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From the Costa del Sol to the Vatican. The surprising Spanish company building the Popemobile

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When Pope Leo XIV steps into Madrid’s massive Santiago Bernabeu stadium next week, he won’t be in a traditional armoured SUV. Instead, the Pontiff will be riding in a highly customized, ultra-secure electric golf buggy, engineered by Green Mowers, a sports turf and light electric vehicle company with roots right here on the Costa del Sol.

One of the most extraordinary commissions in Spanish automotive history has been fulfilled by the firm, which operates a key local office in Estepona. Green Mowers received the surprise order from the Holy See during the very year it celebrates its 25th anniversary, a double cause for celebration that the company describes as “both a gift and a privilege”. While their head office is in Burgos, the company’s presence in Estepona, Ayamonte, Barcelona, and Alicante has established them as a leading reference in their sector across Spain and Portugal, supported by a dedicated workforce of around 60 people.

An electric golf buggy fit for The Pope

Pope Leo XIV will use this specially adapted electric golf buggy during his tour of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on June 8, as part of a major diocesan community gathering taking place in Madrid. While it may resemble an ordinary golf cart at first glance, every detail has been engineered with papal security and dignity in mind.

Finished in off-white with dark beige leather seating and the pontifical coat of arms embossed on the bodywork, the vehicle features a lithium battery, electromagnetic braking, and advanced turf technology designed to handle different stadium surfaces safely. Green Mowers worked closely with their regular supplier, E-Z-GO of Augusta, USA, on the build. While the buggy can reach standard golf vehicle speeds, it will be up to the Holy See to determine how fast the pontiff actually travels during the Bernabeu event.

To allow the Pope to greet the crowds, he will stand on an open rear platform reinforced with a galvanized steel anti-slip structure, complete with a supportive backrest added for stability throughout the journey. Discrete weather protection measures have also been built into the design.

A commission that arrived out of the blue

Commercial director Alberto Ruiz is reported to have said that when the commission arrived, roughly a month ago, through a contact connected to the event, the team felt a distinct degree of vertigo at the sheer responsibility involved. From that moment, however, technicians and mechanics got to work “from minute zero” on the design, with final delivery scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday this week.

Green Mowers’ vehicle is actually one of three specially built popemobiles for this highly anticipated papal visit to Spain. A second, larger vehicle will arrive directly from Rome for use in Barcelona, while a third is currently being developed in Tenerife based on plans provided by the Vatican.

A Papal secret hidden in plain sight

Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey to Spain runs from June 6 to 12, taking in Madrid, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife.

But perhaps the most fascinating part of the story happens after the crowds leave. Once the historic visit concludes, the buggy will quietly return to the company’s facilities in Burgos. There, it will be stripped of its papal modifications, converted back into a standard golf vehicle, and put up for sale. It will re-enter the normal commercial sales line, meaning its next owner, likely a local golf course or resort, will almost certainly never know that their everyday ride was once the official transport of Pope Leo XIV.

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Jazz Artist Dean DeMerritt Concert Malaga

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Eddy’s Music Factory in Malaga is treating jazz lovers to an evening of world-class music this Friday, as acclaimed American bassist Dean DeMerritt makes a special appearance for a free, one-night-only performance on Friday, June 5.

A lifetime of jazz pedigree and a country Grammy

DeMerritt’s musical career spans more than four decades, covering jazz, country, and classical music. Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, DeMerritt grew up performing in his father’s jazz band before formalizing his education at the University of Tulsa, where he studied classical and jazz bass.

While in college and throughout his early career, he shared the stage with jazz heavyweights including Stanley Clarke, Max Roach, Billy Cobham, Thad Jones, and Mel Lewis.

Following his graduation, DeMerritt joined the celebrated western swing band Asleep at the Wheel. During his four-year tenure with the group, he recorded multiple albums, won a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance, and toured alongside country icons Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and George Strait.

High-energy improvisation all in one evening

Joining DeMerritt on stage Friday to form a classic jazz trio are talented local pianist Carlos Gonzalez and drummer Johnny Bebop.

The trio’s performance will be an interesting mix of traditional jazz standards and contemporary interpretations, prioritizing the live improvisation and spontaneous musical interaction that defines the style. The vibe at Eddy’s Music Factory allows the audience to experience the performance perfect for jazz, up close and personal.

Open jam session to follow the main event

Following the main concert, the venue will host an open jam session. Local musicians are invited to bring their instruments to collaborate on stage and connect with the visiting artists, a rare, exciting and great opportunity for any lover of the genre.

Eddy’s Music Factory, located in Malaga’s Churriana area near IKEA hosts live concerts, rehearsals, and workshops throughout the year.

Admission to the event is free of charge, with no advance ticketing required.

Event details

Date: Friday, June 5
Time: 9pm
Venue:Eddy’s Music Factory, Calle Pascal 2, Churriana
Admission:Free entry
Telephone:+34 639 93 00 10

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Michael Jordan Spotted In Costa Del Sol

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Michael Jordan pops by Leña by Dani García in Marbella.

Global icons choose this Spanish coast every summer for luxury escapes and elite sport. Michael Jordan arrived in Malaga on his private jet this week. Everyone quickly noticed the basketball superstar enjoying the Costa del Sol lifestyle. Many successful figures from business, sport, and entertainment select this region for its combination of world-class golf, fine dining, and relaxed exclusivity.

Jordan counts as a passionate amateur golfer who returns reasonably regularly to the area. Reports confirm his presence ties directly to the upcoming LIV Golf Andalucia tournament. Attendees expect him to watch top professionals compete at one of Europe’s most demanding courses.

LIV Golf Andalucia draws massive talent to Valderrama

The event is planned to take place from June 4 to 7 at Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande. Golfing greats such as Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka will feature in the 54-hole individual and team format. Valderrama offers a strategic test with tight fairways and mature trees that challenge even the best golfers.

Fans with the cash have the chance to experience the very best in hospitality options with live entertainment throughout the week. Early bird tickets are still available via official channels. 

Jordan often mixes business interests with personal enjoyment during these visits, dining at the best spots like Dani Garcia’s Leña in Marbella while networking with fellow high achievers.

Costa del Sol attracts worldwide success stories year after year

This latest appearance goes to show the region’s reputation among big global names. Golf serves as a common thread for these visitors who appreciate both competition and the chance to unwind in style. Local businesses benefit from the influx while maintaining the area’s exclusive appeal.

Jordan is said to be planning a brief stay before returning to other commitments. His trip adds further excitement ahead of the LIV Golf action at Valderrama.

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Costa del Sol

Torremolinos major beach safety upgrade, nearly 50 staff deployed for summer 2026

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Torremolinos has officially launched its high-season summer beach safety operation, deploying close to 50 trained professionals across its seven-kilometre coastline. Running daily from June 1 to September 30, the boosted will provide a secure environment for the thousands and thousands of expats and holidaymakers hitting the sand this summer.

Mayor Margarita del Cid introduced the reinforced operation, discussing a record increase in both personnel and advanced medical equipment. The upgrade comes as part of a fresh €1.1 million town investment into the incredibly popular coastline, ensuring emergency teams can deal with any medical incidents instantly and efficiently.

Daily lifeguard hours and covered beaches in the area

The full high-season service is now active daily from 11am to 8pm. Beach lovers will find the increased lifeguard presence distributed across 11 fixed watchtowers monitoring four main beaches, La Carihuela, Bajondillo, Playamar and Los Alamos.

A note for early/late season visitors. Outside of the peak June-to-September window (from after Easter until June 1), surveillance remains active from 11am to 7pm on weekends and bank holidays.

Smart beach tech and real-time monitoring

This year “Safe Beach” technology will be introduced to the coast. Visitors can now scan QR-enabled panels installed along the shoreline to get instant, real-time updates on tides, rip currents, and general sea conditions.

The safety team is also utilizing the advanced Orion geolocation system, which tracks lifeguard positions and logs walkie-talkie communication to trim down emergency response times. Additionally, a new video-surveillance system has been set up to track beach activity, and extra lifeguard reinforcements will automatically deploy to high-risk areas on days when strong Levante winds create rough undercurrents.

Life-saving medical equipment stationed on the shoreline

Another huge part of the upgrade is new medical and rapid-response assets, which have already proven successful in local emergency interventions this season

A mobile ICU ambulance and two fully equipped first-aid stations. Three 1,000cc jet skis. Five automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and A dedicated Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV), packed with emergency medical gear to treat patients before a standard ambulance arrives.

All beach operations are managed from a central coordination hub seamlessly linked to Spain’s emergency networks, including the Local Police, Proteccion Civil, 061, and 112.

Improved beach accessibility and WhatsApp bookings for bathing devices

Torremolinos focuses aren’t just on safety this summer but also on accessibility. The shoreline features specialized flags designed for colour-blind users to easily read water safety levels. For those with reduced mobility, motor-assisted bathing devices and amphibious chairs are available at four distinct accessible zones. To make the process smoother and eliminate long queues under the hot sun, users can now book these assisted bathing devices in advance via WhatsApp.

For more information on the new safety measures or booking the bathing devices visit the Torremolinos Town Hall website

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