“Delicious”. That was the verdict on the sardines served on Friday, the 1st of May, in La Cala de Mijas during the traditional 'sardinada' (sardine feast) organised once again by the Mijas Town Hall's Festivities Department to mark Labour Day. The event was a resounding success, not only due to the number of locals and residents from the surrounding areas who attend year after year, but also the many visitors from across Spain drawn by the charm of this unique celebration.

Sardines for everyone

In total, 600 kilos of sardines were served free of charge, expertly skewered by master 'espeteros' right on the sands of La Cala, at the foot of El Torreón watchtowers. “It is a day on which we not only continue to work and advocate for the issues that need improving for the sake of all workers, but it is also a day for leisure and enjoying Mijas. As I always say, Mijas offers a range of possibilities that other municipalities do not; we are the best place in the world to enjoy, to live, and above all, to share”, said the town’s mayoress, Ana Mata (PP).

Large turnout

Groups of visitors from Córdoba, Granada, Seville, Alicante and Madrid, among other places, visited La Cala on the 1st of May. Some were returning for another year, while others experienced the sardine feast for the first time. “We are once again celebrating this traditional event to mark Labour Day in such a privileged spot as La Cala”, said the councillor for Festivities at the Mijas Town Hall, Silvia Marín (PP). “This event is held by the Festivities Department so that people can enjoy themselves, and that goal is certainly being met", she added.

Indeed, many attendees echoed this sentiment. “We’ve come from Córdoba to enjoy the day; we were here last year and loved it. We really like this part of Málaga, and here they cook the sardines just the way I like them: golden brown, well-done and spectacular”, said María del Maestre, who attended with a lively group of friends who spent the entire time queuing, singing, and dancing. “We’re from Adamuz, in Córdoba. We came last year and had to come back. Viva Mijas!” said another visitor who had already collected her espeto (sardine skewer).

 

“We’re from Madrid, but we’ve lived in Mijas for a year now. The sardines are exquisite. It’s been a while since we’ve enjoyed a day like this; everyone is in the mood to have a great time", said another diner, Tomás Martín, who was spending the day with his partner. This was echoed by Paula Cuello, a visitor from Valencia: “I love this celebration; the atmosphere is wonderful”.

Institutional support

Councillors from the Vox and PMP governemnt team, as well as the Socialist Municipal Group, attended the sardine feast. “We’ve been very lucky with the weather; it’s a lovely day and we are here supporting the municipal workers. Thank goodness for the ligh breeze keeping the air moving", said the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox). Regarding the turnout, he added: “The attendance is spectacular. I am aware that many people have come from out of town, which serves as a great draw for them to keep returning to our region in the future”.

On stage, the bands Kalima and Los Zayas performed, while the Puerto de los Gatos Neighbourhood Association set up a food and drink stall which was also a huge success. “We’re overwhelmed; I didn’t think so many people would come. The atmosphere is electric; we’re almost out of stock", commented the association’s secretary, Ana María Jiménez, who highlighted the positive reception of the event and the importance of the festival: “It’s Labour Day; we have a day to celebrate our contribution to the country, and what better day than the 1st of May. We’ve been told that people have come from Córdoba, Seville, Granada… as well as the domestic tourists we already have, the residents of La Cala, Las Lagunas, Mijas Pueblo and the neighbouring towns. This is absolutely brilliant”.

 

Festive atmosphere

“We’re a group of friends from Puerto de la Torre. The atmosphere is really great, lovely, very pleasant, and truly welcoming, right here on the beach”, said Paqui Gutiérrez. Another visitor from Osuna, Seville, Francisco Luis Valle, added: “We’re having a wonderful time; everything is brilliant. To be honest, we’re surprised by the celebrations; it’s well worth coming and even worth queuing because the sardines are absolutely delicious”.

“So today is a day to enjoy and, above all, to share, to enjoy this beach and this setting we have. There are many people here who have come to enjoy this May bank holiday weekend, and I hope they not only enjoy the free sardines organised every year by the Mijas Town Hall but also support the bar, enjoy the performances, and visit the local restaurants which offer excellent cuisine. Ultimately, I hope everyone can take that well-deserved break that we all need”, concluded the mayoress.

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