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 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.

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.