The Arts Society Costa del Sol closes its 2025/2026 season with a compelling illustrated lecture on the secret symbols hidden in centuries of great art masterpieces, open to non-members for just €10. 

Art: A Detective Story Decoding Symbols in Painting

The final lecture of the season takes place on Monday, May 11 at the Salon Varietes Theatre, Fuengirola, doors open from 4pm, with the talk beginning at 4:30pm. The lecture is titled Art: A Detective Story – Decoding Symbols in Painting, and it promises to change the way you look at every painting you will ever see again.

The premise is simple and fascinating. Paintings are silent, yet they are designed to communicate. Sometimes the message is obvious. More often it is layered, encoded in objects, gestures, colours and figures that carried specific meaning to the audiences of their time. 

From medieval altarpieces and Renaissance portraits to Dutch still lifes, Baroque ceiling paintings and Victorian genre scenes, the lecture traces the rich tradition of symbols, emblems and allegories that artists used to elevate, educate, warn and criticise,  communicating far more than the eye first registers.

Lydia Bauman the lecturer

The talk is delivered by the incredibly impressive Lydia Bauman, a highly experienced art educator working in the field today. Born in Poland, she completed her BA in Fine Art at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where she was awarded both the John Christie Scholarship and the Hatton Award. She then studied at the Courtauld Institute of Art, London, earning an MA in History of Art with a Distinction for her thesis on Matisse’s Illustrations to Poetry.

Her talents don’t end there, Lydia has taught at London’s National Gallery for more than 35 years, and has lectured intermittently at the Tate Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Hermitage, and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Since March 2020 she has delivered more than 180 online lectures through her own programme, Art For The Uninitiated. She is an accredited lecturer with The Arts Society.

Ticket information and how to attend

Admission is free for members of The Arts Society Costa del Sol, whose membership covers the full lecture season. Members of other Arts Society societies are welcome at a discounted rate of €8, payable at the door. Non-members are invited to attend for a donation of €10, also payable on arrival.

The Salon Varietes Theatre is centrally located in Fuengirola. Arriving from 4:00pm allows time to take your seat before the lecture begins at 4:30pm.

More about the society

Founded in 1988 as the Costa del Sol Decorative and Fine Arts Society (DFAS), The Arts Society Costa del Sol was the first society of its kind in Spain and remains part of a global network of Arts Society chapters. The society has members from a number of different nationalities all united by a shared love and interest in art and culture. 

Monthly illustrated lectures run from October to May, covering painting, architecture, history, and cultural heritage, with particular attention to the artistic legacy of Spain. Members have a full social calendar including after-lecture drinks and dinners, a Christmas lunch, an end-of-season dinner dance, a Members’ Forum, and carefully researched cultural day trips to destinations across Spain and Europe.

New members are encouraged and always welcome. For more information visit The Arts Society Costa Del Sol website. 

If you have an interest in art, would like to learn something new, or have a painting in your house that you believe has an inner meaning then this event is perfect for you. 

Art: A Detective Story  – Decoding Symbols in Painting. Monday, May 11, 4:30pm. Salon Varietes Theatre, Fuengirola. Non-members €10, pay at door.

Fans of authentic rhythm and soul are in for a treat this month as Southern Spain’s blues favourites, the Gangberries, are returning to Almuñecar. This well-seasoned band brings a wealth of experience to the coast, promising a night that honours the very best of the Southern blues tradition.

Veteran musicians bring decades of mastery

Experience and a history of collaborations with the best define this ensemble. Formed in 2012, the group consists of musicians who have spent over twenty years touring with iconic Spanish bands such as Tabletom, Mama Kin, and the Lito Blues Band. Their deep-rooted connection to the genre guarantees a performance that is both technically flawless and emotionally charged.

The audience can expect a foot-tapping journey through the annals of music history, delivered by professionals who live and breathe the blues. These artists have shared stages with the likes of the Richard Ray Farrell Band, honing a craft that translates perfectly to the intimate setting of a concert hall.

A tribute to rock and blues giants

Reverence for the greats sits at the heart of their setlist. Their repertoire serves as a powerful tribute to legendary figures including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Johnny Winter. Listeners will be treated to masterful renditions of classic tracks and the soaring guitar harmonies reminiscent of the Allman Brothers Band. Every note played reflects a dedication to the raw energy of rock ‘n’ roll, making this a must-see event for anyone who appreciates guitar-driven excellence.

The performance will no doubt revive the spirit of the Mississippi Delta and the Georgia woods right here in Almuñécar.

La Cochera Producciones is hosting this cultural event, guaranteeing a high-quality production for all attendees. Early booking is advised as local interest remains high for this specific tour date. Residents from across the province are expected to travel for this display of musical prowess.

Event details:

• Date: Friday, May 8
• Time: 7pm
• Venue: Casa de la Cultura, Calle Angustias Viejas, 9, Almuñecar
• Price: €15
• Tickets: Available now at www.lacocheraentradas.com

Once more, the Playa de Rihuete in Puerto de Mazarron was the kickoff point for one of the season’s most awaited sporting events, the Fuente Álamo Triathlon. The event, now in its incredible 34th edition, saw nearly 800 athletes participate and countless visitors gather in the charming coastal town to support their loved ones taking on the challenge.

A formidable challenge that sees Spain’s toughest athletes compete

The triathlon consisted of an intense swimming segment, followed by a challenging cycling course and finishing with a final footrace to determine the winners. The event began in the early afternoon and saw the athletes kick off the race at the beach with a fast and highly competitive pace. The race, maintaining its iconic route from previous years, finished on the Ronda de Poniente in Fuente Álamo.

In the end, Noelia Juan Pastor and David Cantero were crowned the overall winners, though all the athletes who participated were thoroughly praised for taking on such a challenging and all-encompassing course.

Apart from the organisations collaborating to make the event happen, the Fuente Álamo Triathlon counted on the hard work and support of nearly 300 volunteers. 

A major sporting event that prepares participants for the nationals

The Fuente Álamo Triathlon, as a major sporting event in the municipality, is one of the greatest points of pride for Puerto de Mazarron and each year it is a major draw for both athletes who come to take on the formidable challenge and their supporters and loved ones. It is nicknamed the “triathlon for triathletes” for its considerable, but rewarding, challenge.

The race is also a qualifier for the Spanish Triathlon Championship, showcasing its prowess not just on the Costa Calida but on a national scale. Puerto de Mazarron continues to establish itself as a top destination in Spain for sports tourism, whether in the water, on wheels, on foot, or even on horseback.