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. 

Guardamar del Segura recently celebrated a successful 4th edition of its International Tapas Route and its Neighbourhood Party, taking place in the El Raso Urbanisation. The event, which took place from April 22 to April 25, featured delicious gastronomic offerings, a close-knit festive atmosphere, and music for all the residents of the municipality to enjoy.

Delicious tapas for less than €5 in Guardamar

In total, 13 establishments participated in the tapas route, including local restaurants Manolo Restaurant, which offered a Galician meat empanada; Crazy Ribs Restaurant, with its Crazy Mini Burger; Stan and Ollies Restaurant, offering a marinated Teriyaki with crispy pork; and Bojangles Bistro, with its Micro Surf Turf. All tapas were just €3.50, offering residents and visitors a chance to try various mouth-watering offerings for an affordable price in a lively, neighbourly atmosphere.

Other participating restaurants and their offerings included:

• Los Rosales Restaurant with a savoury chicken muffin.
• The Lounge Cocktail Bar with a Chicken Stew.
• O’Briens Bar & Restaurant with the Chili del Raso.
• Chillies Indian El Raso with Biryani, Naan & Sauce.
• Legends Bar with Mini fish supper.
• Patagonia Steak House with a chicken skewer.
• The Hed Bar with its Golden Chicken Cone.
• El Bar Restaurant with their Creamy garlic mushrooms.
• Delish Bar with a sample from the tasting tray.

Attendees also had the chance to fill out their “Tapas Passport,” a novelty passport that they could have stamped at participating restaurants. Those who got a minimum of seven stamps were able to enter a prize draw for incredible gifts.

A party for all the Guardamar del Segura neighbours

Finally, the Tapas Route ended in the Neighbourhood Party, an event taking place on Saturday, April 25, that saw the Campo Auditorium come alive at 6:00pm with performances by local talents Tinglao Dansa and the band Soul Division. Residents and visitors showed up in droves to enjoy the joyful, fun atmosphere, and this long-awaited fourth edition of the tapas route was a great success once more in Guardamar del Segura.