On Saturday 21st, La Cala became a global stage. The 'Estrellas de Iberia' International Festival celebrated its first day by bringing together art, dance and tradition in an event that will attract more than 400 artists from different corners of the world. An event where culture is twinned with solidarity, promoted by the Bulgarian-Spanish Centre, which seeks to strengthen ties beyond our borders.

During the opening ceremony, the councillor for Culture, Juan Carlos Maldonado (PMP), highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating that "folklore is the cultural expression of peoples, in this case, with a twinning between Spain and Bulgaria through the Bulgarian-Spanish Cultural Association, which is not the first time they have been with us showcasing their art". In addition, the councillor announced that they have requested "a twinning of a Bulgarian city with Mijas".

The event, which is supported by UNESCO, comes to our country with a busy schedule of performances that will also extend to the 26th of February and the 1st of March and, in addition to Bulgaria and other European nations, attracts artists from Latin America, such as Peru and Chile, among others. The event organiser, Petya Evtimova, recalled the history of the format, explaining that "it has been touring different cities throughout Europe for more than 30 years and we are delighted that it is in Mijas". Evtimova was very grateful that so many Bulgarian artists attended.

Welcomed

Both the competition jury and the international delegations highlighted the warm welcome given by our municipality to celebrate this massive display of talent. In this regard, Antonio Pérez, a member of the jury, spoke positively about the atmosphere, saying that he was "very happy because everything is working in our favour" in such an emblematic place as La Cala. Pérez contrasted the local climate with that of the participants' countries of origin: "There are groups that have come directly from the airport; in their country there is a lot of snow and suddenly they find themselves in this beautiful climate. I don't know if they will want to return", he said with a laugh.

Through their costumes, rhythms and choreography, the participants project the authentic identity of their places of origin. Aída Herrera, a collaborator with the organisation and member of the Mijas UP, emphasised this aspect, pointing out that "we get to know other peoples through the clothes they wear, how they dance in groups or in pairs, and all of that tells us a lot about the culture of that country". Herrera added that the texture of the dress and the colours provide a lot of information about local customs and that "is also how UNESCO sees it".

Local team

Amidst so much international talent, the local representation was provided by the UP students, who did not hesitate to join the initiative. Professor Víctor Rojas was pleased with the participation from Mijas, stating that "we are collaborating with this and also with the Town Hall, which has organised it very well, and the truth is that we are proud to be here today".

Solidarity

In addition to the visual richness, which was complemented by an exhibition of paintings by an artist who reflected dance and culture on her canvases, this edition has an entirely charitable purpose, giving a voice and space to local NGOs. The president of the Sembrando Sonrisas Association, Rosa Planelles, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating that "it is a privilege that they have chosen us so that people can learn more about the work we do".

All proceeds will go towards funding projects to support vulnerable children, both in Mijas and in India. For her part, the president of the NGO Diksha España, Yovanka Manolovic, highlighted the inclusive nature of the event, noting that "we are developing this partnership because most of our volunteers also dance flamenco, so it is also a way of spreading our culture and customs".

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