Almeria
‘Coffee with the Mayor’: Vera’s new approach to strengthen community engagement
Vera Town Hall has introduced a new community engagement initiative titled ‘Coffee with the Mayor’, aimed at strengthening communication between local residents and municipal leaders. The initiative creates an informal and accessible setting where citizens can openly share their ideas, concerns and suggestions directly with decision-makers.
A new approach to community engagement in Vera
The first session was held on Monday, March 30, at The Work Club, located within the Casa Orozco building. The mayor met with a group of young residents, fostering a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged honest conversation and active participation. The informal nature of the meeting allowed attendees to feel more comfortable expressing their views, contributing to a constructive and open dialogue.
Also present at the meeting were the First Deputy Mayor and the councillor responsible for Culture, Heritage, Sport and Youth. Their participation ensured that a wide range of perspectives from the local administration were represented, enabling more comprehensive responses to the issues raised.
Youth voices at the centre of local decision-making
During the session, young participants highlighted several topics of importance, including ideas for improving local services, cultural activities and opportunities for youth engagement. This direct exchange of perspectives provided valuable insight into the priorities and expectations of younger members of the community.
The initiative reflects a growing commitment to placing youth voices at the centre of local governance. By actively listening to their concerns, the council aims to develop more responsive policies that better reflect the needs of the population.
Strengthening participation and transparent governance
‘Coffee with the Mayor’ is set to continue in the coming months, with future sessions planned for different groups and sectors within the community. The initiative is expected to become a key tool in promoting transparency, participation and trust between the council and residents.
Local authorities have emphasised the importance of such initiatives in building a more inclusive model of governance. By encouraging ongoing dialogue and citizen involvement, Vera is taking meaningful steps towards a more connected and collaborative future.
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In Garrucha, right on the water’s edge, is a delicious and truly idyllic dinning spot, where the fish is as fresh as you’d expect for a restaurant a stone’s throw from the ocean.
An impressive sea view
Boracay Beach will blow you away before you even take a look at the menu. Its beautiful outdoor terrace offers stunning sea views. Mere meters from the beach, you can sit back and watch as the wave’s role onto the sand and boats sail past. Sitting there, you’ll feel like you’re on holiday, even if you’ve been living on the coast for years.
This is by no means a hidden gem. Hordes of people stop by for breakfast, lunch and dinner meaning the restaurant is nearly always full. Sometimes this does translate to longer wait times but the picturesque view more than makes up for it. Sit back, relax and lose yourself in the ambience.
For the full experience, aim for a sunset reservation. As you relax with a glass of wine or take the first bite of your meal, watch as the sun dips below the horizon.
A tapas menu worth talking about
While their entire menu is impressive, their tapas menu is especially worth raving about. It doesn’t do anything special, but it does do everything right. Classic dishes made from quality produce, expertly cooked and beautifully presented.
For such high-quality food served against such a beautiful backdrop, the prices are incredibly reasonable. Traditional tapas like Abondigas or Patas Bravas are available for €1.80, while more luxurious dishes like Ratatouille, Red Tuna or Pork Tenderloin Skewers range from €2 to €3.80.
A popular place for paella
Boracay beach is also a popular spot for paella. Choose between the mixed or the seafood paella and wait as patiently as you can until it is served to you in a giant flat pan. In addition to paella, the menu boasts an abundance of delicious rice dishes.
This is an ideal dish for sharing, especially considering it’s served to a minimum of two people. Like with every Boracay dish, the portion sizes are generous so there will be plenty to go around.
There’s also plenty of option for picky eaters – Chicken and Chips, Croquettes, Sirloin Steak – so don’t feel like you have to leave them at home.
Where to find Boracay Beach
Boracay Beach can be found at Paseo del Malecon, 19 in Garrucha. Reserve a table in advance by calling 950 460 647 or visiting their website boracaygarrucha.com.
2026 Moors and Christians festival announced with parade Credit: Turismo de Mojacar / Facebook
Mojácar has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2026 Moors and Christians Festival, marking one of the most important cultural celebrations in the province of Almería. The announcement was made in dramatic style with a symbolic parade through the heart of Almería’s capital, showcasing the colour, tradition and theatricality that define the annual event.
Theatrical parade through the heart of Almería
A group of around one hundred residents from Mojácar took to the streets of Almería city centre to present the upcoming festival programme. The procession travelled from the Provincial Palace to Puerta Purchena, drawing the attention of passers-by as it brought a taste of medieval history into the modern city.
At the centre of the parade were 26 costumed participants, equally divided between Moors and Christians, dressed in richly detailed traditional outfits. Their presence offered a vivid preview of the historical reenactments and performances that will form the highlight of the 2026 celebrations. Adding to the atmosphere, live musical groups accompanied the procession, filling the streets with festive rhythms and enhancing the sense of spectacle.
A celebration of history, coexistence and cultural identity
The Moors and Christians Festival in Mojácar is deeply rooted in the history of the region, commemorating the peaceful surrender of the town to the Christian King in 1488. Today, it has evolved into a broader celebration of cultural identity, coexistence and mutual respect between different traditions and religions.
Held annually on the weekend closest to June 12, the festival brings together locals and visitors in a shared appreciation of Mojácar’s unique heritage.
The 2026 edition will take place from 11 to 14 June, promising an extended programme of events and performances.
Programme highlights for the 2026 festival
The 2026 festival is expected to feature a wide range of activities designed to immerse attendees in medieval history and pageantry. Among the anticipated highlights are large-scale street parades, a detailed historical reenactment of the town’s surrender, and a spectacular medieval jousting tournament.
These events are designed to combine entertainment with education, allowing visitors to experience the traditions and historical narratives that have shaped Mojácar’s identity over centuries.
Official presentation and local pride
The official unveiling of the festival programme concluded with the presentation of the 2026 festival poster, alongside speeches from civic leaders, including the Mayor of Almería and Mojácar’s mayor, Francisco García. The mayor of Mojácar described the festival as the “most important celebration in the province of Almería”, highlighting its significance for both cultural tourism and local pride.
With its blend of history, pageantry and community spirit, the Mojácar Moors and Christians Festival continues to stand as one of southern Spain’s most vibrant and meaningful cultural events.
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