Mijas proved once again that you don’t have to be in Pamplona to experience San Fermín. On Monday 6th, the town celebrated the start of the festivities with a floral tribute at the roundabout honouring the people of Navarre, followed by the ‘chupinazo’ rocket at Casa Navarra. Here, Navarrese residents from across the Costa del Sol, locals and authorities came together to share this tradition, which is now in its 36th year in the municipality.
The day began at the roundabout dedicated to Navarre, where, at the foot of its flag, local authorities and Navarrese residents laid bouquets of flowers as a sign of twinning, a symbolic act that set the festive tone characteristic of this time of year.
- La jornada comenzó en la rotonda a Navarra, donde, a los pies de su bandera, autoridades y residentes navarros depositaron ramos de flores en señal de hermanamiento.
- BEATRIZ MARTÍN
Following the floral tribute, the celebrations moved to Casa Navarra, where the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), was responsible for setting off the chupinazo, accompanied by Carlos Herrero, the owner of the venue and promoter of this annual event.
“I believe there are around 2,000 people from Navarre living on the Costa del Sol, and most get emotional because it reminds us of Pamplona and our people, but the town of Mijas has welcomed us very warmly. Neither the Town Hall nor the local people have ever let us down; we are delighted to be here”, Herrero emphasised.
- la alcaldesa de Mijas, Ana Mata, fue la encargada de lanzar el chupinazo, acompañada por Carlos Herrero, propietario del establecimiento y promotor de esta cita.
- BEATRIZ MARTÍN
Unity between communities
“Today, the people of Navarre and Mijas are one; just like the rest of Spaniards, we are united in our cultures, our traditions and in preserving everything that brings us together”, noted the mayoress, who also wished to acknowledge Herrero’s efforts to keep this tradition alive: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the person who has made this unity possible”.
Malagueñas and Navarrese jotas
Music and dance also took centre stage, featuring improvised Navarrese ‘jotas’ and others performed by stude from the UP, directed by Feli Gabriel.
Institutional support
The local council encouraged people to join in this tradition. “Today we are not only celebrating San Fermín, but also a day of community that will include not only ‘chistorras’ and ‘zurracapote’, but also Malaga-style sardines, Spanish beer and the joy of a community”, said Mario Bravo, the PP spokesperson at the Mijas Town Hall. .
“The Town Hall offers its full support because this puts us on the map not only on the Costa del Sol but also across Spain and abroad, as this event projects our image and thus contributes to our cultural and gastronomic appeal”, noted Juan Carlos Maldonado, spokesperson for Por Mi Pueblo.
Meanwhile, the Mijas PSOE also wished to thank Carlos Herrero and his family. The party’s general secretary, Josele González, said: “They continue to ensure we have this small Navarrese gastronomic hub in our municipality, and it should make us proud that they choose to be in Mijas, so thank you and congratulations”.
It is a celebration that, year after year, proves the spirit of San Fermín knows no distance.
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