A wave of excitement swept through a few households in Marbella after Spain’s ONCE lottery distributed an amazing €200,000 in prize money through ten winning tickets. Each ticket was worth €20,000, creating a shared moment of joy and celebration for multiple players. 

Winning coupons were sold in the popular Elviria area. Local residents quickly reacted to the news, with winners discovering their good fortune shortly after the draw.

New vendor celebrates early success

Sales agent George Alexandru Radu, who has been working with ONCE for just five months, was the lucky vendor who had distributed all ten winning tickets. His early lucky charm success has turned his introduction to the role into a memorable moment, both for himself and his regular customers. 

Radu described the moment he learned about the wins as deeply emotional. Customers gathered in a nearby bar reportedly applauded when the news broke, creating an emotional and communal atmosphere for the winners but also for those present during the announcement.

Other big wins across Andalucia

Elsewhere in the same lucky draw, additional prizes were distributed across other parts  of southern Spain. Eight winning coupons in Almonte brought a fantastic €160,000 to the area, while another  large sum of €20,000 prize was awarded in Torremolinos.

ONCE lotteries are a staple and long-standing feature of Spanish daily life, combining gaming with social funding initiatives. Revenue generated contributes to incredible programmes supporting people with visual impairments and other community services.

Community spirit drives lottery appeal

Moments like this highlight the communal nature of lottery wins in smaller areas. Shared celebrations, familiar local vendors, and local gathering spots all play a role in turning a financial prize into a fun social bonding event. The message for those who hear of the wins but aren’t reaping the rewards, simple, you’ve got to be in it to win it.

Dust off those platform shoes, grab your flared jeans and get ready for a nostalgic treat as Salon Varietes Theatre in Fuengirola is preparing for one of its most lively productions of the year, as veteran showman Johnny G. returns with a brand new extravaganza, Legends of the 1970s. Performances run on Saturday, May 2 at 7:30pm and Sunday, May 3 at 7pm, a wonderful weekend event for music lovers of all ages.

Queen, Elvis, Elton John and more

Few decades in music history produced more iconic artists than the 1970s, and this production brings them all to life in one unforgettable evening. Guests can enjoy electrifying tributes to Queen, Elvis Presley, Elton John, Donna Summer, Cher, Barbra Streisand, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton, and Neil Diamond. A line-up covering glam rock, disco, country-pop, and soul in spectacular fashion. Every tribute is delivered with the energy and passion that true fans of the era will adore. 

Special guests and incredible choreography

Johnny G. will be joined on stage by a fantastic team of dancers and brilliant backing singers, plus two very special guests, Laura Carter and Kim Chandler. Choreography for the production has been created by Dannielle Gale, adding her touch to an already exceptional musical programme.

Salon Varietes, 40 years of entertainment

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, Salon Varietes Theatre has been a favourite English-speaking hub of entertainment in Fuengirola for four decades. 

Booking is now open for both nights, Saturday, May 2 at 7:30pm and Sunday, May 3 at 7pm, and early reservation is strongly advisable. Tickets can be purchased online at the Salon Varietes website or by calling the box office directly on 952 474 542.

Teatro Salon Varietes, C/ Emancípación, s/n,

Get your vocal chords warmed up and ready for an evening of iconic tunes and fun. This is not the one to miss. 

The Town Hall Square of Cartagena was the centre of attention over the weekend during the 6th edition of the “Autism We Are All” Solidarity Route, a five-kilometre walk that brought together hundreds of residents and visitors in support of neighbours with autism, under the slogan “Because every step counts.” The initiative aims to promote the inclusion of people on the autism spectrum, and has become a standout solidarity and charity event in the municipality.

Cartagena unites in solidarity with friends and neighbours

More than 2,000 people participated in the march, showcasing a strong sense of community support and camaraderie. The event, considered a family and community initiative, takes another step towards raising awareness about this developmental condition, and this year’s edition also had a strong charitable aspect.

Municipality to launch a specialised employment centre for neighbours on the spectrum

The funds raised from the event will be used towards the launch of a Special Employment Centre, according to Cartagena officials. The centre will house specific training programmes for people on the autism spectrum, allowing them more ease of finding work in the municipality. The training at the centre will allow friends and neighbours on the autism spectrum to attain more autonomy and dignity, while receiving support and guidance from officials.

An idyllic walk through Cartagena’s iconic old town

The route passed through some of the most emblematic and iconic points of Cartagena’s historic centre and included a stop in Torres Park, standing out for its family atmosphere, community camaraderie, and sense of togetherness in solidarity with neighbours on the autism spectrum.

With this measure, the Cartagena City Council continues to establish a close collaboration with associations like Autism We Are All, also known as AMUDEF. This further implements cognitive and sensory accessibility measures in all areas of the municipality, not only ensuring that individual residents have freedom, autonomy, and are prepared for challenges ahead, but also ensuring that Cartagena remains a city for everyone.