Published December 15, 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: More than 400 runners took part in Vera’s annual Christmas Run, combining sport and solidarity, with all proceeds donated to support research into mitochondrial diseases.

Vera Christmas Charity Run Draws Over 400 Participants

The Vera Christmas charity run brought together more than 400 runners last weekend for a festive sporting event with a strong charitable focus.

The day began in the town’s main square with children’s races, covering categories such as Mini Chupetín, Chupetín, Under 6, Under 8, Under 10 and Under 12. Young runners completed distances ranging from 50 to 800 metres, creating a lively and family-friendly atmosphere.

Later in the morning, adult participants took to the streets of Vera on two different routes of 3.3 and 10 kilometres, allowing runners to choose a distance suited to their fitness level. Both routes passed through the town centre, with strong local support along the way.

Funds Raised for Medical Research

All funds raised through race registrations were donated to the Spanish Association of Mitochondrial Pathologies (AEPMI), an organisation that supports research into mitochondrial diseases and provides information and assistance to affected families.

The donation includes the full amount from children’s race bibs, two euros from each adult registration, and all contributions made through the event’s solidarity bib initiative. This option allowed people to donate a minimum of five euros even if they did not take part in the race.

A Christmas Tradition in Vera

The Christmas Run has become one of the highlights of the festive season in Vera. According to Antonio J. Soler, Councillor for Sports at the Vera Town Hall, the strong turnout and continued trust from runners provide the motivation to keep organising the event year after year.

More information about local sports initiatives and community events can be found via the Vera Town Hall.

Looking for more events, races and local celebrations across the province? Browse our latest updates in the Events section.

Published December 11, 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: The Roquetas de Mar Christmas Nativity Scene at Castillo de Santa Ana has opened for the 2025 festive season. With more than 2,000 handcrafted figures, maritime traditions and new decorative scenes, it is one of the most impressive belenes in Almería. Open until 6 January.

Roquetas de Mar Christmas Nativity Scene Opens at Castillo de Santa Ana

The Roquetas de Mar Christmas Nativity Scene has become one of the most beloved festive traditions in the municipality. Each year, families, neighbours and visitors gather at the historic Castillo de Santa Ana to enjoy a unique belén that blends biblical storytelling with local heritage. The 2025 edition is now open, offering a rich and detailed experience throughout the holiday season.

Created and assembled by the Hermandad del Cristo del Mar, the nativity scene is the result of months of craftsmanship and preparation. Its inauguration marks the official start of the Christmas season in Roquetas de Mar, with cultural groups, residents and visitors gathering to celebrate the opening.

A Monumental Display Featuring More Than 2,000 Figures

This year’s Roquetas de Mar Christmas Nativity Scene occupies approximately 210 square metres inside the castle’s exhibition hall. The installation includes more than 2,000 handcrafted figures, showcasing both traditional biblical scenes and elements inspired by life in Roquetas de Mar.

One of the most striking additions is a large galleon representing the maritime procession of the Virgen del Carmen and Santa Ana, a tradition deeply rooted in the identity of the town. Other miniature recreations highlight familiar local landmarks such as Las Salinas, the lighthouse and the Puerto de Roquetas, giving the display a strong connection to the municipality’s coastal character.

The belén also features a redesigned Egyptian area, updated scenes of the Three Wise Men and several illuminated water elements, making the visit especially enjoyable for families with children. Each corner of the installation is carefully lit and decorated, enhancing the atmosphere and inviting visitors to take their time exploring.

Opening Hours and Visitor Information

The nativity scene can be visited until 6 January with the following opening hours:

• Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00–13:00 and 17:00–20:00
• Sundays and public holidays: 11:00–13:00
• Mondays: Closed

This event forms part of the wider Christmas programme organised by the City of Roquetas de Mar, which also includes lights, concerts, workshops and family activities across the municipality.

A Festive Tradition for All Ages

The opening ceremony included a performance by the Coral Polifónica of Roquetas de Mar, which added a warm and musical touch to the event. With thousands of visitors expected over the coming weeks, the Roquetas de Mar Christmas Nativity Scene remains a key attraction during the holiday season and a beautiful example of the town’s cultural identity.

If you’re exploring festive activities in the municipality, you may also enjoy our guide to Christmas in Roquetas de Mar, which highlights lights, concerts, markets and family events across the town.

The nativity scene at Castillo de Santa Ana offers a rich, creative and family-friendly experience and stands out as one of the most charming Christmas traditions in Roquetas de Mar.

Looking for more Christmas events across Almería? Browse our latest updates in the Events section.

Published December 10, 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: The Archilla–Cañada Sebastiana neighbourhood in Vícar is kicking off the Christmas season with a family-friendly afternoon featuring a homemade sponge cake competition and creative workshops for children.

Archilla Celebrates Christmas with Sponge Cakes and Creative Workshops for Kids

Christmas in Archilla begins with a warm, community-focused celebration this Friday, bringing families and neighbours together for an afternoon filled with creativity, local flavours and festive spirit. Organised by the AMPA ‘Futuro’ of CEIP Profesor Tierno Galván, the event highlights the strong social and cultural involvement of the neighbourhood.

Vícar’s mayor, Antonio Bonilla, emphasised the value of these initiatives, noting that they reflect “a municipality where all social groups have their place and take an active role in promoting culture and neighbourhood bonding.”

Event Details

The Christmas gathering will take place on 12 December from 16:30 onwards at the María Moliner Library. The programme includes a lively Sponge Cake Contest, with prizes for the three best entries as judged by the event’s panel.

There will also be a festive draw offering a fresh produce box and a traditional cured ham shoulder, adding an extra touch of holiday cheer for attendees.

Activities for Children

The youngest visitors will enjoy their own creative space, with hands-on workshops featuring painted plaster figures and handmade Christmas ornaments — perfect for decorating the family tree and getting into the holiday spirit.

Want more Christmas events, workshops and local celebrations across the province? Explore our Events section for the latest updates.

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.