Former Huddersfield gymnast and pub landlord Brian Hayhurst and his wife Elaine are ex-pats who have lived just outside Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol for 20 years. He writes a regular blog for Huddersfield Hub.
I have mentioned in previous columns about the sheer beauty, history and wonderful beaches in and around Malaga City.
Many simply associate this vibrant metropolis as a place where they land at this major Spanish airport.
But it celebrates the big festivals, concerts and major events and was the birthplace of the celebrated artist Pablo Picaso.
The huge attraction at Christmas, of course, are the incredible light to music shows which always bring in millions over the festive season.
Last month, for 10 days the streets were rammed for the annual Malaga Carnival as it hosted parades, live bands, dancers and many more fun activities, all played out in bright, warm sunshine. And mostly balmy evenings.
Celebrations started in the Historic Quarter in the city centre and continued into other neighbourhoods. I bet any passengers on cruise liners docking were able to enjoy the festivities.
The first main carnival event was the election of Carnival Gods, which start off from Plaza de la Constitution, costumed with dancers, including children and elders having a ball.
Basically, everyone joins in. It continues with the popular drag queen contest. Celebrations and street performances continue every day until the festival ends with a massive party to throbbing music on La Malagueta beach until the early hours. The Spanish certainly know how to party!
Meanwhile, leading tennis player Rafa Nadal came in for some criticism for his comments on equal pay for men and women in the world of sport.
He was being interviewed during the opening of his new tennis academy in Malaga City. He was asked about his collaboration with Saudi Arabia and what his thoughts were on equal pay for men and women. He was not in favour!
There was no mention of the length of game play, but he did say: “It’s not fair that someone who generates more ticket sales or T-shirt sales, earns the same as someone who generates much less.”
Moves are now being set up by various authorities to deal with the drought situation. Fuengirola is distributing 6,000 easy-to-fit tap filters. These atomisers will cut water consumption by, they say, 50%. And water pressure is now lowered during the night throughout the town.
Benalmadena Council is to invest €9 million to build new reservoirs and drill boreholes in the hope that more water will be available for the summer. And Estepona is underway with two desalination plants.
READ MORE: Catch up on Brian’s previous blogs HERE
Brexit continues to upset and interfere with so many things in the tourist sector. Besides the ridiculous 90-day rule, those not in possession of an EU passport now have to prove they have accommodation when they stay in Spain, whether in hotels, Airbnbs or at a friend’s house. I wonder if the thousands invading Spanish coastlines will have to conform?
As we get ready to celebrate one of the most important periods in the calendar – Easter – the weather still astounds everyone with mostly warm and sunny days.
I’m sure any friends planning to come to the Costa del Sol will be made most welcome.
