Costa Calida • Issue No. 2027 • 9 - 15 May 2024
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Images: Cartagena City Hall.
May Crosses Festival MABS Totana
IN the battle against cancer, support is not just appreciated, it’s essential. As a Cancer Support Fundación, MABS extends its arms to embrace anyone in need, regardless of nationality. Whether it’s a diagnosis, the struggle of a loved one, the grief of loss, or the exhaustion of caregiving, MABS stands ready to provide care, comfort, and counsel for those affected by cancer. However, their ability to do so relies heavily on their charity shops and volunteers. Currently, MABS charity shop in Totana urgently needs furniture, clothes, and bric-a-brac to raise funds for their shop in Totana. Please get in touch with 634 313 478 if you can help. In this fight, every hand extended is welcome.
EMBRACING SPRING: Many people wore the traditional folk costumes.
IN 2024, temperatures in the Murcia Region have soared to unprecedented levels, making it the hottest year on record. From January to April, the average temperature was 13.6 degrees Celsius, shattering a nearly 60-year-old record by nearly one degree. This year follows the trend of 2023 in breaking climate records. The temperature spike, a striking 2.3 degrees above the historical average, indicates a concerning trend. April, in particular, stood out as the fifth warmest on record, with an average temperature of 15.9 degrees Celsius, surpassing the norm by 1.5 degrees. This warmth was primarily driven by the first half of the month, with maximum temperatures reaching
plazas throughout the city centre. The concerts attracted thousands to the streets of the historic city, especially on the evening of May 4. The modern bands weren’t the only ones to draw crowds as the folk groups representing the traditional side of the festivities performed their traditional dances and music. The
audience was brought on a journey through time with many wearing the traditional folk costumes and carriage parades by the Cartagena Carriage Club added to the atmosphere. In Spain, the May Crosses festival, or ‘Cruces de Mayo,’ is a celebration deeply rooted in tradition and folklore. It typically takes
place in various cities and towns across the country. The festival, often associated with the arrival of spring honours the Christian tradition of the Holy Cross, symbolising renewal. Throughout the festivities, streets and squares are decorated with elaborate crosses with flowers, ribbons, and other ornaments.
Hottest year
Image: MABS Charity Shop Totana
Support MABS Totana.
Image: Shutterstock/ Madrugada Verde
CARTAGENA came alive over the weekend as it celebrated the May Crosses Festival. Since May 3 the centre of the city has been teeming with locals and visitors enjoying the good weather and the festivities. The Cartagena City Council offered a lineup packed with free outdoor concerts across various
2024 smashes heat records.
22.7 degrees Celsius, over two degrees higher than the seasonal average. Despite intermittent rains towards the month’s end, drought conditions persist, with April mar-
king the fourth driest in the century. With only half the median rainfall, the year remains exceptionally dry, with just 55 mm recorded, a mere quarter of the usual amount.
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