Local democracy took a major step forward in Salobreña as authorities held the first Citizen Forum titled ‘La Salobreña que vivimos’. Attendees gained direct input into local council decisions and taxpayer spending for the first time in this structured way.

Citizen input drives new participation rules

Neighbours and community groups gathered to share ideas on the upcoming Citizen Participation Regulation, due for approval before summer. Discussions covered participation models, meeting venues and how often gatherings should occur. Organisers collected preferences to build a system that turns resident suggestions into actual policies improving daily life across the town and its districts of Lobres, La Caleta and La Guardia.

Experience from Armilla informs the Salobreña model

Participants learned from a proven example in Armilla on the outskirts of Granada. The council from there explained how resident proposals feed directly into annual council budgets. Their presentation encouraged both local councillors and ordinary people in Salobreña to commit fully, saying that such processes strengthen community belonging and shared responsibility.

Mayor emphasises “power to the people”

Javier Ortega Prados, mayor of Salobreña, expressed that he was extremely pleased with the event and thanked everyone who took part. He stated clearly that the goal involves giving decision-making power to residents themselves. With the regulation still in draft stage, this moment offers a rare chance for locals to define exactly how they wish to engage. Ortega added that citizen participation represents the strongest opportunity for Salobreña, insisting the town’s future must grow through collective effort. Further meetings will follow to widen involvement and establish sector-specific councils.

Planned tools bring government closer to communities

Strategies include forming an economic and social council, various sector councils and neighbourhood councils focused on areas such as the historic centre, Lobres and La Caleta-La Guardia. Other measures will encompass participatory budgets, citizen initiatives and digital platforms enabling input from anywhere. A new open questionnaire will launch soon as a broader survey to refine the model, which has now started officially.

Next phase builds more open administration

This initial forum launches a wider project called Salobreña Participa. Authorities hope to create a more transparent and inclusive local government where resident input plays a central role in shaping council plans. Continued dialogue will help close the loop between ideas and concrete actions benefiting everyone in the town.

Are you a resident of Salobreña? What would you propose for your town via the new public participation forum?

Age Concern Marbella & San Pedro have been in touch to disseminate tried and tested ways to protect your property from opportunistic thieves this summer season with simple steps recommended by local experts. Many expats will be planning to travel this summer season, and opportunists can take advantage of empty properties. Age Concern Marbella-San Pedro share their years of knowledge with practical advice to deter criminals and keep homes safe without high costs or hassle.

1. Create the illusion of occupancy at all times

Homeowners away for even brief periods must hide any indication of their absence. Burglars often pose as utility workers or delivery staff during daylight hours. Timer switches help lights activate at random intervals to suggest someone remains inside. Water plants thoroughly before departure or position delicate varieties in shaded water bowls. These measures reduce obvious vacancy signals that attract unwanted attention.

2. Strengthen entry points with basic upgrades

Proper locks on doors and windows form an essential first defence. Properties without security grilles benefit from quality fittings installed promptly. Solar-powered lights on exterior walls and stairwells activate automatically upon movement at night to discourage approaches. Windows stay closed even in warm conditions, particularly those hidden from street view. Curtains or lowered Persian blinds add a further layer of privacy and concealment.

3. Consider modern alarm options for added peace of mind

Alarm systems equipped with camera features can provide effective monitoring. Comparisons between several providers will reveal suitable packages and current promotions for new installations. Research makes sure choices match individual needs and budgets in the local area.

4. Exercise caution with social media updates

Posts about holidays or time away on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram reveal empty properties to potential intruders. Thieves monitor these channels to identify targets. Avoiding such public announcements prevents unnecessary invitations to crime.

5. Address additional fire and safety hazards

Clear dry vegetation and debris from gardens and terraces, especially in fire-risk zones common to the Costa del Sol. Unplug electrical items and switch off boilers when leaving the premises unoccupied. These actions minimise multiple dangers during extended absences.

Age Concern Marbella – San Pedro encourages community members to submit further suggestions via email to info@ageconcernmarbella.com. Volunteers will distribute useful ideas to support local safety efforts. Contact the helpline on +34 689 355 198 for advice tailored to the Marbella and San Pedro region.

Horror was witnessed on the streets of Beas de Segura, in the Jaen Province of northern Andalucia when, during a traditional running of the bulls, one raging bull attacked and killed a 33-year-old cattle breeder during traditional festivities. Santiago Barrero San Román suffered multiple deep wounds to his abdomen, groin and chest in full view of shocked onlookers on April 24.

Deadly chaos in the toros enogados event

The incident took place around 7pm during the “desencajonamiento”, when bulls are released from crates and guided by ropes through the town to the local bull ring. Participants and spectators gathered for the San Marcos fiestas, declared of touristic interest in Andalucia. Video footage, which spread rapidly online, captured Barrero attempting to reach safety behind a barrier as the animal charged repeatedly. Several men tried to distract the bull and pull on its rope, yet the beast continued its assault, tossing and dragging the victim along the ground. Emergency teams rushed him to a temporary medical post, but he died about an hour later despite efforts to save him.

Foreign residents in Spain often encounter these popular bull events without full awareness of the risks. Unlike formal corridas in grand arenas, toros ensogados involve bulls on ropes running through streets, drawing the whole village into close proximity to the action. Unbeknown to many tourists visiting Spain each year, such activities carry genuine danger even for experienced handlers.

Caution for visitors considering bull-related events

Anyone curious about and thinking of attending a “corrida” or street bull festival should recognise the inherent hazards. Bulls weigh over 500kg and act on powerful instincts. Serious gorings like this one happen every season, sometimes with fatal results. Medical support exists at most events, yet proximity to unpredictable animals like this demands caution and respect for boundaries. Newcomers might view these colourful traditions as exciting fun, but participants and bystanders face real physical threats that demand experience and awareness.

Why incidents seem frequent in 2026.

Several high-profile cases have drawn attention early in the season. Just days earlier, star matador Morante de la Puebla suffered a severe goring in Seville’s Maestranza arena during the April Fair. The bull pierced his body and caused a painful internal injury that required emergency surgery. Another retired matador died in a corral accident in Malaga around the same period.

Spain hosts thousands of bull-related events yearly, from formal fights to local street releases. While overall fatalities remain relatively low, clusters of news stories create an impression of increased frequency, but numbers so far in 2026 have been relatively standard. Data from recent years shows no dramatic rise compared to previous seasons, but the sheer volume of festivals across Andalucia and other regions keeps risks present.

Fate of the bull after such attacks

Bulls involved in these incidents face the same outcome as others in Spanish taurine events. Organisers do not spare animals that cause injury or death. In street festivals like toros ensogados, the bull usually returns to its owner or proceeds to slaughter for meat consumption. Formal corridas end with the matador killing the bull by sword in the ring, after which its carcass leaves for butchering.

Very rare pardons occur only for exceptional bravery during a performance, unrelated to any harm inflicted on humans. Fighting bulls receive special breeding for strength and spirit, yet their role in tradition almost always concludes in death.

Current state of bullfighting in Spain

Spain maintains bullfighting as protected cultural heritage, with government support and subsidies helping maintain breeding ranches and events. Attendance at major arenas has declined over decades, yet thousands of popular fiestas continue each year, especially in rural areas where they form part of local identity and economy.

Many Spaniards, particularly older generations, see these events as living links to history, courage and rural life. Younger people show less interest these days, and animal welfare voices are growing louder, but legal protections prevent straightfoward regional bans. For foreigners living in Spain, understanding comes from recognising deep regional pride in tradition rather than viewing events solely through modern lenses.

Organisers in Beas de Segura held a minute’s silence and expressed sorrow for Barrero’s family. He left behind a pregnant wife and a young child, plus friends who remembered his passion for continuing his family’s cattle heritage with links to the respected Torrestrella line. The festival otherwise proceeded.