The heir presumptive to the Spanish throne, Princess Leonor of Asturias, surprised the attendees of the Inter-University Regatta, held in Santiago de la Ribera, by presenting as part of the AGAE (Air Force and Space Academy) team. The princess, as the eldest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, is currently in the final stage of her aeronautical training at the General Air and Space Academy, and received the silver medal presented to her and her classmates at the event.

The Regatta was won by the University of Murcia, followed by AGAE, UCAM, the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, and the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid.

Princess Leonor of Asturias: Hardworking, studious, and ‘one of us’ in the hearts of all Murcians

Recently, the Royal Household announced that the princess will be studying Political Science at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid from the next academic year as part of a four-year undergraduate degree.

Earlier this year, Princess Leonor received an institutional honour from the region: the Gold Medal of the Region of Murcia. It is the highest honour available in the region. The heir presumptive to the Spanish throne was welcomed in San Javier, Murcia during her military training at the Air Force and Space Academy. Since her time in military training, the heir presumptive to the Spanish throne has been considered a true Murcian at heart, and her admiration for the region and the whole of the Costa Calida has filled local residents with pride.

San Javier’s weekend of regattas

Additionally, another regatta took place on the following Sunday morning, wherein ten teams from the Armed Forces, Security Forces, Local Police, Emergency Services, and Murcia Firefighters competed in Dragon Boat races. During this regatta, AGAE took home the gold, followed by Murcia Firefighters, the Guardia Civil, and the San Javier Local Police, who finished in fourth place.

The Costa Calida hub of Cartagena recently celebrated its Mercado del Encanto, a public market dedicated to design, crafts, and putting local artisans in the spotlight. Taking place at the Casino on Calle Mayor, the new spring edition of the market was celebrated over the weekend of Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, and saw great success with residents and visitors to Cartagena stopping by to purchase local goods and participate in a fun-filled raffle.

A meeting point for local creatives and excited shoppers

The Mercado del Encanto was a meeting point dedicated specifically to the creatives of the municipality, with a special selection of exhibitors, both local and national, showing off their products. Among the featured items available for purchase at the market were fashion items, accessories, jewelry, and interior decoration items, all original pieces with their own identity.

The winner of the raffle got the opportunity to take home a basket of products from all the exhibitors gathered there.

The market proved itself to be a prime opportunity for visitors to take home something unique and distinctly Murcian. Made by hand with locally sourced products and with special, creative care, the products were a huge success and made the Casino on Calle Mayor the popular spot of the weekend, especially for lovers of fashion, interior decoration, and handmade and unique products.

Giving small creators a much-needed boost

The event was also important for the boosting of local commerce and small creators and artisans, who depend on these types of markets to sell their goods and reach a wider audience. Over time, the Mercado del Encanto has been establishing itself as an essential event in the city’s cultural and commercial calendar, and offers a leisure experience in an emblematic setting, perfect for discovering unique pieces and enjoying a carefully curated atmosphere.

Cartagena officials invite all residents and visitors to be on the lookout for the next edition of the Mercado del Encanto and take part in this emblematic and fun celebration of local talents.

Classical dressage has returned to Murcia in the form of a competition, which took place on Saturday, April 25 in the municipality of Mazarron. The competition took place at the Virgen del Milagro Equestrian Club, bringing together riders of different levels and focused on promoting the sport of dressage and boosting new talents within this discipline. 

Classical dressage takes centre stage in Mazarron

The programme included different events revolving around classical dressage and introductory dressage. In addition, the organisation planned a full day with prizes and trophies for the participants, as well as a canteen service for attendees and companions.

This competition is part of the sports promotion activities in the Region and has the collaboration of different entities and organizations, consolidating Mazarron as a point of reference for equestrian sport.

It was the second major dressage competition taking place in the Region of Murcia this month; the first was an international dressage competition, featuring 120 pairs of competitors from 16 different countries, and was carried out at the Aros – Rios Equestrian Club in Murcia City from April 10 to April 12.

Event follows the first international dressage competition in Murcia

The event, the first international dressage competition taking place in Murcia, converted the Region into an essential meeting point for riders and horses of a high competitive level. The competition has already built a prestigious reputation, scoring in the international ranking and forming part of the official calendar of the International Equestrian Federation.

In addition to this event, the Aros – Rios Equestrian Club in Murcia City is scheduled to host the Spanish Dressage Championship for Young Horses, which will take place from October 1 to October 4, 2026.

With these successful events, Murcia has been consolidated as a prime hotspot for this type of equestrian sport in Spain, and the quick growth of the sport following the very first international competition just weeks ago shows that residents and visitors are as excited about the possibilities as the athletes are.