Almeria
Hobby Horse Race steals the show at Mojácar Hippie Night, raising €5,000 for charity
The annual Lion’s charity Hippie Night was once again a resounding success, cementing itself as one the biggest, funniest and most beloved events. Hippie Night not only lifted the spirits of all who attended, but an impressive €5,000 was raised for local charitable causes.
The popular event brought together residents, visitors, businesses and volunteers for an evening packed with live music, entertainment and fundraising. Held in true hippie style, the venue was transformed into a colourful celebration filled with peace signs, bright decorations and a lively party atmosphere.
Live music and entertainment keep the party going
Guests danced late into the evening to live music from The Funk Federation, while DJ Jude Damien kept the energy high throughout the night.
Participants embraced the fun spirit of the evening dressing up in the full hippie get-up- The room was overflowing with bell bottoms, flower crowns and patterned shirts that should never have made it into the twenty-first century. Their enthusiasm and efforts played a significant role in boosting the final fundraising total.
Hobby horse races were a highlight of the night
One of the highlights of the evening was the ever-popular Hobby Horse Race. Racers trekked down to the beach with their trusty wood-and-felt stead for an exhilarating race, which generated significant sponsorship money and plenty of laughter.
In total, €4,739 was raised throughout the night, with a generous local business subsequently topping up the total to a remarkable €5,000. These funds will go to supporting a wide range local community projects in the area.
Money raised by the Lions will support a wide range of important local causes, including the Special Needs Day Centre, local children’s homes, welfare assistance and food bank deliveries across the area.
Volunteers and local businesses support Mojácar charity event
The success of the 2026 Hippie Night would not have been possible without the hard work of volunteers and ticket sellers, and the generosity of sponsors and local businesses. Many volunteers spent countless hours decorating the venue, transporting equipment and helping behind the scenes. Special recognition also went to Cheryl Trimmings of Me and Mrs. Jones and her mother, who sold more tickets than anyone else.
The evening also served as a tribute to the late Siobhan Tattan, who originally created Hippie Night as a community celebration. Today, the event continues to bring people together while also providing valuable support for local families and individuals in need.
With another successful year completed, many are already calling Hippie Night the best party in Mojácar and eagerly looking forward to next year’s celebration.
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In honour of National Donor Day, the Poniente University Hospital in El Ejido recently paid a touching tribute to organ donors whose sacrifice and generosity has helped save countless lives.
Donor’s loved ones were in attendance for the occasion. Some even spoke with professionals during a lecture, sharing their experiences of organ donation. Following the talk, donor families and doctors gathered in the hospital gardens by the centuries old-olive tree to lay a floral tribute in memory of the hospital donors. It was at once a sombre and celebratory day.
Organ donation ceremony in El Ejido
The annual event has become an important occasion for recognising the compassion shown by donor families across the Poniente region. Hospital staff, transplant coordinators and local health representatives joined relatives in remembering those whose final act helped save or improve the lives of others.
Poniente University Hospital’s Managing Direcor, Pedro Acosta, shared a few words, saying “without donors and their families, it would be impossible to obtain the organ and tissue donations that allow us to save lives or significantly improve the quality of life of other patients each year, and that is why we want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude and admiration.”
The hospital’s transplant coordination team also highlighted the importance of speaking openly about organ donation with relatives, so families understand and can respect a loved one’s wishes in the future.
Organ donation figures at Poniente University Hospital
For many, donating an organ is their last act of kindness before departing the world. In 2025, 30 donors were registered at the Poniente University Hospital. Their sacrifice made possible one heart transplant, two lung transplants, four liver transplants, and 14 kidney transplants. 43 units of osteotendinous tissue was also harvested, which is estimated to have helped 215 people in trauma surgeries.
The hospital has steadily expanded its donation programme since joining the Andalusian organ donation network in 2018. Since then, more than 120 effective donations have been recorded, leading to dozens of life-saving organ transplants and hundreds of tissue donations benefiting patients across Spain. Hospital officials say the programme would not be possible without the support and courage shown by grieving families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
The lasting legacy of organ donors
In the first months of 2026 alone, the hospital had already registered 14 further donors, helping multiple transplant recipients nationwide. Medical staff say these figures demonstrate the continued generosity of families throughout the region and the growing awareness of the importance of organ donation.
The olive tree planted in the hospital gardens now stands as a lasting symbol of life, remembrance and hope for the many families whose loved ones gave others a second chance.
Take a Hoppy electric bike for a spin around Mojácar
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Mojácar
There’s nothing worse than getting in a hot, stuffy car in the middle of summer, but when the only alternative is walking, what else is there to do? Thankfully, as of Monday, June 8, visitors and locals in Mojácar now have an alternative method of transportation at their disposal, following the launch of the Hoppy electric bike rental service.
Developed in collaboration with the Mojácar Town Hall, Hoppy electric bikes will be available to rent along the promenade. 120 bikes will be available to start with, but the fleet will eventually increase to 200 over the coming months as the rollout continues across the municipality. Stationed at select points of the beachfront, the bikes are easy to spot by their bright turquoise colour.
How the Hoppy electric bike service works in Mojácar
To get started, users download the Hoppy app, available on Apple and Android devices, and scan the QR code located on the bike’s handlebar. From there, cyclists can take the bike wherever they need it to go.
At the end of the trip, riders must return the bike to an authorised Hoppy zone. They are then required to take a picture to verify it is correctly parked up, before then ending the journey through the app and paying.
The service is operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available to anyone over the age of 18
Smart technology designed to improve safety and organisation
One of the key features of the new Hoppy system is its use of geofencing technology. This digital system allows the company to create virtual boundaries around different areas of Mojácar in order to improve safety, reduce clutter and encourage responsible use of public spaces.
Trips can only be ended in designated parking areas, helping to prevent bikes from being abandoned randomly along pavements or beachfront walkways. Certain pedestrian-heavy areas will also include reduced-speed zones or no-ride zones, where bikes automatically slow down or cannot operate at all.
According to Jacob Hammerstein, Director of Public Affairs at Hoppy, the goal is to ensure the bikes integrate smoothly into daily life in Mojácar while respecting both residents and visitors.
Sustainable transport and better connections across Mojácar
This initiative marks continued efforts by the Town Hall to promote sustainability, although Hoppy bikes also serve to connect every inch of the town, and encourage physical activity. The company says the service has been designed to support “last mile” travel, making it easier for people to move between residential areas, commercial zones, beaches and transport hubs without relying on private cars.
Electric bike schemes continue to grow across Europe
Electric bike rental schemes have already transformed mobility in cities around the world. From Barcelona and Paris to London and Amsterdam, shared bicycle networks have helped reduce congestion, lower emissions and encourage healthier lifestyles.
In many tourist destinations, e-bike schemes have also proven popular because they offer visitors a convenient and environmentally friendly way to explore local areas without adding to traffic problems during the busy summer season.
The launch is perfectly timed to coincide with Mojácar receiving the prestigious “Bike Territory” certification. Now, even more people can enjoy Mojácar by bike while helping to support cleaner and more sustainable urban transport.
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