Where to see ings’ Parade
Adam Woodward
THERE is just one place to be on the evening of Sunday, January 5, and that is watching the greatest outdoor show of the year in Spain: The Cabalgata de Reyes (or Kings’ Parade).
All towns and cities will be welcoming the Three Kings of the Orient as they arrive in Spain to deliver gifts to children. The event will be a ‘must’ for anyone who’s never seen one before, and especially for those with a sweet tooth, while it marks the spectacular finale to the Christmas season.
All towns and cities in Spain have a ‘Cabalgata,’ and as well in the Costa del Sol, and here is where you can experience this culturally unique and spectacular show:
In Western Costa del Sol, the parade begins at 4pm in the Castillo de la Duquesa and on to Sabanillas. After that, it will continue on to Manilva for 6.30pm, finishing in Calle Mar at around 7pm.
In Benahavis, their Majesties will arrive by helicopter at the municipal football ground, and then floats will travel along the Avenida Fiscal Luis Portero until Avenida de Andalucia, accompanied by parades for children
The Grand Parade of Three Kings 2025 in Marbella will take place on Sunday, January 5, from 6pm starting in Plaza Monseñor Rodríguez Bocanegra.
In Fuengirola, the Kings will arrive by helicopter, landing at ‘Elola’ football ground at 4pm, and then onto the parade, which leaves Calle Mallorca at 5pm and finishes in Avenida de Los Boliches at around 9.30pm.
On the Sunday, the ‘Cabalgata’ in Mijas Pueblo leaves the Town Hall at 5pm and passes the Cultural Centre of Mijas. At the end of the tour, there will be a tasting of Roscón de Reyes offered.
In Benalmadena, the Three Kings arrive at the marina at 10.30am on Sunday, the 5th, aboard the famous Chinese junk boat, where they will be met by the mayor. There will be two parades, one in Benalmadena Pueblo and the other in Arroyo de la Miel. The Benalmadena Pueblo parade starts at 4.30pm, while the Arroyo de la Miel one starts at 7pm from Tivoli World, finishing at Plaza de la Mezquita.
In Torremolinos, it will leave at 5pm from Plaza Blas Infante and the parade will be made up of 25 groups from the town launching 10,000 kilos of sweets from their floats.
In Marbella, the Kings will arrive by boat on Saturday, January 4, at 4pm at Puerto Banus and then travel with a rally of vintage cars around the streets of Nueva Andalucia and on to The Hard Rock Hotel.
Finest Italian cuisine
PRIMAVERA, an Italian restaurant in front of Boliches beach in Fuengirola was added in 2025 to the list of Top 50 Pizzas in Spain, and it is the only Italian restaurant to do so in Malaga Province.
In business since 1997, Primavera has matured and refined its menu con
a casual, yet still worthy of being on anyone’s restaurant wish list.
The carefully selected ingredients are what make the difference. The flour in their pasta and pizzas comes from the historic El Molino in Coin, where they continue to mill wheat germ the
nish Summer’ with mozzarella fior di latte, diced organic Huevo de Toro tomatoes, diced Iberian ham, burrata, and basil, or the Melanzane pizza with roasted aubergines, and of course the classic Margarita, all prepared in a Neapolitan-Roma style. Drinks are as important in the restaurant, with, depending on the season, home-made lemonade with mint leaves and a selection of unfilte-
Book first as Primavera on Paseo Marítimo Rey de España fills up regu-
Melissa Carver’s 2025
Adam Woodward
MELISSA CARVER, one of Costa del Sol’s favourite performers, had an amazing 2024. She played in all of the best venues along the coast, and at some the very best events, including the Nathan Dean organised ‘Simply Thriving Late Summer Party’ which raised a huge amount of money for the Alzheimer’s charity AFA.
And, as one notable full circle, Melissa returned to the stage of Salon Varietés in Fuengirola where her performing career first begun. Where previously she wowed audiences in the lead role of Annie, this time she played Grace Farrell.
Euro Weekly News asked Melissa about what she has lined up for 2025.
EWN: What plans do you have for 2025 so far?
‘DÍAS PERFECTOS’ (Perfect Days), an exhibition of contemporary engravings, is now showing at the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving until February 10 in Marbella.
Melissa: I plan to take some big career steps, record new and original music and put it out for everyone to hear. I’m also hoping to work abroad, and offshore also.
EWN: Are there any big events coming up?
Melissa: We have some cool events in the pipeline but they’re a secret at the moment. Viva la Diva will be back. That much I can tell you.
EWN: What about travel? Are you planning your holidays yet?
Melissa: This year I’m planning to go to the UK to see some concerts and West End shows too, and will hopefully do another holiday, perhaps to the US. I’ve just come back from Thailand for two weeks so am recovering from that trip. It was an absolute blast!
The exhibition, which coincides with the 32nd anniversary of the museum, brings together engravings and paintings made expressly for this institution by Isabel Martín, an artist from Marbella.
Isabel Martín closes the annual cycle that the Museo del Grabado of ‘The Award-Winning Artists’, in which Ana S Matías, Elena Jiménez and Mónica Vázquez Ayala have exhibited, all of them deserving of awards in previous years of the National Engraving Awards.
After coming of age,
Isabel Martín left Marbella to travel to London. While working as an au pair, she enrolled in the Heatherley private art school. This earned her a place to study a foundation course at the Chelsea School of Art and Design. The consequence of this was her entry into the prestigious Slade College of Art in London, once again revealing her great talent, which has been recognised by all of her
contemporaries, such as the artists Angela de la Cruz, Chris Ofili and Jason Martin. During those years, her teachers included the sculptor Phyllida Barlow, Paula Rego and Bruce McLean.
The exhibition ‘Días Perfectos’ by Isabel Martín can be visited at the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving (Marbella old town) until February 10, 2025. Entry is free.
Marenostrum 2025
Adam Woodward
MARENOSTRUM 2025, the summer-long Fuengirola music festival in the grounds of Sohail Castle, is announcing big names for the next big summer event.
One such act causing a lot of buzz, and sure to sell out early on, is the UK band The Prodigy, who play July 26. The Prodigy, known for their energetic mix of Electronic, Punk and Rave sounds, will offer a repertoire full of hits such as ‘Firestarter’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Smack My Bitch Up’,
among others. More than a concert, ‘it will be a visual and sound show that promises to take the public to the limit,’ said Marenostrum in a press release.
The Marenostrum organisation has also confirmed for 2025, one of the only five performances that Lionel Richie will have in Spain. As part of his European tour, ‘Say Hello to the Hits’, where he will perform the songs that have made him loved on the dancefloors of the world by all age groups. Lionel Richie is performing on July 25.
Bonnie Tyler joins the Marenostrum calendar too on August 14. The uniquely distinct voice of the British superstar will interpret her great rock hits that have rung out around the world, such as ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’, ‘It’s a Heartache’ and ‘Holding out of a Hero’, in addition to songs from her latest album, ‘The best is yet to come’.
Tickets are now on sale for all confirmed events exclusively through the official website of the venue.
Art shows
BEGINNING the year with a more cultural tone, Torremolinos is the Costa del Sol town which is all about art this January.
Here is a run-down of some of the best art exhibitions not to be missed and with free entry.
At the Casa de los Navajas, in Calle Antonio Navajas Ruiz, Mirando el Jardín, an exhibition of the paintings of David Sancho.
His works play between colourful abstract expressionism and figurative images of plants in a garden, in which representation and oil paint on canvas both fight for the viewer’s
attention. The exhibition closes on January 25.
Until January 31, it is still possible to visit the exhibition ‘Torremolinos Invisible’ by the renowned infrared photographer Luis Monje at El Centro de Interpretación Turística, in Cuesta del Tajo.
The images on show are of scenes from Torremolinos, with the infrared camera giving an entirely new perspective on the familiar.
Continuing until January 17, the exhibition ‘Impresiones y Color’ by Juan Bautista is on at Casa de Cultura in Calle Horacio
Lengo. The vibrant collection of dynamic abstract paintings is an exciting, yet thought-provoking collection of the artist’s latest works.
And, finally, a must for art fans is the exhibition being held on the first floor of Torremolinos Town Hall. Organised by Afesol, the mental health charity, David Pascual Arroyo’s exhibition of paintings and drawings show the contrasts in the feelings of the bi-polar artist.
An absolute joy and not to be missed.
The exhibition closes on January 24.
Cyrano’s Bottomless Dubai-style Saturday Lunch
Adam Woodward
THE swish Cyrano Bar and Grill, a social and taste extravaganza presents the ideal cure for those post New Year’s Party hangovers with the new Bottomless Dubai-style Saturday Lunch menu.
For early January 2025, owner and perfect host Tibbi Aquila is introducing something special for diners to begin 2025 on a good foot. The Saturday Dubai-brunch-style set menu with drinks, music, and dancing, will dust off those post party blues.
The new three-course set menu will offer a choice from eight starters, eight mains, and three desserts all in an exquisite Asian-fusion style, including sushis, tataki, and a taste of Asian cuisine throughout the beautifully pre-
sented meal, all for €49 per diner.
Additionally, with a little supplement, there will be the big charcoal grill selection, meats, burgers, and grilled sea bass, ensuring a really complete menu for the occasion, and all with a hint of Asian fusion.
To complete the deal for a real party mood, the charismatic Tibbi presents a PREMIUM bottomless drinks package for two hours for just €39 extra. You can choose from all your favourite cocktails, spirits and wines and beers.
Keeping the party moving until 6pm, DJ Icey will be on hand providing the grooves with funky and disco remixes, along with Saxophonist Pablo Sax Megar.
And, looking forward and starting the 2025 party as we mean to go on,
Cyrano will be presenting some of the best singers from the Costa del Sol, followed by live DJs with the best 80s Funky party sounds you will find on the Costa del Sol.
Also coming this January, the classic two-course Sunday lunch dishes: roast lamb, beef, chicken, and the essential Yorkshire puddings with gravy. More traditional than the Saturday set menu, but with emphasis on the warmth of the traditional Sunday roast.
The menu price will be set at €39 for two courses and €49 for the three-course menu with a selection of 10 starters, such as tempuras and goat’s cheese, classics in a new modern style to make Sunday into a real party day. The last food orders will be taken at 4.30pm.
Baroque concert
ESCARRAMÁN ENSEMBLE performs a beautiful set composed of music written in Spain during the Baroque period.
The group plays with historical instruments such as the thiorba, the baroque guitar, and the viola da gamba,
among others.
Their repertoire includes music by Juan Hidalgo, considered the father of Spanish opera, among others.
The Escarramán Ensemble was born out of the concern of several music professionals for the historically informed interpretation of the repertoire of the late Renaissance and early Baroque and that it might be lost in the cultural memory.
Starlite sneak preview
They strive to get the audience to leave their concerts with the feeling of having lived a complete experience, merging music and stories, making each performance a very complete show.
to number one in 25 countries, and the Scorpions, whose hit ‘Wind of Change’ became an anthem for the end of the Cold War.
The concert is on at 8pm, at the Casa de Cultura, Fuengirola, on Thursday, January 16.
Tickets are just €5, and bookings can be made at entradas.fuengirola.es, or on the door.
AMAZING OFFERS
Adam Woodward MARBELLA’S Starlite Occidente boutique music festival line-up is rapidly beginning to fill with top names from the international music scene and a full spectrum of ages and styles.
New Jersey 12-piece 70s disco sensations Kool and the Gang will be there playing from their back catalogue of guaranteed dancefloor fillers, such as Get Down on It, Ladies Night, and Celebration. Kool and the Gang play the venue on July 27, 2025.
Native New Yorker and Grammy award winner and Hollywood actor, Marc Anthony is playing on July 3 from his songbook. The writer of hit songs, such as Rain Over Me, and Vivir mi Vida, is bringing his full big band for an electrifying night of Salsa rhythms.
On July 8 and on July 21, there are two classic 80s power rock giants booked in the form of Europe (8/7) and Scorpions (21/7). Everyone remembers Europe’s ‘The Final Countdown’ which went
The Boutique festival in Marbella is presenting British singer Seal on July 10. With favourites such as Crazy, Fly Like an Eagle, and Kiss from a Rose, this looks to be one of the festivals highlights.
And on July 26, An Evening with the Fresh Prince himself, Will Smith, a show of stories, jokes and some of his best-known hits such as Summertime.
New Year fun at Don Pepe
EASE yourself into 2025 at the iconic Don Pepe Gran Meliá Hotel in Marbella. In honour of the establishment’s 60th anniversary, there are some fun and relaxing activities running until January 6. At the heart of the celebrations is the XTRAICE synthetic ice rink, offering a magical skating experience with views of the Mediterranean. Open daily from 13.0020.00 until January 6, the eco-friendly rink accommodates up to 26 skaters at a time. Sessions cost €20 for 25 minutes and include an hour of parking - making it an affordable and exciting way to enjoy
the start of 2025.
Complementing the ice rink is a food and crafts market, where you can explore stalls brimming with local artistries, plus seasonal snacks and beverages.
If you fancy a gourmet meal, the ERRE & Urrechu restaurant offers seasonal menus with dishes such as glazed suckling lamb, white veal osso buco, and roasted turbot. In addition, diners will receive complimentary access to the ice rink. Don’t let the post-holiday blues kick in; head to Don Pepe Gran Meliá and start the year with good food and leisure.
ON a bright and breezy Marbella afternoon, the Euro Weekly News team gathered at the charming Harbour Bar & Restaurant for their annual Christmas celebration. With festive cheer and a shared sense of accomplishment, team members and special guests came together to toast another successful year, connecting the expat community and keeping everyone in the loop with the latest news and updates.
Cheers to another year Euro Weekly News’ Christmas Bash
The first to arrive were the writers, reporters, and columnists, hailing from different corners of Spain. Warm embraces and hearty handshakes set the tone, while Euro Weekly’s beloved columnist, the ever-witty Mike Senker - aka Grumpy Old Man - got everyone laughing straight away. The mood hit its stride with the arrival of the vivacious and endlessly charming Nicole King, signalling that the party was officially underway.
Decked out in full holiday splendour, The Harbour Bar buzzed with excitement as more guests joined, including sales and editorial staff from the central office in Mijas. Longtime readers Jenny and Tony made a special appearance, adding an extra layer of joy by announcing their 41st wedding anniversary - talk about double the reason to celebrate!
With everyone seated, the feast began. Guests savoured every bite from the restaurant’s exquisite à la carte menu while Champagne corks popped, setting off rounds of laughter and heartfelt toasts. Once the plates were cleared, memories from years past flowed as freely as the bubbly, with chuckles and shared stories creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.
LOCATED in the charming El Zoco area of Calahonda, T42 has firmly established itself as one of the best-kept secrets on the Costa del Sol. With glowing reviews that speak volumes about the exceptional experience it offers, this gem has become a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
by offering beautifully crafted custom cakes made to order, ensuring every celebration is memorable.
At the heart of T42 is Stefan, a host whose warmth and dedication set the tone for every visit. His passion for hospitality and keen attention to detail shine through in every aspect of the dining experience. Whether you’re savouring the rich and flavourful gambas pil-pil, biting into one of their famously juicy burgers, or finishing off your meal with a heavenly home-made dessert, every dish is crafted with care and expertise.
The inviting atmosphere, coupled with the tantalising menu, makes T42 a go-to spot for any occasion. However, with its growing popularity and loyal following, booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot.
The highlight of the afternoon was a rousing speech from Euro Weekly News’ CEO Michel Euesden. She reflected on the power of teamwork, the joy of serving the community, and the resilience of the expat spirit. Glasses were raised high, toasting this year’s triumphs and all the possibilities the next would bring.
With hearts full and spirits high, the Euro Weekly News’ team left the party inspired and ready to embrace the future - together. Cheers to another fantastic year!
T42 isn’t just about exceptional food; it also boasts a full bar, an expansive and reasonably priced menu, and the added convenience of takeaway options. For those celebrating special occasions, Stefan and his team go the extra mile
Whether you’re a seasoned local or just passing through Calahonda, one visit to T42 will leave you planning your next. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Top Secret Louie Louie
LOUIE LOUIE, Estepona doesn’t stop bringing the best in live music. This time, the Costa del Sol’s favourite, Top Secret.
The band Top Secret liven up any gathering; they uplift any party, disrupt any quiet romantic evening, and get everyone on the dance floor with their dynamic and incredibly engaging live performances that have the entire audience singing along. No matter where they go, you can be sure it will be exciting and noisy. This three-piece performs hits from international classics and movie soundtracks, combining hard rock and punk with heavier versions of well-known pop songs to make everyone grin from ear to ear. The desire to sing along is strong with the Top Secret crowd.
As usual on Saturdays at Louie Louie, the Top Secret guys are on stage at midnight after resident duo weekend, The KP Band, the most talented and experienced rock covers artists on the Costa del Sol. Entry is free and the main act are on at 11.30pm. Saturday night, January 4 at Av. Luis Braille, Estepona.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Luigi’s Restaurant in El Zoco: A Fresh Start with Chef Ryan Murphy
LUIGI’S Restaurant in El Zoco is making waves with an exciting new chapter led by its talented new owner, Chef Ryan Murphy. With an impressive background that includes experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in Ireland and culinary adventures across Sweden, the UK, and the USA, Ryan brings a fresh perspective to dining on the Costa del Sol.
His innovative menu showcases a delightful Mediterranean twist on authentic Spanish grill cuisine, with hints of Scandinavian flair, all prepared using the finest lo-
cally sourced ingredients.
It is clear Ryan is a Chef with passion, and he has carefully chosen the dishes for the menu.
This family-run restaurant is not only about exceptional food - it’s about creating an atmosphere where every guest feels genuinely welcome. Luigis have added a Marquee with heaters, to make your dining experience cosier on these chilly evenings. Luigi’s offers an inviting ambiance perfect for any occasion.
The excitement continues with Luigi’s Sunday Lunch, where guests can
indulge in a two-course meal for €20 or a three-course feast for €25. The addition of live entertainment ensures every visit is not just a meal, but an experience to remember.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch or a cosy dinner under the marquee, Luigi’s Restaurant promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
Book your table now by calling 620 821 244 to secure your spot and enjoy the magic that Chef Ryan Murphy and his team have brought to El Zoco. EL ZOCO, Calle los Adaves
Crooner Jazz
Adam Woodward RADIO CROONER is a band composed of, and from its
set
of drums, piano, saxophone, guitar, and a Jazzy
Mainly, they pump out a repertoire of Swing, Jazz, R&B, and North American light trad songs. As well, fetish pieces
as ‘Trad Pop’. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ray Charles, Bobby Darin, Michael Bublé, and a whole host of influences more.
Musicians from all over the country and abroad have come together with their extensive experience in all kinds of venues: clubs, party rooms, casinos, and restaurants. In short, Radio Crooner is etiquette music with a silky aroma of great classics, personality, and the golden age of big band Jazz when the music was expressed with class, style and authenticity. Also in the ‘Radio Crooner Christmas Show’ format, the band
intersperses their repertoire with some classic Christmas carols from Americana Jazz.
Radio Crooner is an ideal hangover cure for most Christmas and New Year celebrations and is playing at Clarence Jazz Club on Saturday, January 4, at 10pm.
Clarence Jazz Club is in Calle Danza Invisible, Torremolinos. The entrance fee starts at €10 and goes up to €15.
Best Malaga fry up
Adam Woodward
BAR GUERRA, in San Pedro de Alcantara, has won the ‘Malaga Fritura Contest: ‘Fried with Art,’ organised by the Gastronomic Academy of Malaga.
The fritura is arguably the Costa del Sol’s signature dish - a shareable finger food simply comprised of fresh mixed fish pieces covered in flour and fried in olive oil. The attraction of this dish lies in the freshness and quality of the fish, and the level of excellence in the oil used to deep fry the dish to perfection with a crunchy finish.
There were 15 Costa del Sol establishments in the contest, which was ‘born with the aim of preserving the authenticity of the famous Malaga fry-up,’ said Manolo Tornay, president of the Gastronomic Academy of Malaga.
In this, the first year of the competition, the restaurants that competed were Casa El Lebeche, La Jábega, El Canarias, and Los Manueles, from Torremolinos; Hermanos Alba, Chiringuito María, and Tropicana, in the capital; La Familia (Mijas), La Escollera (Estepona), Bar Guerra (San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella), La Ponderosa Playa (Fuengirola), Mediterráneo (Benajarafe), Avante Claro (La Cala del Moral), La Parada (Caleta de Velez), and Ramos (Velez-Malaga).
The restaurants were visited anonymously by a jury composed of a team of professional chefs. The public also participated in this contest and awarded two second place prizes: to La Escollera (Estepona) for the best Malaga fried fish and to La Parada, in Malaga City, for its fried anchovies.
MIJAS Donkey Dreamland has organised a special Walk and Brunch event on Saturday, January 4 at the sanctuary in Las Lagunas de Mijas.
A perfect day out for animal lovers, the popular Walk and Brunch events raise funds which enable the sanctuary to keep up their vital work protecting and caring for donkeys in the area.
This longer walk gives attendees more time to interact with the donkeys and experience the day to day work of the sanctuary.
On arrival, the host will explain how the sanctuary came to be founded and relate some of the resident donkey’s personal stories.
After a tour of the sanctuary, a walk will commence through the beautiful surrounding countryside with enticing
Tapas, the Iconic Spanish Institution
SHROUDED in folklore, the genuine history of tapas is somewhat open to conjecture.
But this beloved aspect of Spanish cuisine, however it’s interpreted, has a rich history rooted in tradition and practicality.
The word ‘tapa’ simply means lid in Spanish and the tradition of tapas dates back several centuries. Here’s a brief history:
So, The Folklore. One story suggests that tapas began in the Middle Ages. King Alfonso X of Castile is often credited with their invention. According to legend, he ordered that taverns serving wine should also serve small bites of food to accompany the drinks, preventing over-intoxication. This practice not only helped prevent drunkenness but also encouraged socialising.
However, the most likely explanation is that bars in Sevilla covered glasses with a slice of meat or cheese to keep dust and fruit flies out. The barman suddenly realised these salty covers were making people drink more, the customers thought they were getting free food, so the practice gained popularity, and these tapas or lids evolved into the small dishes we have today.
Donkey walk and brunch
glimpses of the sea through the olive groves.
After the walk, visitors can enjoy a traditional Andalucian Brunch. with fresh bread, organic olive oil, cheese, an abundance of fruit and freshly squeezed orange juice or mimosas.
To finish off the visit, there will be time to get involved with the care of the donkeys; grooming, feeding or just getting lost in their loving eyes.
Children are sure to love this experience, however the sanctuary reminds guests that children must be accompanied be adults.
The price of this VIP animal experience is €20 per child and €49 per adult.
Book ahead for the event and be aware that limited places remain.
The Evolution. By the 19th century, the concept of tapas had spread throughout Spain. Taverns began offering a variety of small dishes, often free of charge, to accompany drinks. These could range from olives and almonds to cured ham and cheese.
experimenting with ingredients and presentation, elevating tapas to an art form.
The Modern Era. Today, tapas are an integral part of Spanish culture and cuisine, reflecting regional diversity and creativity. Modern tapas bars offer an extensive array of options, from traditional dishes like patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo to innovative creations using contemporary cooking techniques.
And, of course, the tapas tradition has now spread worldwide, influencing culinary practices in many countries. Tapas-style dining, characterised by small, shareable plates, has become popular in various international cuisines, promoting a communal and social dining experience.
The Cultural Significance. Tapas are more than just food; they represent a social activity deeply ingrained in Spanish culture. The tradition of ‘tapear’ (going out for tapas from bar to bar) is a way for friends and family to gather, socialise, and enjoy a variety of flavours. This convivial atmosphere is a hallmark of Spanish dining.
The 20th century saw a significant evolution. Particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, with the rise of Spain as a popular tourist destination, tapas became more diverse and sophisticated. Chefs began
And In Conclusion. The history of tapas is a testament to the blend of practicality, tradition, and innovation in Spanish cuisine. From humble beginnings as simple covers for drinks, to a sophis-
ticated culinary practice, tapas continue to be a beloved and integral part of Spanish and global food culture. So, embrace the culture and enjoy!