Tuesday, 21st of July, saw the start of La Cala de Mijas’ flagship festivities. For six days, the fairground will be packed with visitors enjoying a wide-ranging programme for the whole family.

In a new twist this year, the opening address took place on the first day of the fair in the Plaza del Torreón in La Cala de Mijas. Students from Víctor Rojas’ UP dance group provided the prelude to the speech, showcasing their great talent on stage. Following them, Paco Lozano, last year's proclaimer and friend of the speaker, dedicated moving words to this year’s proclaimer, local resident Rafi Cuevas, who recounted her story, the story of the entire seaside village, using old photographs.

 

Families from La Cala took centre stage during much of the opening address, accompanied on screen by historical photographs of great value. The speaker recounted how, as a child on a family trip, someone asked where she lived; when she replied "La Cala de Mijas", they said they had never heard of it. That moment defined her life’s purpose: to put La Cala de Mijas on the map. It is a goal she has achieved through the dance groups she founded at just 14 years old, travelling to various countries to promote Mijas' culture and name. Some of her students surprised her with a dance and asked her to close the event with a 'mantón' (shawl) dance, which she performed with her characteristic elegance.

Afterwards, the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), invited all those present to join them at the fairground for the official inauguration.

Following the opening address, a horse-drawn carriage carried the proclaimer to the fairground as the Las Lagunas Music Band played pasodobles and festive marches.

Upon reaching the entrance archway, Mata, alongside the rest of the government team, officially inaugurated the archway and switched on the fairground’s decorative illuminations, lighting up the two streets of the fairground. They toured the grounds alongside attendees before reaching the Municipal Booth to raise a toast to the six-day festivities. Mata invited “all the residents of La Cala and Mijas to this great fair. We haven’t forgotten the tourists and international visitors  who time their holidays to coincide with this period to come to the best place in the world: La Cala de Mijas”.

 

On stage, as tradition dictates on the first day, the 2026 King and Queen of La Cala de Mijas were announced. The seven candidates showcased their moves in three routines choreographed by Víctor Rojas.

 

Finally, Abraham Fernández was crowned King of the 2026 La Cala Fair, and Candela Macías Queen of the La Cala de Mijas Fair. Their maids of honour were Noa Cardoso and Helena Alba, while the title of Miss Congeniality went to Yurema García.

 

The evening drew to a close with a tribute to Camela by the group Mecamela, who, despite their short career, have managed to pack out every venue. The duo, comprising Tamara Flores and Luis Liaño, provided the perfect finale to the first day of the La Cala de Mijas Fair.

 

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