Inspirational local ladies are lacing up their walking boots this May for the Women’s Warrior Walk, a monumental two-day challenge covering the distance from El Paraiso (between Marbella and Estepona) to Gibraltar. Starting on May 9, a group of over 30 determined women will embark on a 63km journey to raise essential funds for Cure DHDDS. This UK-registered charity (number 1202643) works tirelessly to fund life-changing research for a condition that currently has no known cure.

Understanding DHDDS: A battle for a brighter future

DHDDS gene mutations represent an ultra-rare neurological condition. Patients typically face a range of progressive symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, balance issues, and seizures. Cognitive impairment and physical challenges can start from birth, making early medical intervention a top priority for families.

Local resident Zoe and her family launched the charity three years ago after two of her grandchildren received this diagnosis. Faced with a lack of available hospital treatments due to the extreme rarity of the disease, the family took matters into their own hands to drive and promote scientific progress.

Join the Warrior Walk from El Paraíso to Gibraltar

Participation and sponsorship from the Costa del Sol community remain vital for the success of this mission. Every Euro donated travels directly to scientific laboratories to power medical breakthroughs. Local businesses, including Organic Cold Pressed Juicery and Da Grappa Restaurante, have already stepped up to provide support.

Community members can get involved by sponsoring the walkers or providing practical assistance during the trek on 9 and 10 May. Business sponsors gain visibility through logo placement on official event T-shirts and across social media platforms.

Hope is on the horizon for children living with DHDDS. Interested parties should visit curedhdds.org or contact Zoe directly at +34 670 069 623 to donate or learn how to join the ranks of these local warriors.

The award-winning PaGAGini from Yllana Teatro and violinist Ara Malikian takes to the stage on Friday, April 24. 

The celebrated and unconventional show will be held at Estepona’s Auditorio Felipe VI for a single performance of live music and fun. 

The event is a co-production between Yllana Teatro, one of Spain’s foremost physical comedy companies and internationally renowned virtuoso violinist Ara Malikian. Together, they have created a fantastically different show that is part classical concert, part comedy performance, and entirely unique.

The unique show aims to make classical music accessible to a wider audience

PaGAGnini takes audiences on a journey through some of the greatest moments in classical music, but with a twist. Four highly skilled musicians perform the pieces live while Yllana’s trademark brand of humour and organised chaos unfolds around them. The result is what the creators themselves describe as a “Des-Concierto”, a deliberate play on the Spanish word for concert. Classical music is fused with other musical styles in a way that is both surprising and highly entertaining.

The show is designed to break down the barriers that can make classical music feel inaccessible for some people, opening up the genre to a wider audience without sacrificing musical quality. Audiences who may never have sat through a traditional recital are invited to discover the beauty of classical passages from an entirely different, and hilarious, point of view. 

The award winning show is performed in over 20 countries

PaGAGnini has performed in more than 20 countries and collected a number of prestigious awards along the way. The date in Estepona gives people an exciting opportunity to see a world-class production on their doorstep.

The venue, Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI, is located at Calle Diputado Ignacio Mena, in the centre of Estepona. The performance begins at 9pm on Friday, April 24.

Tickets are currently on sale via the theatre website. For those who prefer to purchase in person, the box office at the venue will also be open on the day of the performance, from two hours before the show begins.

For an evening of classical cackles check out PaGAGnini and their one of a kind show. 

Marbella town hall has strengthened beach accessibility across the municipality this season, with nine assisted bathing points now in operation along the coastline. The service launched during Holy Week and will remain active until the end of September covering the full length of the summer season.

Positioned every two and a half to three kilometres, the points provide uninterrupted coverage from Cabopino in the east to Guadalmina in the west, spanning the full 27 kilometres of Marbella’s coastline. No matter where you choose to spend your beach day, assistance is never far away.

Mayor Angeles Muñoz explained the thinking behind the initiative: “Marbella is very fortunate to have 27 kilometres of coastline and we understood long ago that we should implement all possible resources so that anyone, regardless of their circumstances, can enjoy our beaches.” She described the distribution as guaranteeing “complete coverage” along the shoreline and called it “a clear commitment to inclusion and quality.”

The glorious beaches can now be fully enjoyed by everyone

The service includes amphibious chairs and specialised staff who assist people with reduced mobility, elderly residents from care homes, and those with special needs. Importantly, accessing the service is straightforward. Anyone requiring support simply needs to make a phone call to arrange their assistance and enjoy bathing in complete safety.

Physical infrastructure has also been improved alongside the staffed service. Beach access walkways have been widened from 1.5 metres to three metres, a change that significantly improves mobility and ease of access to the shore for users with difficulties.

Mayor Muñoz also noted that the programme is already well used by senior care homes, whose residents benefit greatly from the opportunity to enjoy a safe and comfortable day by the sea.

Marbella’s world-famous beaches can now be fully enjoyed by everyone, with the nine points spread along the coast and trained staff on hand throughout the summer. The service runs until the end of September, those interested can book this assisted bathing service through the free telephone number 658 618 333.