Torrox has paid tribute to two local women recognised for their contributions to public safety, family life and the preservation of local traditions during the 2026 Mujer Rural de la Axarquia awards.

Local police officer recognised for road safety work

Local Police officer María Jesús Quiñones Pastrana received one of four special awards at the sixth annual ceremony, organised by the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Axarquia to mark International Day of Rural Women on October 15.

Quiñones has worked as a police officer in Torrox since 2008 and holds a specialist qualification in Criminology from the University of Malaga. Her work includes teaching road safety to pupils at all five local schools, older residents and expectant families learning about child car seats. Her contribution to road safety education was recognised last year when she received an award for good practice at the sixth Andalusian Road Safety Congress in Coria del Rio.

Gloria Martin celebrated for keeping traditions alive

Torrox resident Gloria Martin Martin was nominated by the town council in recognition of her family life and long-standing involvement in local cultural groups.
A mother of five, Martin has participated in the local Women’s Association and theatre group. She also takes part in the Coros de las Nieves, Coros y Danzas de Torrox and Peña Flamenca La Bodega, helping to pass on the area’s musical and cultural traditions. Her love of the town’s streets and picturesque corners has also earned her a prize in a municipal photography competition.

Mayor praises Torrox’s community spirit

Óscar Medina congratulated both women, saying they represented the best values of Torrox through public service, commitment to safety, family and local traditions. Councillor for Equality Vanessa López also attended the presentation, praising the women’s contributions to education, community safety and the town’s cultural identity. The annual Mujer Rural de la Axarquia awards recognise women across the region for their professional achievements and contributions to their communities, including those who have spent their lives working in agriculture or supporting local associations and cultural traditions.

The awards are held around International Day of Rural Women, observed worldwide on October 15.

At the awards ceremony. Credit: Ayto

An exhibition bringing together 68 artists from across Spain is giving art lovers in Nerja the chance to support a good cause while discovering a wide range of creative work.

Aunando Arte y Solidaridad, meaning ‘bringing art and charity together’, is being held at the Sala Municipal de Exposiciones on Calle Almirante Ferrándiz, 12. Organised by the Círculo de Pintores Solidarios, the collective exhibition runs until Sunday, November 1.

Part of the proceeds will go to Cruz Roja de Nerja, the local branch of the Spanish Red Cross, helping the charity continue its work in the community. Artists from different parts of Spain have contributed to the exhibition, which brings their work together around a shared charitable purpose. Visitors can view the pieces and support the initiative, including through purchases. Organisers have not announced a fundraising target or confirmed what proportion of sales will go to the charity.

A growing artistic tradition in Nerja

The exhibition builds on previous editions of the same project, which has already brought artists and charitable causes together in the town. Back in 2023, a similar exhibition organised by the Círculo de Pintores Solidarios featured 45 works by 15 painters. Money raised through painting sales was also destined for Cruz Roja de Nerja. This year’s event involves 68 artists, extending the project’s reach and giving visitors the opportunity to discover work by a larger group of creators.

How to visit the exhibition

Art lovers and residents looking for a cultural outing can visit the Sala Municipal de Exposiciones before the exhibition closes on November 1. Published event information lists opening hours as 11am to 2pm and 5.30pm to 9.30pm daily. Visitors planning a trip may wish to check the latest arrangements with the organisers.

For Nerja residents and visitors, the exhibition offers a chance to enjoy art while supporting a local charitable cause. Further details about the participating artists, individual works and fundraising total have yet to be published.