The Association of Venezuelans in the Cartagena area of the Region of Murcia has announced that it has begun the process of “uniting, representing and supporting” Venezuelan citizens living in this town and other municipalities, following the devastating earthquakes in June 2026 in the South American country.

Formal establishment following the devastating June earthquakes

The association’s spokesperson, Elba Jiménez, who was interviewed by Spanish media outlet Cadena SER, stated that more than 620 Venezuelans live in Cartagena, with the figure exceeding 1,000 in the Region of Murcia. According to Jiménez, the organisation formed after June 24, when the earthquakes devastated the country and a group of people came together to try to channel aid to Venezuela.

Afterwards, with the help of local government representatives and other community organisations, the association was able to establish itself formally.

Overcoming obstacles to deliver humanitarian aid

The main mission of the association is “to be able to provide information, support and integration” to the residents of Cartagena, as well as actively help Venezuelans with a humanitarian aid channel to the Latin American country.

Jiménez stated that the association will host an assembly in September to establish a plan to deliver humanitarian aid to the country. However, donating aid to Venezuela is complicated by difficulties with customs. While there are currently people interested in donating vital supplies including medicine, food, and water, there is not yet an organised system in place to get the supplies to Venezuela.

Supporting local integration and providing guidance for Venezuelan neighbours

The Association of Venezuelans in Cartagena is currently exploring the possibility of collaborating with another non-profit organisation, Caritas Spain, to establish contact with Caritas Venezuela and find a way to deliver the aid.  

In addition to this effort, the organisation also aims to facilitate the integration of Venezuelans in Cartagena, and offer them important information regarding employment, regularisation, studies, and other legal and social processes.

How to donate and support earthquake victims

This association is not the only one in Murcia dedicated to standing in solidarity with Venezuelans, however. Bomberos por Bomberos, another non-profit based in Murcia, delivered vital water treatment plants to the country in order to provide the vulnerable populations with clean drinking water.

For those who want to get involved, the best way is to make a direct donation to the Spanish Red Cross, which has established a direct channel of donation for victims of the earthquakes in Venezuela, or by donating money, food, or vital supplies to a local non-profit organisation.

Music lovers and nostalgia seekers in Mazarron are in for a treat as Barry O is preparing to light up the stage at Bridie Murphy’s with his hugely popular Back 2 The 80s Show. Set to take place on Sunday, September 20 at the iconic venue located in Sector B of Camposol, this live musical tribute promises an unforgettable afternoon filled with high-energy performances, iconic chart-toppers, and pure throwback magic.

A high-energy setlist of iconic 80s hits

The 1980s, a decade defined by bold fashion, synth-pop innovation, and timeless hooks, is being brought back to Mazarron in a major way. Spectators can look forward to a setlist stacked with massive anthems from legend-status artists, including A-ha, Duran Duran, Culture Club, Prince, Rick Astley, and The Human League. From the synth-driven rhythms of OMD and Erasure to the rock-infused pop of Billy Idol and Elton John, the performance is packed with sing-along tracks guaranteed to get audience members off their seats and onto the dance floor.

The ultimate weekend gathering at Bridie Murphy’s

The show will take place at Bridie Murphy’s, a hotspot of Camposol’s social scene renowned for its warm hospitality and lively pub atmosphere, the event offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend afternoon gathering with friends. Attendees can enjoy cold drinks, great company, and live entertainment that captures the vibrant spirit of classic pop-rock radio.

Whether you are a lifelong fan who lived through the original wave of MTV hits or simply someone who appreciates timeless dance anthems, Barry O’s dynamic vocal talent and stage presence ensure an engaging tribute experience.

Live tribute entertainment for all generations

The show will kick off in the afternoon, making it an ideal weekend entertainment option for local residents and visitors across the Region of Murcia. Due to the popular demand for live music at Bridie Murphy’s, attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure good seating and settle in before the music starts. Residents should not miss out on this trip down memory lane, and the chance to dust off their dancing shoes and celebrate the very best sounds of the Decade of Decadence.

Taking on a first employee or expanding a team is one of the most daunting steps for a small business. To ease this financial burden, the Regional Government of Murcia has introduced a new funding initiative designed to help business owners and self-employed individuals, or autónomos, as they are known in Spain, obtain permanent staffing.

Financial support for hiring permanent staff

A new regional scheme, Subsidies to Promote Permanent Employment in the Region of Murcia, offers direct financial incentives to local businesses, sole traders, and legal entities taking on workers on open-ended contracts.

Tailored grant payouts and bonus incentives

The grant amounts are based on contract hours and the specific background of the individual being hired. For instance, offering a full-time permanent contract to a long-term unemployed individual yields a baseline grant of €6,000. This payout increases to €8,000 if the new hire is over the age of 52, while hiring a female victim of gender-based violence attracts a grant of up to €9,350.

To promote inclusivity and economic growth in rural areas, the initiative also incentivises hiring individuals under the age of 30, individuals receiving the Minimum Living Income, people at risk of social exclusion, and workers in municipalities with fewer than 10,000 residents. In most categories, recruiting a female employee adds an automatic 10 per cent bonus to the grant.

Extra funding for first-time employers

Furthermore, sole traders taking the plunge to hire their very first employee, or those making their first hire after a full year without staff, can claim an extra incentive of up to €2,000. Combined with the grants, total funding per business can reach up to €10,000.

Business owners, act fast: How to apply before funds run out

In order to benefit from these grants, business owners must act quickly following recruitment of the new hires. Applications must be sent electronically through the Region of Murcia’s official website, sede.carm.es, using a digital certificate within one month of registering the employee with Social Security or finalising their permanent contract.

Because grants are distributed on a strict first-come, first-served basis rather than a competitive points system, eligible business owners across Murcia are encouraged to apply promptly before the budget is exhausted. This scheme will make it significantly easier for small businesses and self-employed people to obtain stable and permanent local talent.