If you have ever stopped at the fish counter in Mercadona, you have probably seen it without giving it much thought. Some fish are placed in blue boxes, others in green ones.

It is one of those details that sits in the background for years. Then one day you notice it and suddenly start wondering what it is actually about. A lot of people assume the colours are just for organisation, or that they might show something about quality.

What the blue and green boxes actually mean

The colours are used to show where the fish comes from before it reaches the store. Blue boxes contain farmed fish. These are fish raised in controlled environments and supplied in a standard way to stores across the country. It allows Mercadona to keep a consistent supply available all year round.

Green boxes contain fish that comes from local fish markets. This is fish that arrives through daily catches and is selected locally depending on what has been brought in that day. So in simple terms, blue is farmed fish and green is fish sourced from local markets.

Why people started noticing it

For a long time, most shoppers did not think twice about it. The boxes were just part of the counter setup. That changed when social media posts and short videos started pointing out the colour difference. Once people realised there was a system behind it, curiosity took over.

And when there is no explanation in front of you at the supermarket, people naturally start guessing. Some thought it was about quality, others thought it was about the country the fish were coming from and then there were some that thought it was simply decoration. That is how the confusion started, not because the system is complicated, but because it was never really explained to the customer in the first place.

Why many people prefer the green boxes

For a lot of shoppers, fish from local markets feels more traditional. It comes from daily catches, so what is available depends on the day. That means the selection can change depending on season, weather and local supply.

Because of that, many people associate green-box fish with freshness and a closer connection to local fishing. Farmed fish, on the other hand, is more consistent. It is produced in controlled environments and supplied steadily throughout the year. That reliability is a big part of why it is widely used.

What actually matters when you buy fish

Even though the box colour gives you a quick idea of where the fish comes from, it is not the most important thing to look at.

The label at the counter is what tells you the full information, including:

• the species of fish 
• whether it is farmed or wild 
• where it comes from 
• pricing and traceability details 

That is the information that really matters when you are deciding what to buy.

A simple system most people never notice

The blue and green boxes are not there as a code or a marketing trick. They are simply a practical way of separating two different supply types inside the store.

One is farmed fish that arrives in a steady flow. The other is fish from local markets that changes depending on the day.

Most people walk past it without ever thinking about it. Then one day it clicks, and suddenly the fish counter does not look quite the same again.

The Axarquia coastline saw outstanding success of Imparables contra la ELA this weekend, with scores of residents and families joining forces in Torre del Mar for a 24-hour charity marathon that raised awareness and vital support for those affected by the condition. Participants enjoyed sports, music and heartfelt moments while contributing to research and resources. Many expats joined in with the inclusive atmosphere that welcomed everyone regardless of fitness level.

Diverse activities keep energy high throughout the weekend

Organisers delivered over 25 sporting and musical events without pause from Saturday, June 20, at midday until Sunday at the same time. A 200-kilometre cycling route through Axarquia kicked off proceedings early on Saturday, followed by taekwondo displays. Crowds then enjoyed beach volleyball tournaments, indoor football matches, basketball games, CrossFit sessions, roller skating, rowing and swimming challenges. Live concerts added rhythm and enjoyment for all ages. Most activities remained free, although some required advance registration for smooth running.

Emotional highlights bring participants together

Saturday evening at 8pm delivered a moving manifesto reading led by Miguel Angel Roldan and other people living with the condition. Their call for more funding, medical research and official recognition resonated deeply with the audience. Families and supporters listened intently as speakers shared personal experiences and hopes for progress.

A massive pink tide creates an unforgettable finale

Sunday morning from 11.30am saw the grand pink wave form near the Torre del Mar nautical club. Participants and locals gathered to cheer affected individuals as they crossed the finish line together. Many expats wore the signature pink t-shirts and walked alongside families to show solidarity. No athletic ability was needed to take part, only a willingness to support the cause through presence and small purchases.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or ELA in Spanish, also known as motor neurone disease, is a progressive neurological condition that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to gradual loss of muscle function, affecting movement, speech, swallowing and eventually breathing. Currently incurable, the disease requires greater research funding and support services to improve quality of life for those affected.

This community-driven initiative strengthened bonds among Axarquia residents and provided practical help for ALS families. Local expat groups noted increased visibility for the condition and fresh motivation to continue fundraising efforts. The success of the event encourages similar future gatherings that bring people together for meaningful change.

Estepona will get a prehistoric invasion this summer as the world-renowned Dino Expo XXL unrolls its massive exhibition in Estepona. Billed as the world’s most-visited dinosaur exhibition, the touring phenomenon will transform the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos into a roaring, breathing jurassic world from June 27 until September 13, 2026.

What to expect at Dino Expo XXL in Estepona

Spanning a whopping 5,000 square metres, the fully air-conditioned indoor exhibition features around 120 life-size animatronic dinosaurs. Families can walk among towering replicas that move, breathe, and roar, offering a glimpse into a world that vanished millions of years ago.

As an added bonus for history enthusiasts, the event includes a dedicated “Giants of the Ice Age” section. This specialized zone showcases meticulous replicas of prehistoric mammals, including woolly mammoths, cave bears, rhinos, and saber-toothed tigers. The exhibition has already drawn in over 3 million visitors across 250 cities globally.

Essential visitor information, dates, hours, and ticket prices

For those planning a family day out, the exhibition is open daily throughout its summer run. To help visitors avoid the peak afternoon heat, the event operates on a split daily schedule from 10am to 2pm and reopening in the evening from 7pm to 11pm.

An average visit lasts approximately two hours, and the entire venue is fully wheelchair accessible. On-site amenities include a dedicated kids’ zone, a snack bar, and a souvenir shop. Ample surface parking is available directly outside the Palacio de Congresos venue.

Tickets are priced at €12 for adults and €10 for children with toddlers under 24 months able to enter free of charge. Tickets can be purchased directly at the venue box office with no administrative fees, or booked online in advance via the official website Interactive highlights for families and group bookings

The event has several interactive zones designed specifically for younger palaeontologists. Children can get hands-on in dedicated sandboxes to excavate hidden fossils, climb aboard specialized dinosaur replicas for photo opportunities, and interact with digital drawing displays.