.

The performance continues the tradition of marking Santa Cecilia with live music, bringing the town’s musical community together for an evening at the Casa de Cultura.

All events take place at Casa de Cultura

All three events take place at the Casa de Cultura, Calle Oscar Espla, 03158 Catral.

With painting, contemporary dance and a symphonic concert included, the November Cultural programme offers something for audiences with different artistic interests.

For more information, contact Catral Town Hall on (+34) 965 723 001.

Thousands of people are expected to turn Elche pink on Sunday, November 22, as the city’s annual Breast Cancer Run and Walk returns for its 22nd edition. With more than 9,000 participants expected, the event will bring together runners, walkers and families for a morning of sport, entertainment and fundraising in support of local breast cancer association AMACMEC.

More than 9,000 expected at Elche charity event

The 22nd annual Breast Cancer Run and Walk takes place on Sunday, November 22, raising funds and awareness for local breast cancer association AMACMEC.

More than 9,000 people are expected to take part, with a choice between a 10km run and a 5km walk, making the event suitable for serious runners, families and those simply wanting to support the cause.

Both routes leave Paseo de la Estacion at 10:00 AM.

The choice of distances allows people with different levels of fitness to get involved, whether they want to compete in the run or enjoy the walk while supporting the charity.

Registration includes T-shirt and refreshments

Entry costs €12 for adults and €5 for children aged up to 12, including an event T-shirt, refreshments, a free lunch and activities.

Registration is available through AMACMEC, participating sales points and online at chiplevante.com, with entries remaining open until the day of the event.

The event provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to support the association while taking part in one of Elche’s biggest annual charity gatherings.

Zumba and children’s race add to fun

The morning continues with a Zumba session at 11:45 AM and a children’s race at 12:30 PM, with youngsters taking part receiving a commemorative medal.

There will also be inflatables, crafts and more Zumba, giving families plenty to enjoy beyond the main run and walk.

Prizes will be presented to the first three men and women across the finish line.

Charity morning finishes at 1:30 PM

The event is due to finish at 1:30 PM, following a morning of running, walking and family entertainment.

With thousands expected to join the event, the 22nd edition will once again bring the Elche community together to raise awareness of breast cancer and support the work of AMACMEC.