A charity car gathering in Motril is set to bring more than 400 vehicles together, with the event raising funds to give disadvantaged children a summer break in 2027. It follows other charity car gatherings in Andalucia which have brought motoring enthusiasts together to support worthwhile causes.

The first Concentración Solidaria de Motril will take place at the town’s Recinto Ferial on Saturday, November 14. Organised by Mijitas Racing Club and charity INPAVI, the event is expected to attract classic cars, sports and rally vehicles, customised models, motorcycles and trucks. The region has previously hosted other charity classic car rallies in Spain, as well as popular classic car events in Malaga Province.

Fast and Furious “drift” event

Visitors will also be able to see cars inspired by the Fast & Furious films, while a drift zone is planned for controlled driving demonstrations. Entry for the public is free, making the gathering an option for motoring enthusiasts.

Money raised will support INPAVI’s Educa Vida summer camp, which provides activities and support for children from families facing financial difficulties. Motril Town Hall says the fundraising target is to provide places for 80 children in 2027.

The summer scheme gives children a safe and structured place to go when school closes. Activities include educational support, social activities and daily meals, helping families who may struggle to afford organised childcare and holiday activities. The University of Granada’s information about Educa Vida explains the programme’s educational and social objectives.

Raffle, competitions and foodtrucks

More than 50 volunteers from INPAVI teams in Motril, Granada and Malaga are expected to help run the event. A charity raffle will offer prizes worth more than €900, while children can enjoy bouncy castles, face painting, drawing and games.

Food stalls are also planned, with burgers, hot dogs, kebabs, baked potatoes, waffles and sweets available. Vehicle exhibitors will pay €15 to enter their cars or motorcycles, with seven categories of prizes due to be awarded at 4pm.

The gathering runs from 10am to 5pm at the Recinto Ferial. Motril’s official event announcement and the official tourism calendar provide further details for anyone planning to attend. Organisers hope the combination of unusual vehicles, family activities and fundraising will draw a large crowd and help give local children a summer experience they might otherwise miss.

Around 700 people took to the streets of Salobreña on Sunday, November 8, to support the fight against cancer at the town’s first Salobreña en Marcha contra el Cáncer.

Organised by the local branch of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), the charity event brought together residents of all ages for a colourful show of community support.

Event a show of community support

Rather than being a competitive sporting event, the initiative was designed to encourage people to get involved, enjoy themselves and contribute to an important cause. Participants joined the colourful march, helping raise funds for the AECC’s work supporting people affected by cancer, as well as its prevention programmes and scientific research.

The association provides practical and emotional assistance to cancer patients and their families, including psychological support, social services and help with financial difficulties that can accompany treatment. Research funding is another important part of its work, helping scientists develop better ways to prevent, detect and treat the disease.

The impressive turnout was particularly encouraging given that this was the first edition of the Salobreña event. Organisers had hoped to bring the community together behind the cause, and the 700 participants demonstrated considerable local support.

Pink wave sweeps through Salobreña

The march had originally been planned for October 18 but was postponed because of the weather, eventually taking place on November 8. Similar initiatives have attracted strong support elsewhere in southern Spain, including the Mijas Marea Rosa walk and cancer awareness activities in Nerja.

Salobreña’s streets were filled with colour on Sunday, but the message behind the event was serious: cancer affects families across the community, and local support can make a meaningful difference.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes will be fulfilling dog lovers’ dreams on the Costa del Sol this Saturday and Sunday, with the return of the National and International Dog Show in Torremolinos. If last year is anything to go by, well over a thousand beautifully groomed canines will head to the town for one of Spain’s most respected dog shows, and to make it even better, it’s absolutely free.

When and where to go

Organised by the Costa del Sol Canine Society (Sociedad Canina Costa del Sol), the 57th National Dog Show and 39th International Dog Show takes place on November 14 and 15 at the Palacio de Congresos de Torremolinos. Doors open bright and early, from 8am to 6.30pm on both days, and admission costs nothing. Families, first-time visitors and seasoned dog show fans are all welcome.

Big crowds expected again

Last year’s event counted 1,300 dogs of more than 200 breeds, and the 2024 edition pulled in more than 12,000 visitors, so arriving early is sensible if you want a good spot by the rings.

Judges will weigh up how closely each dog matches its breed standard, as well as how well it can do the job it was bred for. Every breed has top honours on offer: the CAC and CACIB, two certificates that count towards Spanish and international championship titles. Those titles are recognised by the Real Sociedad Canina de Espana (Spain’s Royal Canine Society) and the FCI, the world canine federation that oversees pedigree dog shows.

Special breed contests will be held for Poodles and Dobermans. The Huella de Oro, or Golden Paw Print, will crown a champion of champions. Grand Finals and Best in Show come with specialist commentators on hand, so the action is easy to follow even if you have never watched a dog show before.

Young handlers and star performers

Youngsters get their moment too. The Junior Handler contest, where young people present their dogs in the ring, doubles as a qualifier for the Spanish national league.

Live demonstrations will fill the gaps between judging sessions in the central ring, so you will never be bored. Spain’s state security forces will bring their K-9 unit to demonstrate obedience and detection skills, and visitors will see a guide dog for blind people at work. A water rescue display with Spanish Water Dogs will take place in an outdoor pool.

Last year, police dogs including German Shepherds and Rottweilers drew some of the biggest applause. Torremolinos police officer Alvaro Diaz told reporters that the town’s canine unit is the oldest in any local police force in Spain, which makes it a source of real local pride.

Grooming, glamour and a famous winner

Behind the scenes, the grooming area is a treat in itself. In 2025, groomers explained how vital regular brushing is for long-haired breeds such as the Afghan Hound, while Poodles were being primped for the ring. Society president Manuel Ramirez said the show celebrates the deep bond between owners and their pets, and the top prize last year went to an Irish Wolfhound called Keith, who was guided by handler David Osorio.

A diploma for your own pet

Anyone who brings a four-legged friend can try the Social Dog test at no charge. Dogs that take part receive a diploma and a tag, which makes a lovely souvenir for proud owners.

Check the Sociedad Canina Costa del Sol website or social media pages for the latest timetable, and make sure your phone is fully charged so you can photograph plenty of gorgeous fluffy faces.