Social Scene Costa del 30 Oct – 5 Nov 2025 Issue 2104

Tasty adventure

THE seventh Las Lagunas Tapas Route in Mijas runs until November 29, featuring nine local eateries competing to create the best tapa. Each venue offers a tapa and drink (beer, wine, soda, or water) for £3. Open daily for lunch and dinner, the event showcases Andalucian flavours, with newcomer El Paseo Andaluz serving a standout pork cheek tapa. A free shuttle bus operates on Saturdays from 12pm to 4pm and 7.30pm to 11.30pm, covering seven stops along the route.

Diners can collect stamps in a free ‘tapaportes’ (tapas passport) at participating

venues like Panaderia Las Torres and Heladeria Sabor & Canela. Collecting all seven stamps and submitting them at Teatro Manuel España (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm) earns a gift (while supplies last) and entry into a grand prize draw.

“The tapas are outstanding,

and £3 for a tapa and drink is unbeatable,” said regular Maria Martin. This affordable, flavour-packed event is a highlight of Costa del Sol’s culinary scene, drawing foodies to discover Mijas’ finest tapas. Plan your visit to join this vibrant local tradition.

Benalbewitching

BENALMADENA is dusting off the cobwebs for a spine-tingling Halloween from Friday, October 31 to November 2, with streets coming back to life with costumes, music and frightful fun for all ages.

Events kick off on October 31 at 6pm in Plaza de las Tres Culturas with a children’s extravaganza: storytelling, fancy dress contest, screaming competition and over 50kg of gluten- and lactose-free sweets.

At 8pm, a grand parade featuring nearly 50 creepy characters marches through main streets, led by the Sambuagua do Río batucada’s rhythmic beats.

Benalmadena Pueblo unveils four themed terrifying scenes, ‘The Plague’, in historic haunts like Plaza de Andalucia, Plaza de la Cruz, Calle Maestro Ayala and Plaza Virgen de la Cruz. These immersive theatrical displays blend Halloween lore with the village’s creepy past.

The Paez Family’s House of Terror

returns opposite the town hall, open 7pm to 2am. In Arroyo de la Miel, the dreaded ‘El Matadero’ Terror Parade haunts Plaza de la Mezquita on October 31 and November 1, from 7pm to 2am.

Residents and visitors are invited to don costumes and join the ghoulish community revelry, promising shivers, laughter and unforgettable nights.

Hope for Leonor

BENALMADENA’S Plaza de Adolfo Suarez hosted ‘El Vuelo de las Libelulas’, a charity concert on Friday October 24, raising €7,300 for 14-year-old Leonor’s life-saving treatment. The Norwegian teenager, a vibrant dancer and top student living on the Costa del Sol for eight years, faces a grade 2 astrocytoma brain tumour. The tumour, inoperable due to its location, threatens her life, but a €40,000 immunotherapy vaccine in Germany offers hope, with treatment scheduled for November 23.

The nonprofit El Vuelo de las Libelulas organised the 12-hour event, uniting local artists like Nuevo Día and Laura Bernal with dedicated volunteers. The concert boosted the fundraising campaign to €28,000 - 70

per cent of the goal - supported by family efforts, Bizum donations, and local businesses like Amsterdam café. Milena, Leonor’s mother, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, highlighting her daughter’s resilience despite frequent hospital scans. Time is critical, and a gala dinner on Friday November 14 at Restaurante Niña Bonita (€70 per ticket) aims to close the funding gap. Donations via Bizum 08672 or bank transfer (ES82 0128 0785 8901 0005 4781, note: ‘Leo’ plus your name) are encouraged.

Benalmadena’s collective compassion has brought Leonor closer to treatment, demonstrating the extraordinary power of unity in the fight for her life.

Quality food at El Tardeo Beach

EL TARDEO BEACH in Sabinillas proved the perfect spot for a relaxed Friday evening meal for our group of three adults and three children. The beachside restaurant’s tapas menu offers great variety and value, with dishes that appeal to both families and food lovers.

The children tucked into generous portions of meatballs and fries, while the adults sampled some of the restaurant’s standout tapas. The black pudding toast with goat’s cheese and raspberry jam balanced savoury and sweet perfectly, and the black pudding empanadas were crisp and full of flavour. Classic patatas bravas, served with alioli and spicy tomato sauce, added a traditional touch, while the smoked salmon and avocado toast and tender pork carrillada brought something a little special to the meal.

The desserts didn’t disappoint, with fluffy waffles and ice cream proving a hit with the kids. Service was super friendly and efficient, with staff going out of their way to make us feel welcome. The safe beach area directly in front of the restaurant is an added bonus for parents, as kids can play safely.

The restaurant often shows live football, but it definitely doesn’t feel like a sports bar. Overall, it was a great experience with reasonable prices, quality food and excellent service. Sunbeds are also available for daytime visitors.

C. Juan Gris 2, 29692 San Luis de Sabinillas Tel: 951 935 967

club

Orchid heaven

FITZ MARBELLA, one of the Costa del Sol’s leading nightclubs in Puerto Banus, promises an unforgettable Halloween weekend with two electrifying events.

Kicking off on Friday October 31, the club morphs into ‘The Haunted Mansion’, a spine-tingling experience running from midnight to 6am. Revellers will dive into six hours of intense dance music, terror and fantasy, fuelled by deep beats from DJs Enzo, Pablo Carrasco and Mike Sierra.

The atmosphere will brim with horrific costumes, eerie chic and dark glamour - perfect for night owls chasing the year’s wildest party.

“This is not your average Halloween night - it’s for those who don’t go home when the lights come on,” promoters tease.

The momentum builds

on Saturday 1 November with ‘ABDØN’, a high-energy evening of rhythmic electronic sounds. Headlined by standout DJs Costi, Salim and Trevor, the night offers a unique musical journey enhanced by Fitz’s superior production, unparalleled sound system and sleek aesthetics.

Since launching in 2022 on the edge of Río Verde, Fitz has swiftly become a luxury nightlife staple. Founded by seasoned en-

trepreneurs from Ibiza’s iconic scene, it blends Mediterranean elegance with modern club innovation. Its cutting-edge lighting, custom sound and exclusive guest lists draw European clubbers and celebrities alike.

Location: Carretera Nacional 340 km 175, Río Verde, Marbella.

Reservations: +34 603 481 747 or @fitzmarbella on Instagram. Entry: €25-€300 for tables.

ESTEPONA Orquidario Botanical Park marks its 10th anniversary with the 10th Feria de Orquideas y Plantas de Colección on November 8-9.

Since opening in 2015, the park has attracted over 500,000 visitors. It houses more than 3,000 plant species, including Spain’s largest orchid collection of 1,500 specimens, ranking among Europe’s top botanical gardens.

The fair, Spain’s premier orchid event, showcases Europe’s biggest orchid display alongside rare plants and expert advice. It draws everyone from botany enthusiasts to families.

Eight specialist exhibitors from Spain and Portugal will offer collectible orchids, carnivorous plants and botanical crafts. Flora del Tropico from Madrid presents hybrid and species orchids. Pantropica in Malaga specialises in Southeast Asian varieties. Carniloco from Cadiz focuses on Nepenthes carnivorous plants. Todoplantbulbosas in Sevilla brings African bulbs. Eternal Flowers from Lisboa crafts jewellery from orchid flowers. Viveros El Jardin in Valencia supplies garden plants. Uniqflor from Malaga offers orchids and aroids. Kokedama in Malaga displays collectible cacti.

Held outdoors near Calle Terraza, the fair opens Saturday November 8 from 10am to 7pm, and Sunday November 9 from 10am to 2pm. Entry to exhibitors is free.

Practical workshops include basic and advanced orchid care by Pantropica, and carnivorous plant sessions by Carniloco. Each seats 50 and requires park entry (£5 adults, £3 seniors/disabled/children seven to 12, free under seven). Book via info@orchidariumeste pona.com or +34 951 517 074.

DOMINO dogs fundraiser

DOGS of Malaga in Need Organisation (DOMINO) is inviting supporters to a special charity evening on Saturday November 8 at the Green Label Restaurant in Golf El Chaparral, Las Lagunas, Mijas. The event starts at 7pm and features live music from the popular Masquerade Duo, a buffet dinner including welcome cava or wine, and a raffle with great prizes. Tickets are €45 per person, and booking can be made via WhatsApp on +34 620 651 365 or 670 995 767. DOMINO is a registered charity dedicated to helping abandoned, abused and injured dogs in the Malaga region. Dogs are taken into foster homes where they receive medical care, vaccinations, microchipping,

and passports. The charity works tirelessly to provide these animals with the love and warmth they have missed and eventually rehomes them with loving families.

Funding for medical care, food and ongoing support comes from donations and events like this charity evening. By attending, guests directly support the welfare of these dogs while enjoying a night of entertainment and community.

Whether you are an animal lover, looking to enjoy a fun night out, or simply want to help dogs in need, this event offers a chance to make a difference. For more details on how you can support the charity, visit www.domino-dogs-malaga.com.

Halloween fun at Bloquería

FAMILIES in Estepona are gearing up for a weekend of spooky fun as Bloquería hosts its annual Fiesta de Halloween. The popular LEGO-themed play centre will transform into a haunted building zone filled with games, costumes and creativity from Friday October 31 to Sunday November 2. While the first session on Friday evening has already sold out, there are still spaces available for the Saturday and Sunday events, running from 12pm to 2.30pm.

Young builders can enjoy a range of Halloween-inspired activities including themed face painting, ghostly LEGO constructions and a fancy-dress contest with a prize for the best costume.

Each ticket also includes a slice of Domino’s Pizza, a drink and a special surprise gift. Lo-

cated on Calle Zaragoza 24, Bloquería is one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular creative play venues.

Designed for children aged five and up, it offers a safe, supervised environment where kids can explore STEM learning through handson LEGO building. The centre regularly hosts birthday parties, school workshops and weekend clubs that encourage teamwork, imagination and problem-solving.

Tickets for the Halloween event are priced at €27 per child or €25 for siblings. Spaces are limited, with more information and booking available via Instagram at @bloqueria. play.build.

For a fun, family-friendly alternative to traditional Halloween parties, Bloquería’s spooky LEGO celebration promises plenty of laughter, creativity and seasonal magic for young fans and parents alike.

KPop singalong hits Marbella

GLOBAL Netflix sensation KPop Demon Hunters comes to Kinépolis cinema in La Cañada, Marbella, for special English-language singalong screenings this weekend. Fans can join the fun on Friday October 31, Saturday November 1 and Sunday November 2.

The film follows four young performers chasing their dream of pop stardom in Seoul’s competitive music world. Combining lively choreography, catchy songs and heartfelt storytelling, KPop Demon Hunters has become Netflix’s most-watched film ever, topping the global charts for six consecutive weeks.

Its soundtrack, featuring hits Golden and Soda Pop, has dominated streaming platforms and inspired viral dance cha-

llenges. The film’s success has sparked talk of potential Oscar nominations for its music and animation.

The K-Pop craze has even taken over Halloween. Google’s Frightgeist report shows that costumes from the movie lead this year’s charts across North America, with fans dressing as characters Lumi, Zoe, Mira, Jinu and Baby Saja.

Local fan Violet, aged six, said she can’t wait for the screenings. “Rumi is my favourite, and I can’t wait to sing all the songs at the cinema,” she said.

Tickets are still available through the Kinépolis website. The singalong promises a lively alternative to the usual Halloween events, bringing hit-music and feel-good energy to Marbella this weekend.

Little Picassos, Estepona

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Marbella-based children’s art group Little Picassos has expanded to Estepona, bringing its unique blend of creativity and coastal fun to local families.

Known for its relaxed, joy-filled art parties, Little Picassos provides children with canvases, paints and craft materials, encouraging them to explore their imagination while parents unwind nearby. The group, which launched its Marbella sessions in 2022, has become a firm favourite among families looking for creative playtime in the sunshine. Its first Estepona event took place this month at Paraiso Del Mar, located on the Estepona Paseo. Children painted Halloween-inspired masterpieces to the sounds of a live DJ, while parents enjoyed

drinks, ocean views and a magical atmosphere.

The next Art Party Session is a Halloween Art Festival taking place on Friday, October 31, at Sahara Beach by Asucar in Puerto Banus, starting at 4.30pm. The spooky seaside event will feature a live DJ, a makeup artist, and themed art stations including pumpkin painting, witch hat decorating and candy bag crafts, for a fun, family-friendly Halloween afternoon.

Regular weekend events are held across Marbella and Estepona, offering families a chance to enjoy beachside creativity all year round.

For details and bookings, visit @little_ picassos_marbella on Instagram.

In a Brazilian tone

BRAZILIAN saxophonist and composer Rodrigo Mendonça will lead his quartet for a grooving evening of instrumental music at the Clarence Jazz Club in Torremolinos, Malaga, on November 1, at 10.00pm.

With a 20-year career, Mendonça has performed alongside Brazilian stars like Gilberto Gil and international jazz icons like Joshua Redman. A former member of the award-winning Orkestra Rumpilezz, he contributed to their Brazilian Music Award wins for Best Instrumental Group and Album.

Now based in Malaga, Mendonça blends Brazilian rhythms with global influences. His acclaimed albums, including Ceu e Sonho, earned him the 2022

BDMG Instrumental Award. He’s joined by Raquel Pelayo on piano and vocals, Markus Schneider on double bass, and Ramón López on drums, promising a dynamic performance.

The quartet will showcase original compositions and their collective artistry at the intimate Clarence Jazz Club. Tickets are €18 for Zone

A (rows 1-3) and €15 for Zone B (row 4 and beyond).

The venue is located at Calle Danza Invisible 8, Torremolinos. Don’t miss this captivating night of jazz infused with Brazilian flair.

Date: Saturday, November 1, 10pm

Venue: Clarence Jazz Club, Torremolinos, Malaga Tickets: €15-€18

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Christmas at Anantara Villa Padierna Palace

Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort, a Michelin Key recipient and member of The Leading Hotels of the World, will once again be the ideal retreat for an unforgettable Christmas on the Costa del Sol.

WITH lush gardens, three golf courses and stunning Mediterranean views, the resort offers a perfect setting for the festive season with its exceptional leisure and gastronomic experiences.

Coming soon, the resort launches its Christmas programme for a festive season that runs from November 27 to January 1. Guests can enjoy the luxurious and exclusive tree lighting ceremony, a much-loved fixture on the social calendar, children’s Christmas workshops, concerts, and exquisite gourmet meals.

Christmas tree lighting ceremony brings seasonal joy

The resort begins the traditional festivities on November 27 when the annual grand Christmas tree lighting takes place in the lobby of the famed hotel. As guests sip on sumptuous cocktails and take in the live music with a festive theme, a children’s choir will be singing carols just before Santa Claus arrives. Again this year, fireworks will light the sky, setting the standard high and with style.

For those with little ones, Christmas at Anantara Villa Padierna Palace brings plenty of magical opportunities for building forever memories. Daily advent

gifts surprise visitors in December, with small treats appearing each day. There will be craft and cooking workshops where children and adults will be able to join hands-on sessions, ideal for making gifts. On December 23 at 4pm, a master pastry chef leads a sweets workshop for participants to make festive sweet treats. On December 26 at 12pm, Coin artisans will visit the hotel to teach traditional artisan ceramics for families to shape clay and memories together.

Music will also play a leading role: on December 12, 13, 26 and 27, the Candlelight concerts at the Linares Hall will envelop the resort in a magical atmosphere, illuminated by thousands of candles.

Special visits from those who bring the Christmas joy

The biggest excitement of Christmas comes from the hand of Santa Claus, who will visit the resort on December 24 at 7.30pm and on December 25 at 1pm, handing out joy to adults and children. On December 27 at 12pm, animal lovers will be able to meet the charming donkeys of Donkey Dreamland, an activity that combines learning, respect for animals and connection with nature.

Gastronomic selections for the holiday season

The Christmas experience is completed with an exceptional gastronomic proposal, designed for both guests and visitors:

December 24, Christmas Eve: dinner at La Veranda with live music. Among the outstanding dishes: foie gras mousse with carquiñoli powder, sea bass loin with pistachios and Manjari chocolate ganache with jasmine and coconut ice cream. Price: €325 per person.

December 25, Christmas Brunch: Iberian cold cuts, fresh seafood, meat and fish, and traditional Christmas pastries. Price: €195 per adult, €90 per child.

December 31, New Year’s Eve: three unique options. Oriental dinner at 99 Sushi Bar (Price: €425), Mediterranean dinner at Salon Linares with a gourmet menu and cotillion (Price: €550), or dinner at Ola Beirut, designed especially

for the occasion.

January 1, New Year’s Brunch: supreme quality Iberian products, seafood and signature desserts. Price: €220 per adult, €100 per child.

Throughout the entire festive period (December 20 to January 7), visitors can enjoy Christmas afternoon tea and the luxury experience with the very finest oysters and Champagne at Eddy’s Bar.

For those looking to relax or to gift a special detail, Anantara Spa offers a Christmas treatment with the signature Elemis, ideal for reconnecting and pampering.

Living Christmas in Anantara Villa Padierna is much more than a getaway: it is a way of immersing yourself in local traditions, creating family memories and enjoying every moment of the Christmas season.

Bookings can be made by calling 952 889 150 or by writing to villapadierna@anantara-hotels.com. Anantara Villa Padierna Palace is in Urbanizacion Villa Padierna Golf Resort, Carretera de Cadiz, km166, Marbella. Web: www.anantara.com/en/villa-padierna-marbella

Creepy Mijas

MIJAS is set for a thrilling Halloween from October 31 to November 1, with the town hall’s Youth Department hosting free, family-friendly events across Mijas Pueblo, La Cala de Mijas, and Las Lagunas. Inspired by Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos, the festivities blend cultural tributes with classic Halloween fun, featuring costumed mariachis and Catrinas.

The 2025 programme, building on last year’s success, includes parades, live music, games, and haunted bouncy castles. Mijas Pueblo’s Plaza Virgen de la Peña kicks off from 4pm to 10pm with child-friendly haunted houses and six bouncy castles. La

Cala de Mijas hosts beachside chills at Butibamba Park from 5pm to 10.30pm, with family workshops. Las Lagunas’ fairground runs from 5.30pm to 11pm, offering food trucks, treasure hunts, and magic shows.

Thrill-seekers over 12 can brave ‘El Maizal’, a spooky cornfield maze near Las Lagunas’ fairground, while younger visitors enjoy milder terror trails. Following 2024’s popular event, which drew hundreds for face-painting and parades despite weather challenges, organisers anticipate bigger crowds. Families are encouraged to dress up and join the eerie excitement in Mijas’ charming streets.

Fuengirola’s heartbeat

RIGHT in the heart of Costa del Sol at Fuengirola’s lively Puerto Deportivo, The White Rose pub is a cherished British oasis with a 4.2/5 rating. This marina-side spot blends classic Yorkshire pub charm with a sunny Spanish feel, attracting expatriates from 127 nationalities to its welcoming terrace and affordable fare.

Every Sunday from 2pm, live acts like Stone Fr3e, Orla Tierney, Lesley Harrison, and Alexandra Avery turn the square into a free music festival, with tunes resonating over the

yachts. A 2023 TripAdvisor reviewer raves: “Fab place on Sunday with the band - friendly staff, reasonably priced food and drinks.” Open daily 10.30am-10pm (11pm seasonally), it’s ideal for family breakfasts or evening pints, featuring San Miguel at €3-4 and fish and chips around €10. The pub fosters Fuengirola’s expat community through quiz nights and casual meetups, easing cultural transitions and creating a year-round social hub amid tourist seasons. Its shaded terrace

is perfect for people-watching, while the menu offers generous portions of pork, full English breakfasts, house wines, and great pints.

For newcomers, it’s a gateway to local life, near marina strolls and Bioparc adventures. The White Rose embodies Fuengirola’s international spirit in a simple, friendly space.

Address: Paseo Marítimo Rey de España, Puerto Deportivo, Fuengirola. Contact: +34 952 478 111 | Facebook: @ TheWhiteRoseFuengi rola

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Gaucho spirit

TORREMOLINOS will host the vibrant fourth Fiesta Criolla from October 30 to November 2 at the Plaza de Toros, celebrating Argentine culture with free entry for all. Organised by the Argentine Association of Torremolinos and the town hall, the four-day event runs daily from 12pm to midnight, offering a lively immersion into Argentina’s sights, sounds, and flavours.

The Plaza de Toros will transform into a hub of Argentine heritage, with stalls showcasing authentic crafts and mouthwate-

ring cuisine. The highlight is the traditional Argentine parilla barbecue, featuring sizzling, expertly cooked meats. Stalls will also offer classic sweets, drinks, and delicacies, capturing the essence of Argentina’s rich gastronomic tradition.

Live performances of tango, cumbia, and Argentine

rock will fill the air, blending Gaucho spirit with modern rhythms, inviting attendees to dance or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

This free festival promises a captivating experience for residents and visitors, filled with authentic crafts, delicious food, and energetic performances.

Classic cars await

MOTORING enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to with the Classic & Sportscar Club (CSCC) over the coming months. After a thrilling season of tours and events, including the recent Rally Sierra Nevada Classic and the ‘Tour Sierras Altas’, the club continues to offer unforgettable experiences for classic and sports car lovers.

The CSCC hosts a oneday Tour every month, combining scenic drives through stunning roads, professional rally-style navigation, and delightful lunches at top-notch restaurants. The cost is €20 per person, plus the cost of lunch. Recent events have taken participants from Mijas Costa through the Montes de Malaga to finish at the elegant Restaurante Jinete in La Cala Hills, with over 70 cars joining in the fun. Upcoming events include a luncheon at La Sierra on Tuesday, November 4, followed by a picturesque car run finishing at Restaurante Nuevo Reino on the beach in San Pedro on Saturday, November 8. Looking ahead, the club

is also planning a Track Day at Guadix racetrack, a Jaguar celebration event, and Christmas festivities featuring a car run and overnight stay with a party-dinner at the Hotel Reina Victoria Catalonia in Ronda on Saturday, December 13

Open to both members and non-members, CSCC events are an excellent opportunity to enjoy beautiful cars, breathtaking scenery, and great company.

Full details are available at www. csccspain.com or via email at cscc spain@gmail.com.