Published December 2, 2025 | Category: Towns & Villages

TL;DR: Vera has inaugurated its Monumental Nativity Scene 2025 at the Convent of La Victoria, offering a detailed artistic journey through ancient Rome and the historical context of the birth of Jesus, complete with handcrafted scenes, immersive design and a strong cultural message for the Christmas season.

Vera Unveils Its Monumental Nativity Scene, Transporting Visitors to Ancient Rome

The Christmas season has officially begun in Vera with the inauguration of its Vera Nativity Scene 2025, a cultural tradition that attracts residents and visitors from across the region. Set inside the Convent of La Victoria, this year’s Nativity Scene offers a striking and immersive journey to ancient Rome, recreating the atmosphere of the early Imperial era during the reign of Emperor Augustus—historically linked to the birth of Jesus.

The opening ceremony was enriched by the music of the Da Music Quartet and presided over by renowned Nativity scene artist Antonio de Haro Marquez. Widely respected for his artistry, dedication to the craft and contribution to cultural heritage, he recently received the Spanish Federation of Nativity Scene Makers Trophy at the 61st National Nativity Scene Congress. He was joined by the Mayor of Vera, Alfonso Garcia Ramos, and the Councilor for Culture and Heritage, Antonio Jesus Soler Castano, who highlighted the importance of this tradition for the cultural identity of the municipality.

The construction of this year’s Nativity Scene has once again relied on the collaboration of the “Friends of the Vera Nativity Scene” Association, with lighting and 3D effects designed by Francis Sanchez Morata. According to the Ayuntamiento de Vera, the 2025 edition continues the town’s commitment to preserving a tradition deeply rooted in local heritage while also offering an evolving artistic experience each Christmas season.

A Journey Into Ancient Rome

The Monumental Nativity Scene 2025 stands out for its detailed reconstruction of ancient Rome. Visitors enter a visual narrative where elements of imperial grandeur coexist with everyday life and the humble origins of Christianity. Towering columns, lush gardens, stone pathways and architectural motifs recreate the setting of the Roman Empire in full splendor. These scenes contrast sharply with the modest depiction of the birth of Jesus, underscoring the difference between imperial power and the simplicity of the Holy Family.

The design intentionally alternates between moments of political power and scenes of ordinary life. Shepherds, craftsmen and families appear alongside ruins, market squares and symbolic landscapes. At the center of the display stands a cascading waterfall, symbolizing purity, renewal and the strength of life even in difficult times. Every corner reveals handcrafted figures, intricate textures and small details that invite visitors to pause, observe and reflect. As one of the most visited Vera Nativity Scene exhibitions in recent years, it continues to blend artistic creativity with cultural heritage.

Among the most striking scenes is the depiction of the Massacre of the Innocents, where Herod is presented as a ruler whose fear manifests in violence. This dramatic scene contrasts with quieter spaces that show daily Roman life, creating a rhythm that blends storytelling, history and devotion.

An Artistic, Cultural and Spiritual Dialogue

During the inauguration, Antonio de Haro Marquez described the Nativity Scene as more than a display. To him, it is a creative and emotional journey that invites visitors to reconnect with values of humility, hope and renewal. He explained that the experience is not only artistic but also reflective, offering people a way to understand and appreciate a moment in history that continues to shape cultural and spiritual traditions.

His words resonated with the audience, particularly when he reflected on how each corner of the Nativity Scene carries a message. Some scenes invite contemplation, others narrate familiar biblical events, and many encourage visitors to share stories, emotions and curiosity with children—keeping traditions alive through generations.

The opening address, delivered by Olivier Garcia Rodriguez, reinforced this perspective. He described the Nativity Scene as a “seed” capable of nurturing tenderness, faith and love in the hearts of children. His speech emphasized that Christmas should be understood as a space of gratitude, connection and hope, echoing longstanding cultural expressions of the season.

The exhibition also draws inspiration from a text traditionally attributed to Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral, framing Christmas as a symbol of new beginnings: “Christmas is love, hope, joy, redemption and renewal,” he noted. The Nativity Scene, with its artistic richness, seeks to convey these values through visual storytelling that invites visitors to reflect on the meaning of the season.

A Cultural Treasure Open to All

Mayor Alfonso Garcia Ramos highlighted the significance of the Monumental Nativity Scene for Vera’s identity. Every year, the exhibition becomes a focal point of the local Christmas calendar, drawing thousands of visitors who admire the craftsmanship, creativity and dedication behind each figure and scene. The mayor emphasized that the Nativity Scene is a cultural legacy shared by generations, representing community, spirituality and artistic excellence.

In addition to the main display, visitors can explore the extensive collection of Nativity scenes from around the world housed at the Convent of La Victoria. Comprising more than 800 pieces, this collection was generously donated by the family of Maria del Carmen Morant Belda. It adds an invaluable layer of cultural and historical richness, showcasing different artistic interpretations of the Nativity from various countries, eras and styles.

The Monumental Nativity Scene 2025 will remain open until January 11th, giving residents and visitors ample time to enjoy this unique artistic experience. With its blend of historical accuracy, artistic creativity and emotional depth, it stands as one of Vera’s most cherished Christmas traditions.

For more stories and local highlights from towns across the province, visit our Towns & Villages section.

Published December 1, 2025 | Category: Real Estate & Economy

TL;DR: Albox has launched the second edition of its Albox Consumer Voucher campaign, investing €50,000 in discount vouchers to support Christmas shopping at local businesses and attract visitors from across the Almanzora Valley.

Albox Strengthens Its Position as a Commercial Hub With Second Consumer Voucher Campaign

Albox has officially launched the second edition of its Consumer Voucher campaign, a local economic initiative designed to support families, shops, and small businesses during the Christmas season. Running from December 1st to January 10th, the programme builds on the overwhelming success of last year’s edition, which generated more than €200,000 in local spending.

With a new budget of €50,000, the Town Hall aims to encourage residents and visitors alike to shop locally during one of the most important retail periods of the year. The Albox Consumer Voucher objective is twofold: to ease the financial burden on families during the festive season and to strengthen the commercial fabric of Albox and the wider Almanzora Valley.

The Consumer Voucher campaign is part of a broader strategy by the Albox Town Hall to position the municipality as a leading commercial centre in inland Almeria. By combining direct financial support with targeted promotional campaigns, the Town Hall hopes to consolidate Albox as a natural shopping destination for surrounding towns and villages.

How the Albox Consumer Voucher system works this year

The mechanics of the programme are simple, accessible, and designed to maximise rotation so that as many people as possible can benefit:

• Each voucher provides a €5 discount on purchases.
• Vouchers can be downloaded online through the Town Hall’s official platform.
• They must be redeemed in €20 increments at participating businesses (for example, spend €20, pay €15).
• Users can access up to five vouchers per week.
• Unused vouchers automatically return to the common pool every week to ensure fair redistribution.

More than 45 local businesses have joined the campaign so far, ranging from clothing shops, supermarkets, bookshops, and gift stores to bars, cafés, restaurants, hairdressers, beauty salons, and small service providers. The list is expected to grow as more businesses sign up during the campaign.

This variety ensures that families can use the vouchers for a wide range of Christmas needs – from holiday meals and clothing to gifts, dinners, school materials, or personal care. For many households, these discounts can make a noticeable difference in a period traditionally marked by higher expenses.

Open to everyone – not just residents

One of the most attractive aspects of the initiative is that it is open to the general public, not just residents of Albox. This detail is important because Albox has long served as a commercial centre for the broader Almanzora Valley.

By extending eligibility, the Town Hall encourages visitors from nearby municipalities such as Arboleas, Cantoria, Zurgena, Partaloa, Oria, and even Huercal-Overa to do their Christmas shopping in Albox. In practice, this helps attract more foot traffic into the town’s commercial areas and boosts revenue for small businesses that rely heavily on seasonal spending.

For many shop owners, the campaign also serves as free promotion: customers discover new shops, cafés, and services that they might not have visited without the additional incentive of the vouchers. This creates a ripple effect that can last beyond the Christmas season.

A €50,000 investment that multiplies itself in the local economy

During last year’s first edition, the Town Hall invested €40,000, which – according to official reports – translated into more than €200,000 in purchases made at local establishments. This means that for every euro invested by the municipality, more than five euros were reinjected into the local economy.

This year’s increased budget of €50,000 demonstrates the municipality’s confidence in the programme’s broader economic and social value. Local business leaders, including the Almeria Chamber of Commerce, support the campaign and provide information and assistance to participating merchants through their local office in the town.

A word from the Mayor

Mayor Maria del Mar Alfonso highlighted the importance of the initiative in supporting both families and entrepreneurs:

“Last year this campaign was a resounding success. We invested €40,000 directly from the Town Hall, which translated into over €200,000 in sales for our local businesses and restaurants. This year, we’ve increased our contribution to €50,000 in discount vouchers, which families can use to shop at our local businesses. We’re helping them through this period of high expenses while ensuring that this money stays in our town.”

The mayor also underlined that Albox is “a town of entrepreneurs” and that the municipality will “continue to stand by them and support them in every way possible.”

A growing vision for local commerce in Albox

The success of this voucher programme aligns with the Town Hall’s broader strategy to strengthen Albox as one of the leading commercial centres in the Almanzora region. With a growing population, a strategic location, and a strong network of small and medium-sized enterprises, Albox is increasingly positioned as a competitive alternative to larger commercial hubs.

Initiatives such as the Consumer Voucher campaign help to:

• Reinforce customer loyalty to local businesses.
• Bring more visibility to small shops and services.
• Encourage sustainable local spending.
• Stimulate weekend and Christmas tourism from surrounding areas.
• Maintain economic activity during the winter months.

This type of municipal support has become particularly valuable for small shops, many of which face rising costs, online competition, and seasonal fluctuations. For them, the combination of increased customer flow and direct discounts can be decisive at the end of the year.

Residents and businesses respond positively

Local reaction has been strongly positive, especially among families and workers facing rising prices during the holiday period. Many residents appreciate the fact that vouchers are easy to obtain, do not require complex registration, and can be used for everyday shopping as well as Christmas gifts.

Businesses involved in the programme are also seeing tangible benefits: increased customer flow, more sales of mid-range products, higher visibility, and repeat visits – all essential during the Christmas season.

With the second edition of the Consumer Voucher campaign now under way, Albox continues to strengthen its image as a dynamic and welcoming commercial hub in the heart of the Almanzora Valley. More information about the initiative and participating businesses can be found through the official website of the Albox Town Hall.

Stay updated with the latest economic developments, investment trends, and business initiatives across Almeria. Explore more stories in our Real Estate & Economy section.

Published December 1, 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: Mojacar’s Christmas lights switch-on attracted thousands of visitors, filling the village with themed zones, music, characters, workshops and a magical countdown led by local children.

Mojacar Lights Up Christmas with a Magical Switch-On Event

Mojacar officially welcomed the Christmas season this weekend with one of its most popular and visually impressive annual events: the town’s Christmas lights switch-on. From midday onwards, Mojacar Pueblo was filled with families, visitors and Christmas enthusiasts enjoying a festive programme packed with colour, music and interactive activities.

The Town Hall created seven themed zones across squares and viewpoints, transforming the village into a Christmas-themed trail. Visitors followed a map through scenes inspired by Toy Story, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Ratatouille. Disney characters, workshops, craft stands and food trucks contributed to a lively atmosphere that kept the streets busy throughout the afternoon.

By mid-afternoon, Plaza Nueva had become the heart of the celebration, where the Municipal Band performed a special Disney-style concert. Classics from Aladdin, Frozen, The Lion King and more were accompanied by several local singers, who received enthusiastic applause from an audience that packed every corner of the square.

Many families also enjoyed the quieter moments scattered throughout Mojacar Pueblo, including storytelling corners, festive photo spots and small pop-up performances organised by local associations. These additional activities allowed visitors to explore the village at a relaxed pace while taking in the Christmas decorations that lined streets and balconies.

The most anticipated moment arrived at 7:00 p.m. when the children selected in the Town Hall’s Christmas raffle stepped onto the stage for the countdown. With the press of a button, thousands of LED lights illuminated the entire village, marking the official start of the season. A pyrotechnic musical display above the Castle added an emotional touch, with residents and visitors recording the moment and singing along.

The Ayuntamiento de Mojacar increased security and public transport services throughout the day, ensuring a smooth and safe event. With the lights now shining across the village, Mojacar begins its full festive calendar for December, complementing activities already highlighted in our article Christmas in Mojacar.

For more upcoming events and celebrations across Almeria, visit our Events section.

Published November 29, 2025 | Category: Community

TL;DR: Burger King Vera Playa will open just before Christmas, bringing the first major fast-food restaurant to the Levante coast along with new jobs and a convenient drive-thru service.

Burger King Arrives in Vera Playa: Opening Date, Location and Job Opportunities

Burger King Vera Playa is set to become the first major fast-food restaurant on the Levante coast, offering residents and visitors a new dining option right before the Christmas season. The restaurant is being built next to the Mercadona supermarket in La Media Legua, a strategic location between Vera, Garrucha, Villaricos and Mojacar.

Construction is progressing quickly, with prefabricated modules already in place. According to local press reports, the goal is to finish the main structure by December 17th and open to the public around December 20th. The restaurant will also include a full drive-thru lane, giving customers the option to order directly from their cars.

Job Vacancies Now Available

Several job openings for the new restaurant have already been published. Positions include kitchen staff, cashiers and drive-thru team members. The company offers permanent contracts, rotating shifts and salaries aligned with the hospitality sector agreement.

No previous experience is required, although it is considered an advantage. Employees who perform well may also have the opportunity to progress to management roles within a little over a year, depending on availability in the regional network.

A 2,000 m² Site With Parking and a Summer Terrace

The development covers a plot of approximately 2,000 square metres. It will include customer parking and an outdoor terrace for summer dining. Its location between Vera Playa and Garrucha ensures strong visibility and easy access from multiple towns along the coast.

A First for the Levante Coast

The arrival of Burger King Vera Playa marks a significant step for the area, which has long lacked major international fast-food chains despite having around 65,000 year-round residents. This number can double or even triple during the summer months.

While Telepizza has maintained a presence in Las Buganvillas, previous attempts by other chains—such as the now-closed Foster’s Hollywood in Mojacar were short-lived. The opening of this new Burger King may encourage more brands to consider the Levante coast in the future.

For more updates from towns across the Levante, visit our Community section.