Events
Almeria Western Film Festival 2025 starts tomorrow
Published October 7, 2025 | Category: Events
TL;DR: The Almeria Western Film Festival 2025 starts tomorrow (Oct 8–12) in Tabernas. Opening day features a parade, a “Western Classic” double bill, the Charo Lopez tribute and an international premiere to close the gala.
Almeria Western Film Festival 2025: Opening Day Guide & Why It Matters
Table of Contents
- What’s happening tomorrow
- Charo Lopez: the 2025 “Tabernas de Cine” honoree
- Opening Day schedule (Oct 8)
- How to attend & practical tips
- Why AWFF is unique to Almeria
What’s happening tomorrow
The Almeria Western Film Festival 2025 (AWFF) kicks off tomorrow across Tabernas and the iconic western sets of Oasys MiniHollywood and Fort Bravo Texas Hollywood. Expect a lively parade, a celebratory “Western Classic” programme, a moving tribute to Spanish screen legend Charo Lopez, and an international premiere to cap the gala night at the Teatro Municipal de Tabernas. The festival runs from October 8–12, bringing together filmmakers, guests and families for screenings, talks and open-air moments in the desert.
Charo Lopez: the 2025 “Tabernas de Cine” honoree
At the heart of this 15th edition is a tribute to Charo Lopez (Salamanca, 1943), awarded the festival’s Tabernas de Cine prize during the opening gala. Her ties to Almeria’s western legacy include titles shot in the Tabernas Desert such as El bandido Malpelo (Il lungo giorno della violenza, 1971) and El sol bajo la tierra (Anda, muchacho, spara!, 1971). The documentary Me cuesta hablar de mí (Chema de la Peña, 2022) screens on opening day, framing a career that bridged popular and auteur cinema and championed complex, powerful female characters within and beyond the western canon.
For background, see our earlier preview with the full outlook on honorees and sections: Almeria Western Film Festival 2025: Honoring Charo Lopez, Roque Baños and More.
Opening Day schedule (Wednesday, Oct 8)
- 10:00 – Inaugural “Toy Story” street parade (Avenida Europa → Tourist Office)
- 11:00 – Theatre / Double bill, Western Classic:
- Toy Story (John Lasseter, 1995) – Spanish dub
- West and Soda (Bruno Bozzetto, 1965) – VOSE
- 16:00 – Theatre / Panorama: Los Jerraos (Q&A with director)
- 16:30 – Theatre / Western Classic: Me cuesta hablar de mí (Chema de la Peña, 2022)
- 18:00 – La Serrata / Book talk: Los paisajes del wéstern by Abraham Domínguez Belloso
- 19:00 – Avenida de las Angustias / Charo Lopez reveals her chair on the Tabernas Walk of Cinema
- 20:00 – La Serrata / Opening of the exhibition “15 Years of Almeria Western Film Festival”
- 21:00 – Theatre / Opening Gala – Tabernas de Cine award to Charo Lopez (hosted by Julio Béjar; music by Javier Arnal & Vera Acacio)
- 22:00 – Theatre / International premiere: The Ecstasy of Gold. The Treasure of Jesse James (Federico Alotto, 2025), with the team in attendance
Also running: the 12th Western Tapas Route (Oct 3–12) across local venues and the anniversary exhibition at La Serrata during screening hours. Note that the organisation may adjust the programme due to weather or operational needs; follow official channels for updates.
How to attend & practical tips
- Check the official programme and venue info on the AWFF website and the live X feed for last-minute changes.
- Arrive early for the gala and the premiere — queues form quickly at the Teatro Municipal de Tabernas.
- If you’re new to the area, combine screenings with a short desert walk or a visit to the western sets. Stay hydrated; evenings can be cool in October.
Why AWFF is unique to Almeria
Now celebrating its 15th edition, AWFF is Europe’s only festival dedicated specifically to the western genre, rooted in the landscapes and craft traditions that made Almeria a world capital of on-screen frontiers. Beyond the screenings, AWFF connects local heritage and global cinema — a living bridge between classic iconography and contemporary voices. For background, see our earlier preview with the full outlook on honorees and sections: Almeria Western Film Festival 2025: Honoring Charo Lopez, Roque Baños and More.
For more updates from across the province, visit our Events category.
Events
Arboleas Christmas Lights 2025 | Switch-On Ceremony in Plaza de España
Published December 6, 2025 | Category: Events
TL;DR: The Arboleas Christmas Lights 2025 will be officially switched on this Monday, 8 December, at 17:45 in Plaza de España, in front of the Town Hall, with a short festive presentation open to the community.
Arboleas Christmas Lights 2025: Switch-On This Monday
The Arboleas Christmas Lights 2025 will be officially switched on this Monday, 8 December, at 17:45 in Plaza de España, right in front of the Town Hall. The event marks the formal start of the festive season in this Almanzora Valley village.
The Town Hall has invited residents and visitors to join a short evening programme, including a Christmas-themed presentation, a brief appearance by a representative of local associations and, of course, the moment when the town’s festive lights are illuminated across Arboleas.
According to the official announcement published by the Arboleas Town Hall, the switch-on ceremony is open to everyone, and families are encouraged to come along and enjoy the start of the Christmas atmosphere in the heart of the village.
People planning to attend are advised to arrive a little early to find a good spot in the square and enjoy the build-up before the lighting countdown begins.
Want to discover more events, fiestas and things to do across the province? Browse the latest updates in our Events section.
Events
Things to Do at Christmas in Mojacar: Lights, Markets & Family Fun
Published December 5, 2025 | Category: Events
TL;DR: Looking for things to do at Christmas in Mojacar? The town offers over 30 hotels open, festive lights, markets, flamenco and family-friendly events along the Almeria coast.
Things to Do at Christmas in Mojacar
There are many things to do at Christmas in Mojacar — from seaside sunsets to flamenco nights in the old town. One of the reasons this destination stands out in December is that more than 30 hotels remain open with around 10,000 beds available. If you are planning a festive getaway, our main guide to Christmas in Mojacar is a great starting point for background information and inspiration.
According to the tourism information published by the Town Hall on the official Mojacar website, the town keeps its tourism infrastructure active throughout the winter, so visitors can enjoy the holidays with the same comfort and services as in summer — just with more lights and fewer crowds.
Be There When the Lights Come On
One of the most popular things to do at Christmas in Mojacar is to be in town when the Christmas lights are switched on. The promenades, squares and old town streets fill with colour and sparkle, creating the perfect atmosphere for an evening walk. For dates and practical details, you can also check our dedicated update on the Mojacar Christmas Lights.
Enjoy the Christmas Market in the Old Town
From December 20, the hilltop old town hosts the Christmas Market, where you can taste traditional sweets, browse local crafts and listen to live music in a unique setting. Walking through the narrow streets decorated with lights, with views down to the Mediterranean, is one of the most atmospheric experiences of Christmas in Mojacar.
Experience Flamenco Christmas Nights
If you enjoy Andalusian culture, another essential thing to do at Christmas in Mojacar is to attend one of the flamenco events. On December 21, the first Gran Flamenco Zambomba brings guitars, clapping and Christmas carols to the town. On December 27, the group “Chanqueños pa’ Belén” continues the celebrations with more rhythm, music and local flavour.
Find Family-Friendly Christmas Activities
Families looking for kid-friendly Christmas activities in Mojacar will find plenty on the festive calendar. Disney characters will appear on selected days to meet children in the streets and squares. The Children’s New Year’s Eve offers a special countdown with sweet chimes, music and entertainment so that the youngest ones can celebrate the new year in their own way.
For a broader overview of what is happening across the festive period, you can browse our event roundup on Mojacar Christmas 2025, which highlights key dates and activities.
End the Holidays with the Three Kings Parade
On January 5, one of the most memorable things to do at Christmas in Mojacar is to watch the traditional Three Kings Parade. The streets fill with drums, lights and excitement as Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar arrive, greeting children and throwing sweets to the crowd. It is a magical way to close the festive season by the sea.
A Winter Escape by the Mediterranean
Peaceful beaches, open hotels, and a full festive programme mean that there are always interesting things to do at Christmas in Mojacar. Whether you visit for a weekend or a longer holiday, the mix of Mediterranean scenery, Moorish charm and Christmas atmosphere makes this corner of the Almeria coast a special place to spend the holidays.
Want to discover more events, fiestas and things to do across the province? Browse the latest updates in our Events section.
Events
Christmas in Albox Begins with Return of Monumental Nativity Scene
Published December 5, 2025 | Category: Events
TL;DR: Christmas in Albox officially began yesterday with the return of the Monumental Nativity Scene “Enrique Miras” and the switch-on of festive lights in Plaza de San Francisco.
Christmas in Albox Begins with Monumental Nativity Scene
Christmas in Albox started yesterday evening as the Monumental Nativity Scene “Enrique Miras” was inaugurated once again in Plaza de San Francisco. Hundreds of residents gathered to enjoy the first major event of the town’s festive programme, celebrating the start of the holiday season together.
From 6:00 p.m., children enjoyed the free inflatable Christmas village in the square, and by 7:30 p.m. the Christmas lights were officially switched on, bringing a warm glow to the heart of Albox. Immediately after, the tent hosting the spectacular nativity scene opened to the public, showcasing the traditional figures and detailed scenery that have been carefully assembled in recent days.
The nativity scene — a symbol of Christmas in Albox for decades — disappeared in 2016, leaving a gap in one of the town’s most beloved traditions. Thanks to the dedication of the “Friends of the Three Kings” association and especially local resident Enrique Miras, the tradition returned in 2023 and continues even stronger this year.
Local volunteers and community groups helped restore many of the pieces so that residents could once again enjoy their monumental nativity scene. After the inauguration, the Misas del Gozo Choir performed Christmas songs, adding to the festive atmosphere in the plaza.
Want to discover more events, fiestas and things to do across the province? Browse the latest updates in our Events section.
Community
Mojacar Christmas Lights Switch-On Makes History with Record Visitor Numbers
Published December 4, 2025 | Category: Events
TL;DR: The 2025 Mojacar Christmas Lights Switch-On attracted more than 7,000 visitors to the old town, marking a record-breaking start to the festive season and confirming its status as a true “Ferrero Rocher Village”.
Mojacar Christmas Lights 2025: Record Crowds Celebrate a Magical Switch-On
Mojacar has officially kicked off its Christmas 2025 celebrations – and this year’s switch-on will be remembered as one of the most spectacular the town has ever seen. According to local media reports in Diario de Almeria and La Voz de Almeria, the day attracted thousands of visitors, with more than 7,000 people gathering in Mojacar Pueblo for the official lighting ceremony.
The celebrations began early in the day with Disney Day, an immersive experience that transformed the narrow streets of the old town into a magical world of characters, workshops, and activities. Local coverage estimated that more than 5,000 visitors enjoyed the morning festivities alone, filling the white-washed lanes with families and Disney fans from across the province.
In the afternoon, the Disney Concert performed by the Mojacar Municipal Band brought even more people into the heart of the town. But the real highlight came just after sunset, when the Christmas lights illuminated plazas, balconies, and alleyways – earning cheers and applause from thousands of spectators.
Mayor Francisco Garcia called the day “magical” and expressed enormous pride in the town’s ability to keep raising the bar each year. Mojacar has long embraced its reputation as a Ferrero Rocher Village, and this historic turnout shows that its festive charm continues to shine brighter every season.
The switch-on marks the start of a full festive programme running through early January. Highlights include:
- 20 December – Christmas Market opening in Mojacar Pueblo
- 21 December – Flamenco Christmas Zambomba
- 27 December – Zambomba “Chanqueños pa’ Belén”
- 31 December – Children’s New Year’s Eve
- 5 January – Three Kings Parade
With concerts, workshops, characters and surprises throughout December, locals and visitors alike can look forward to a Christmas full of light, tradition and unforgettable moments in Mojacar.
Want to discover more events, fiestas and things to do across the province? Browse the latest updates in our Events section.
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