Lorraine Williamson
MALAGA – The Foreigners’ Department of Mijas Town Hall has announced its planned expat events for April and May. It features a blend of social, informative, and charitable activities designed for the local community.
These events aim to cater to the needs of the growing expatriate population while fostering greater integration and participation in the cultural life of the area.
Key events on the horizon
One of the standout events is the return of the International Business Meeting. This will take place on April 29 at the El Chaparral Golf Club. Following last year’s success, organisers are expecting a larger turnout. The event, scheduled for 6.00 pm, will offer participants the opportunity to network with business owners from a range of sectors.
Tickets are pre-booked ONLY and priced at €15. They include a welcome cocktail and tapa and can be booked via email (events@thegreenlabelrestaurant.com) or by phone (952 493 947).
Mario Bravo, Councillor for the Department of Foreigners, emphasised the event’s importance as a networking hub. He noted, “Our goal is to create a central point for businesses to meet and exchange ideas. Last year’s event was a great success, and this year we aim to fill the venue to capacity.”
Participating entities include long-standing organisations such as Bic Euronova, which has been promoting innovation in businesses for over three decades.
Sandra García, the organisation’s international project manager, explained the event would bring together business associations from various nationalities across the coast. She added, “We aim to showcase Málaga’s innovation without requiring businesses to travel to the city.”
Other Associations and Network organisations who are co-hosting the event include Costa Women, Business 1st, Ellas Spanje, and Yrittajat Espania.
Ali Meehan, founder of Costa Women, commented: “It’s fantastic to see the International Business Meeting returning this year. Last year’s event exceeded all our expectations, attracting over 130 businesses from across the coast — from Costa Tropical to Estepona. It proved to be a valuable space, making new connections, sparking collaborations, and supporting business growth within our international community. We’re looking forward to building on that success and creating even more opportunities for networking and partnership at this year’s event.”
Charitable and community events
In addition to the business-focused gatherings, the Department of Foreigners has also scheduled several charitable events. Among the highlights are the regular solidarity tables, held on the last Wednesday and Saturday of each month, and the Spring Market hosted by PAD on May 4 from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. The market will feature stalls selling clothing, home decor, pet accessories, books, and homemade sweets.
On May 18, the 10th anniversary of Mijas Felina will be celebrated with a range of activities, including a belly dance class, arts and crafts, a market, homemade sweets, tapas, and refreshments. These events will be held at the Plaza de la Tenencia de Alcaldía in La Cala.
Informative talks and workshops
The Department of Foreigners has also organised an informative talk on traffic safety and regulations, which will be held on May 7 at 4.00 pm in the Tenencia de Alcaldía’s auditorium in La Cala. The session, conducted in English, aims to clarify traffic laws and regulations, which can often be confusing for foreigners.
The talk will be led by Guardia Civil officer Francisco Javier Morales and instructor Mark Nolan. To attend, participants must reserve a spot by emailing FRD@mijas.es. Katja Thirion, head of the department, highlighted the importance of these activities, stating, “We collaborate with many associations, and through these meetings, new projects and ideas are born. These are opportunities for the community to come together.”
A focus on integration
Mario Bravo reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to meeting the specific needs of foreigners in Mijas. He stressed that the ultimate aim is to ensure expats are integrated into the local culture, helping them feel at home while contributing to the vibrant community.