There are weekends when we switch off the light of routine to turn on the light of magic. And the one we've just experienced in Mijas Pueblo, from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th of July, was a perfect example. For the second year running, 'Mijas con alma a la luz de las velas' transformed the historic centre into a fairytale setting, proving that this initiative not only has soul, but has also taken root in our town's events calendar.

More than 15,000 points of light guided hundreds of residents and visitors through the streets and squares, from Avenida de Méjico to Paseo de La Muralla. There, and in the Plaza de la Constitución, a medieval-themed market with over 40 stalls offered its wares, and was filled with workshops and games for the little ones. A wishing tree was even set up in front of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

 

The local government team’s assessment couldn’t be more positive. The large turnout over the three days confirmed the success of the event, which this year included new features to maintain public interest. “Mijas is completely full, and I’m very happy. People are clearly enjoying”, said the councillor for Public Roads Melisa Ceballos (PP) during Saturday’s evening, highlighting one of the new additions: “There are fire shows taking place, which are also new this year, and the truth is that people are very pleased and eager to see what else we have prepared for them”. The councillor also emphasised the importance of the event in boosting local activity and showcasing businesses in the area.

A summer of events

The occasion also marked the official start of the summer concert season at the Miguel González Berral Municipal Auditorium. “We’re kicking off the concert season, and from now on, practically every Friday or Saturday, every weekend, there will be concerts of all kinds at the auditorium”, explained the councillor for Tourism, Francisco Jerez (Vox), revealing that the programme will include “jazz, blues, flamenco and Celtic music".

 

The line-up of performances was a musical journey that began on Friday with a tribute to Pink Floyd, continued on Saturday with the Caribbean rhythms of 'Una noche en La Habana', and closed on Sunday with the nostalgia and falsettos of the Bee Gees. A varied programme that attracted a highly diverse audience.

“I love Cuban music, salsa, bachata, everything, and I dance a lot. I also came to see the Pink Floyd tribute and had a fantastic time”, admitted María del Carmen Cuesta, saying she had made a double appearance. And she surely also stopped by on Sunday.

 

Others, such as Hermane Rijks, came driven by memories: "I'm getting on a bit, and I remember this music from when I was a child. My father, when I was about three years old, came home with a Bee Gees record, one of the few he had, so I've I listened to it a million times", he said enthusiastically.

The voice of the public

But, as always, the most reliable way to measure the success of an initiative is through people’s opinions. And the verdict was unanimous. Visitors such as Antonio, who came from Córdoba, and Juan Guzmán, who travelled from Benalmádena, said everything was "beautiful" and "very, very, very lovely".

This opinion was shared by Pepe Jiménez, who described the atmosphere as "spectacular", and the group led by María José Farfán and José Sepúlveda, who said that although the village is always wonderful, on this occasion it was "especially beautiful". Siblings Blanca and Juanjo Marín Cortés, who returned for a repeat visit this year, even noticed the improvements, with Blanca pointing out that "there are more lights this year" and Juanjo noting that there were "different stalls".

 

A sentiment perfectly summed up by local resident Tania Fernández: “I love it. If it were held several times a year, I’d be delighted, to be honest, because it brings such magic to the town", she said, standing beside Sergio Vásquez, who was also captivated by the “night-time atmosphere”.

Meanwhile, the family made up of Anaís, Isabel Burgos and José Moreno, while enjoying the food on offer, jokingly remarked on the difficulty of capturing the scene: “At night, the phone’s not going to catch it properly”.

 

Finally, the 'wishing tree’ collected all kinds of hopes and dreams: while Paula Caballero wished for “world peace” her friend Eva Benítez made a more down-to-earth request. “That all of us in the group of friends end up in the same class next year”.

And so, between the flicker of candles, the bustle of the market, and the sounds of music, the town wrapped up a weekend that confirms 'Mijas con Alma' is here to stay. A perfect excuse to rediscover the beauty of our village under a light that is more intimate, more warming, and more deeply our own.

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