The enthusiasm for the carnival has returned to the municipality after last year's pandemic break. On Sunday, the first of the three Carnival days organised by the Fiestas Department kicked off in Mijas Pueblo. Virgen de la Peña Square was filled with colour and magic having, the little ones of the house as protagonists. This year 2022, for safety reasons, the traditional parade was not held. There was a big party with entertainment designed, above all, for the children's enjoyment, as well as a fancy dress competition for all categories.

"We usually dress up for Carnivals and even more so this year. After all the time we have been at home we wanted to have a good time and, we also come to support all the local festivals that are held. In general, you see that people are already looking forward to having fun", commented Álvaro Hevilla, member of the group 'Loz Zuténticos Chunguitoz' who, by the way, won the first prize in the adult group costume contest, thanks to the sympathy they showed throughout the party.

"We were looking forward to seeing the Carnivals in our town again. We have started in Mijas Pueblo with great participation. 90 people have participated in the costume contests in the different categories. We are happy and satisfied," said the Mijas Mayor, Josele Gonzalez (PSOE), who thanked the Mijas people's involvement and the entire organisation. He also appreciated the Caritas effort and work. The bar set up for the occasion was for charity.

For its part, the Fiestas Department Councillor, Tamara Vera (PSOE), visibly excited because they have been able to resume these festivities, said that "the truth is that yes, we missed the Carnival a lot. We have seen the residents and, above all, the children enjoying this traditional activity. On this first Carnival day, and in this new format that we have organised, the costumes have once again surprised us". Vera concluded by thanking "all the mothers and fathers for getting involved".

"After not having been able to celebrate the Carnival due to the pandemic break, today, we can see that the Mijas people's creativity is captured in this diversity of costumes, many of them with great originality. It's all about having a good time and seeing real works of art," added the Mijas Town Hall First Deputy Mayor, José Carlos Martín (Cs).

Children's entertainment and fancy dress competition

Throughout the day, the Virgen de la Peña Square had games and children's entertainment. A pedal karting circuit, a human football table and a mini-disco, and many other activities delighted the little ones. "The games are cool", said little Iana Moreno, dressed up as Gavilana. The most awaited moment for everyone was the costume contest. More than 90 people, both children and adults, paraded on stage. There were all kinds of costumes, the most popular characters, superheroes, princesses, animals, clowns, and cheerleaders. Also, some costumes proved the Mijas people's imagination and creativity.

"I love Carnivals and, I have been dressing up for more than 20 years, more than what I used to dress up as a child", commented a neighbour dressed as a lady wearing period costumes, María Romana Cruz, who also won the first prize in the individual adult category. "Thinking about what to dress up as, I found this kimono, this Asian costume, and with the things my mother had in her house I dressed up, and I didn't spend a penny", explained Ana María Peinado, another neighbour dressed up for the occasion.

The family was made up of Ana Cristina Salazar, Marcos Cuesta and their son, Marcos Cuesta, 8 months old, dressed up as 'Ratatouille': "We decided to dress up like this because we like the film. We dress up a lot at home, we like Carnival very much", explained the mother, who was also happy because they won the prize in the adult couple category.  Rubén Gambero, dressed up as a confinement ticket, was also happy. "I'm dressed up as a confinement ticket when we had to buy everything because we couldn't leave the house, especially toilet paper, hydroalcoholic gel, potatoes, beer..." said the boy, first prize in the individual children's category.

Winners

As for the rest of the winners, the first prize in the baby category went to Martina Gómez, for her 'coranzoncito' (little heart) costume. In the individual children's category, the winners were Dylan Jaime Alarcón (second prize), Carla Sedeño (third prize), Vega Andrade (fourth prize) and Carmen Montenegro (fifth prize). All received a video game console as a gift. In the children's pairs category, María and Marta Ruiz won and the group children's prize went to 'Que llueva que llueva' (Let it rain, let it rain). The four members' group won a multi-adventure experience to enjoy together. And finally, there was a draw for a video game console among all the participants. Izán Cimiano was the lucky winner. As for the adult category prizes, experiences were also awarded. Last but not least, the final touch was provided by the Malaga murga 'Lucifer con zeta'.

Next week, the Carnival continues in La Cala de Mijas in the Boulevard Square on Saturday 26th and, on Sunday 27th in Las Lagunas' fairgrounds. In both cases, from noon to 5 pm.
 

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