LBV Magazine English Edition The much-anticipated start of the extraction of the Phoenician shipwreck located in Mazarrón named Mazarrón 2—currently the most complete ancient ship found in the Mediterranean—has begun with a series of new discoveries that are expanding the horizons of archaeological knowledge regarding maritime trade in antiquity A specialized team from the University of Valencia (UV) under the direction of lead researcher Agustín Diez Castillo and with the collaboration of Carlos de Juan has launched an ambitious operation to recover the remains of the ancient shipwreck The intervention not only promises to recover valuable archaeological pieces but it is also revealing unexpected materials that had remained hidden under the sediments of the Mediterranean Sea until now including three students from the UV’s Master’s Degree in Archaeology six professional divers trained in underwater archaeology and an expert in documentation and communication from the University of Alicante part of this same team has participated in previous successful projects such as the renowned ‘El Sec’ underwater project in Mallorca which has provided the group with solid experience in handling submerged archaeological materials To ensure the safety of both the artifacts and the team a buoy barrier has been implemented at the base camp to mark the work area and restrict access to onlookers This is crucial because the recovered pieces are extremely fragile due to their prolonged exposure to the marine environment security measures were significantly intensified to prevent any incidents the Ministry of Culture has provided a platform equipped with advanced systems such as air compressors and water pumps that allow sediment suction underwater as well as weights to ensure divers can work efficiently at the correct depth One of the most significant technical innovations of this project has been the creation of 3D models of the 22 main pieces of the wreck representing a major advance in the planning and execution of the extraction This allows the team to anticipate any challenges and design safer solutions for handling the most fragile objects polyethylene resin molds have been made to ensure the protection of the pieces during their extraction and subsequent transfer to conservation labs Several cutting-edge technology companies from the Valencian Community have collaborated on the development of these models providing the project with the most advanced technology in the field of archaeology Although the area has been previously excavated the team has found materials that had not been documented before which has been a pleasant surprise for the researchers Among the most notable discoveries are fragments of ropes and ceramic pieces that had been buried under layers of sediment The preservation of such delicate objects is a unique opportunity for scholars as they will offer new insights into trade practices and life aboard this type of vessel in antiquity the condition of some of these materials is exceptional allowing for in-depth studies of the navigation and trade techniques of the ancient Phoenicians it is expected that the extraction of all materials can be completed by November 6 although the work schedule may vary depending on maritime conditions the recovered objects will be transferred to the ARQUAtec laboratory of the Ministry of Culture where the conservation process will begin—a delicate and meticulous process that could take several years It is estimated that at least five years of intensive treatment will be needed for the ship and associated materials to be ready for public display requires gradual impregnation to prevent deterioration once out of the water The start of this project has been made possible thanks to the close collaboration between various institutions whose coordination has been essential in facing the many challenges posed by an operation of this magnitude and complexity Both Agustín Diez and Carlos de Juan have emphasized that the success of the project lies in inter-institutional collaboration a model of cooperation that will undoubtedly set a milestone in the field of underwater archaeology in Spain Universitat de València Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email The Parthenon temple on the Acropolis of Athens housed a colossal statue made of gold and ivory carved by the famous sculptor Phidias in 438 BC Two thousand years before the Inca Empire extended its dominion over the Andes a much less known yet culturally influential society—known as the Chavín Phenomenon—had already developed numerous artistic expressions,… while the Byzantine Empire was mired in a succession crisis sought to take advantage and launched his conquest Archaeologists from universities in the United States and Denmark found deep within the Actun Uayazba Kab cave in Belize two small stone tools dated between 250 and 900 AD that… men and women gathered to play a game called Cuju A team of researchers has succeeded in recreating for the first time in a laboratory experiment a phenomenon that until now only existed as a theory in the realm of… the Cantonal Archaeology of Aargau carried out a rescue excavation between early May 2024 and the end of March 2025 The Egyptian archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities announced the discovery of a group of defensive structures and a system of moats that could indicate… In the southeastern area of the city of Rome archaeologists excavating inside the Triton Baths within the monumental complex of the Villa di Sette… Why did some animals from ancient eras become fossils while others simply disappeared without a trace Receive our news and articles in your email for free You can also support us with a monthly subscription and receive exclusive content Uniquely preserved by the sandy seabed off the coast of Murcia the ancient Phoenician shipwreck dates back to the 7th century BC and reveals secrets of an ancient civilisation once thought lost to history Archaeologists in Spain have successfully raised a 2,600-year-old shipwreck dating back to the 7th century BC more than two decades on from when the relic was initially found in the waters off the country’s southern coast The ancient Phoenician shipwreck was discovered – according to Spain’s Ministry of Culture – by accident in 1994 off the coast of Murcia in southern Spain just near the town of Mazarrón It was one of two to have been located in the same general area The first – named Mazarrón I (after the area in which it was found) – was initially located in 1993 and lifted from the water two years later in 1995 The ancient relic was then subjected to ten years of conservation treatment before it was put on display at Spain’s National Museum of Underwater Archaeology in 2005 It’s expected that the second wreckage and focus of the latest salvage mission – now called the Mazarrón II – will undergo similar if not more laboured (given its state of preservation and the opportunity it presents to learn from the ancient civilisation) treatment the wreckage lay undetected for centuries just two metres deep and only 60 metres from an urbanised beach the discovery is of particular interest to researchers looking to learn more about the Phoenician naval culture benefitted from the protection of the sand around it keeping it hidden it for centuries from local inhabitants It wasn’t until the construction of a marina in the 1970s and the subsequent changes to the seabed In 2000, scientific investigations got underway and two decades later, in 2024, efforts to raise the vessel – carried out in partnership with the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena – finally commenced David Attenborough shares strongest message for the ocean UN deep sea mining body levels criticism at Trump administration How one Pisaster disaster left sea otters with a mussel buffet Physics of folklore: Seeking answers to the 'milky seas' mystery Global fish oil and fishmeal industry footprint exposed in world first In a video of the rescue mission issued by the University of Valencia an archaeologist at the university and director of the project explained that the Phoenicians had founded colonies along the Mediterranean from the 9th century BC in search of new commercial opportunities The Mazarrón colony – located 800 metres from the wreck – focused on the extraction of local silver a currency that proved crucial to their expansion within the region The excavation of the wreck was carried out by a team of 14 specialists who worked to lift the relic from the sea in less than two months carrying wooden fragments of the wreck to the surface piece-by-piece between September and November 2024 archaeologists have been able to learn a great deal about the ancient Phoenician civilisation the traces of which were largely considered lost until the 20th century Phoenicia was a civilisation populating the area of modern-day Lebanon and Israel which existed from about 1500 to 300 BC Artefacts like the Mazarón II can help shed light on Phoenician culture In his comments to the University of Valencia he noted that ‘little is known about Phoenician naval construction despite the wealth of information about ships built nearby in the Mediterranean by the ancient Greeks.’ Mazarrón II measures 8.10 metres in length and 2.25 metres in width and is designed for small displacements Its mixture of carpentry techniques between Phoenicians and natives suggests that a significant exchange of knowledge took place between the two cultures Each piece of the shipwreck has now been transferred to a laboratory at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology The lab will work carefully to conserve its remains in a process that will likely take several more years Click here for more from the Oceanographic Newsroom. Receive the latest from Oceanographic and get 10% off your first order Join our community and enjoy 10% off your first purchase Jose Antonio MoyaArchaeologists began excavating the wreckage of the Mazarrón II in September 2024 Off the coast of southeastern Spain in 1994 archaeologists made a rare discovery: a largely intact Phoenician ship dubbed the Mazarrón II lying on the ocean floor the ship has remained a point of interest for researchers eventually leading to a recent project to excavate the ship from its watery grave a team of 14 specialists led by the University of Valencia’s Carlos de Juan worked to bring the Mazarrón II to the surface piece by piece those pieces are to be sent to a lab at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena for conservation and reconstruction — work which is expected to take at least four years researchers hope this project will shed new light on the Phoenician civilization more than two and a half millennia after the Mazarrón II sank below the surface of the ocean Jose Antonio MoyaResearchers going over the plans for the Mazarrón II excavation According to a statement from the University of Valencia the Mazarrón II sank off the coast of Mazzarón after a storm suddenly descended upon the area The typically calm waters pulled the ship under and just hours later it was buried beneath the sand Not even its cargo could be salvaged before it sank “This sandy substratum is the chest that has preserved it to this day,” said Carlos de Juan is today a great blessing for archaeology.” Jose Antonio MoyaThe Mazarrón II was found in 1994 off the coast of Spain The ship’s swift burial hid and preserved the wreckage for centuries beneath the sand until it was discovered in 1994 researchers have been keen to examine the wreckage though no efforts to bring it to the surface had been undertaken until now The reason for this recent action is human activity which has disrupted the natural conservation that the sand had been providing “The protection by the sand that the wreckage enjoyed for centuries has changed in recent decades due to the anthropisation of the coastline,” de Juan explained “Coastal constructions have been erected without appropriate prior studies and the sea current has changed thus created scenario in which the wreck must be urgently rescued The wreckage can no longer remain where it is because its sand protection is now disappearing but now it is time to roll up our sleeves and ensure that we can continue to enjoy this asset of cultural interest.” conducted a survey of the shipwreck to determine the state of preservation of the wood and develop a plan for extraction “From the data obtained on the actual state of the boat – the cracks and fissures – we have developed the best methodology to extract the wreck from the sea while ensuring its preservation and safety,” Diez explained That plan — to remove the wreckage from the sea in 20 parts the University of Valencia released a video showing how researchers carried the wooden fragments back to the surface researchers will seek to uncover its origins The Phoenicians were an ancient Semitic people who inhabited the coastal regions of the eastern Mediterranean as well as parts of modern Syria and Israel they were renowned for their seafaring skills and established a vast network of trade routes and colonies across the Mediterranean and Sidon — served as hubs of commerce and culture little is known about their shipbuilding methods to this day ships like the Mazarrón II can offer unique insight into this little-understood aspect of Phoenician history “This wreck shows us what is close to us It tells us about the mining and metallurgical activities of the Phoenicians who settled in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula and about a cultural transmission of nautical technology that was previously unknown in Western Mediterranean areas,” de Juan said Jose Antonio MoyaThe preservation and reconstruction efforts are expected to last at least four years As CBS News reports and the ship fragments have now been sent off to a lab for preservation The preservation and reconstruction work is expected to take at least four years after which the ship will likely be displayed at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in southern Spain After reading about the recovery of the Mazarrón II, learn about the rare Phoenician dye known as Tyrian purple. Then, learn about nine famous shipwrecks and the stories behind them 18.00: Children's procession starting at the Manuela Romero primary school and reaching the parish church 19.00: The figure of San José is on display in the church until Mass at 20.00 10.00: Holy Mass at the church of La Azohía 11.00: Palm Sunday procession followed by Mass in Isla Plana 12.00: Blessing of the palms at the church of San Isidro followed by a procession to the parish church 20.00: Holy Mass in Puerto de Mazarrón after which the figure of San José is on display a penitential Via Crucis in Puerto de Mazarrón beginning at the parish church and with brief musical pauses on the seafront Paseo and at the door of the church 21.30: The procession of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno Midnight: Prayers and all-night vigil in the parish church 19.00: Good Friday Mass in Puerto de Mazarrón 21.00: Procession of the Passion in Isla Plana 22.00: Easter vigil in Puerto de Mazarrón Domingo de Resurrección (Easter Sunday) 10.15: Holy Mass at the church of La Azohía 11.15: Holy Mass at the church of Isla Plana 12.30 and 20.00: Holy Mass at the church of Puerto de Mazarrón Throughout Semana Santa the “Ad Intra” exhibition of religious artifacts continues at the Church of la Purísima open every day except Sundays from 9.30 to 13.30 For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s on section of Murcia Today Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin and get an email with all the week’s news straight to your inbox (List price   3  months 12 Bulletins)  and thank you for choosing CamposolToday.com to publicise your organisation’s info or event Camposol Today is a website set up by Murcia Today specifically for residents of the urbanisation in Southwest Murcia providing news and information on what’s happening in the local area which is the largest English-speaking expat area in the Region of Murcia When submitting text to be included on Camposol Today please abide by the following guidelines so we can upload your article as swiftly as possible: Send an email to editor@camposoltoday.com or contact@murciatoday.com Attach the information in a Word Document or Google Doc Also attach a photo to illustrate your article Mission Statement: to assist the integration of foreign residents living in Spain and this is never more accurate than when you establish yourself as a foreign resident in a new country Being able to quickly familiarise yourself with the culture and customs can help ease the transition during a challenging time This is why Euro Weekly News makes it our mission to provide you with a free news resource in English that covers both regional and national Spanish news – anything that we feel you will benefit from knowing as you integrate into your new community and live your best life in Spain you can forget about translating articles from Spanish into awkward English that probably don’t make much sense Let us be your convenient and essential guide to all things that will likely affect you as a foreign resident living in Spain The San José Patron Saint Festival in Mazarrón is here This exciting annual event brings together locals and visitors for a week of celebrations along with local councillors and officials has unveiled a packed program full of activities for all ages The San José Festival offers something for everyone and live music performances to enjoy throughout the week Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with family or an evening of entertainment One of the festival’s highlights is the Tapas Route visitors can explore local bars and restaurants This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine and discover new flavours while supporting local businesses Music lovers can look forward to a variety of live concerts and performances featuring different genres Whether you enjoy traditional Spanish music Local artists and bands will take the stage creating a lively atmosphere throughout the festival One of the most anticipated events of the festival is the traditional burning of the Falla This spectacular ceremony marks the end of the celebrations and symbolises the triumph of good over evil intricately designed figure is set on fire creating a dramatic and unforgettable display that attracts large crowds every year The full festival program is available online at mazarron.es where you can check all the details and schedule your visit Join the celebrations and experience the exciting traditions of the San José Festival in Mazarrón Read more Costa Calida news, articles and events here Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain by delivering news with a social conscience we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP) Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall) All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE Download our media pack in either English or Spanish After the extraction due to climate change has taken over the stabilisation of the pieces of the ship which was found almost complete and with cargo the laboratory of the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology ARQVA in order to present the work that the Ministry of Culture is carrying out in the state museum to conserve and recover the Phoenician vessel Mazarrón II The actions are part of the joint conservation project for this important underwater heritage that is being undertaken by the Ministry of Culture and the Government of the Region of Murcia defined after the meeting of international experts that decided to extract the remains of the ship to ensure its conservation carried out between September and November 2024 by the Region of Murcia with a team of researchers from the University of Valencia the Ministry of Culture - which has also collaborated in the recovery - has taken on the work of stabilising and consolidating the pieces deposited in ARQVAtec one of the best and most advanced underwater archaeology laboratories in Europe and the only one recognised in the UNESCO Register of Good Practices relating to Underwater Cultural Heritage ARQVAtec has reinforced its equipment with new filtering equipment and an outrigger for the distribution of loads on the frames to be handled by the bridge crane with the aim of tackling the new project to be carried out in the coming years: the consolidation and treatment of the fragments of the wreck for its future reintegration The centre is already equipped with specific infrastructure to carry out conservation treatments of large batches of archaeological material or large pieces impregnation and electrolysis treatment tanks cranes and elements for handling large loads and other specific equipment which are distributed over the 1,000 square metres occupied by the laboratory the Ministry of Culture has invested 1.2 million euros in freeze-drying equipment to dehydrate the wood in the ship and guarantee its conservation The large size of the remains of the wreck has made it necessary to contract the manufacture of this equipment with the necessary size to house them and at the same time have the capacity to treat smaller and more delicate pieces the whole of the Mazarrón II comprises more than twenty portions of the vessel: 13 frames (curved pieces that act as ribs) the anchor (one of the oldest surviving structural models) and some elements of the rigging notably the line that joins the anchor to the ship All of them are currently in saltwater pools so that they will be processed following the highest methodological ethical and deontological standards recommended by UNESCO and the International Council of Museums (ICOM) will begin with the desalination of the timbers the water that impregnates the wood will be replaced by a synthetic material (polyethylene glycol-PEG) that will provide the lost resistance a process that consists of drying the previously frozen pieces by sublimation from ice to vapour without passing through liquid they can be assembled and mounted for future museum use This intervention represents a unique opportunity to further knowledge of nautical archaeology and the processes of conservation and restoration of waterlogged timbers dated to the second half of the seventh century BCE or the first half of the sixth century BCE documents in an exceptional way the maritime route of metal exploitation derived from the Phoenician presence in the Iberian Peninsula consisting of the almost complete ship and its cargo provides an exceptional insight into shipbuilding and the oldest surviving use of built anchors the wreck had been preserved 'in situ' on the site covered by a metal box influenced by climate change and frequent DANA endangered its stability and made it essential to remove it to ensure its preservation following the organisation by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Region of Murcia of the 'International Meeting of Experts on the extraction and conservation of the ship Mazarrón II' in which specialists in the field and representatives of all the administrations took part following the technical criteria of this working group to extract the different pieces into which the ship was already fragmented so that they could be subsequently treated and conserved in the ARQVAtec laboratory The project to recover the wreck has had the collaboration of the Ministry of Culture through the Directorate General of Cultural Heritage and Fine Arts and the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology ARQVA through the loan of materials and equipment and the advice of its technicians and curators This website uses its own and third-party cookies to maintain the session, offer a better user experience and obtain statistical data on user navigation. For more information see Cookies policy Mazarrón II, a Phoenician shipwreck found off the coast of Murcia in southeastern Spain, represents a true treasure for maritime archaeology as the most complete ancient vessel discovered in the Mediterranean whose structure is in an exceptional state of preservation shedding light on the shipbuilding techniques of the Phoenicians a civilization whose maritime expertise has often been overshadowed by other Mediterranean cultures such as the Greeks The study of Mazarrón II allows us to delve into a historical period marked by cultural and technological interaction among various Mediterranean peoples uncovering previously unknown aspects of an ancient “maritime koiné” One of the features that makes Mazarrón II unique is the intact preservation of its original carpentry This fact alone provides researchers with the opportunity to study construction techniques that have remained shrouded in mystery for centuries which are more extensively documented thanks to previous discoveries Phoenician ships have been less accessible from an archaeological standpoint This discovery offers an invaluable opportunity to understand the methods employed by the Phoenicians and how these evolved in local contexts influenced by the peculiarities of each region where they sailed Mazarrón II not only highlights the Phoenicians as exceptional navigators but also demonstrates the existence of a cultural and technological network that connected regions as diverse as Egypt is reflected in the ship’s construction and materials showcasing the Phoenicians’ ability to adapt and integrate external influences without losing their identity Preliminary analyses of the Mazarrón II’s timbers have identified a combination of typically Phoenician techniques and elements adapted to local conditions This suggests that the communities involved in the ship’s construction not only adopted but also innovated upon Phoenician foundations enriching a maritime legacy that extended throughout the Mediterranean some aspects of its construction remain enigmatic underscoring the complexity of such vessels and the need for more in-depth research The recovery project for Mazarrón II has been divided into two fundamental phases: the extraction of the wreck and its subsequent restoration has been led by an interdisciplinary team of experts in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the University of Valencia The ship’s remains have been transferred to the ARQUAtec laboratory a center specialized in underwater archaeological conservation where they will be carefully studied and preserved The second phase of the project will focus on the restoration and detailed analysis of the recovered materials This process will not only ensure the physical preservation of Mazarrón II but also generate knowledge that could transform our understanding of ancient Mediterranean navigation and trade it is expected that the results of these investigations will foster new initiatives in the field of underwater archaeology positioning Mazarrón II as a landmark in this domain Universitat de València The primary aim of the association FMA is to help unwanted and abandoned animals in the Mazarrón area.  They are a non-profit making association run by volunteers, whose main aim is to re-home animals - many are sent abroad through their work with other charities.  They have no kennels so the money they receive goes towards veterinary care costs as well as the costs of re-homing.  They rely on donations and funding and run many events to raise funds https://www.gofundme.com/f/friends-of-mazarron-animals Image: Real Federación Española de Motonáutica The new marina in Puerto de Mazarrón will be taken over between April 11 and 13 by a selection of high-performance speedboats as they gather to take part in races which form part of the 2025 UIM World Championship in the ENDURANCE CLASS B category races are scheduled in the “promotion 150 boat production 300 and class sport 450” categories in which the numerals refer to the cc capacity of the competing craft each of which is manned by a pilot and co-pilot These boats can reach speeds of up to 150km/h (approximately 93 mph) so spectators along the shore on Paseo de Rihuete and in the area of El Alamillo are in for some spectacular entertainment After the Mazarrón races the championship moves on to Blankenberge in Belgium in June with the third date in Oregrund (Sweden) in late July It’s then on to Como in Italy and then Malta in October The schedule for the world championship weekend in Puerto de Mazarrón is as follows (although other regional events are also taking place: 12.00 to 14.00 and 15.30 to 19.00: Race registration and technical verifications 9.00 to 9.30: Race registration and technical verifications 10.00: Pilots Briefing (obligatory for all pilots) Work has started on a new panoramic lift in Puerto de Mazarrón a long-awaited project that will make it easier for people to get to the beach especially the elderly and those with mobility issues The lift will connect Avenida Narciso Yepes with Calle Viriato giving people a simple way to reach the coast Its glass walls will also offer great views of the area making it both useful and a new attraction for visitors Mayor Campillo said this project is an important step in improving the town ‘This lift is about making Mazarrón more modern and accessible It’s something locals have wanted for a long time and we are committed to improving their quality of life,’ he said The lift is part of the ‘Mazarrón Urbano’ plan this project will help make Puerto de Mazarrón a more welcoming place for everyone While many residents welcome the new lift as a step toward accessibility others have questioned whether such an elaborate project is necessary less costly solution could have improved beach access without such a major investment Social media discussions reflect mixed opinions on whether this is the best use of town funds Is the new panoramic lift a worthwhile improvement for Puerto de Mazarrón or could a more modest solution have been just as effective Share your thoughts in the comments… Over the long Easter weekend of 2025 the Paseo Francisco Martínez Muñoz alongside the marina on the seafront in Puerto de Mazarrón with plenty of stalls and stands offering food and drinks arts and crafts and a wide range of other items On each of the 4 days the market opens at 11.30 The scale of the Carnival celebrations may be less spectacular than in Águilas but nonetheless there is a party atmosphere in the town during the couple of weeks around the beginning of Lent and the period leading up to Semana Santa Music and parades dominate the programme for the celebrations in 2025 with the schedule including the following: 21.00: An evening of music with the Orquesta Zona Azul in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento 21.30: A convivial dinner and costume competition for the participating Carnival groups at Salones Zaira in Bolnuevo 17.00: The fairground attractions open at the Guardia Civil headquarters with all rides at two for the price of one for children 22.00: Carnival gala to announced the Muses and the names of those who are Doña Cuaresma Don Carnal and the Carnival Personality of the Year Venue: “La Aceña” sports hall 17.30: DJ music party at the municipal Carnival marquee 23.30: Individual and group costume competitions at the municipal Carnival marquee 21.00: Live music from Vértigo at the municipal marquee 21.30: Migas for all in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento 22.30: The figure of Don Carnal is ceremonially burnt in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento 17.00: All rides at two for the price of one at the fairground next to the former Guardia Civil headquarters 17.00: Children’s parade from the former Guardia Civil headquarters to the municipal Carnival marquee in Avenida Constitución 17.30: Pets’ Carnival at the municipal marquee 22.00: Live music from Aires de Veleta followed by DJ music at the municipal marquee 17.00: Parade of the winning troupes to the municipal marquee 18.00: The main Carnival parade starts at the former Guardia Civil headquarters and heads for the municipal Carnival marquee in Avenida Constitución This is followed by the awarding of prizes at the “La Aceña” sports hall For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Mazarrón Today those related to Christmas traditions are of particular importance the Children's Mañana Vieja and the long-awaited New Year's Eve Party Start of the 2024/2025 Christmas Schools for boys and girls from 3 to 12 years old CEIP Francisco Caparrós (Mazarτόη) CEIP San Antonio Primary School (Cañada de Gallego) For any questions/queries you can write to the email mazarronporlaigualdad@mazarron.es or call 682 043 318 4.30 pm Visit of Santa Claus to Mazarrón Location: Town Hall Square (Mazarrón) 9.30 pm Christmas songs in La Majada by Rondalla from Mazarrón 11.00 am Santa Claus visits Puerto de Mazarrón Location: Toneleros Square (Mazarrón Port) Location: Churches of San Andrés (Mazarrón) and San José (Puerto de Mazarrón) Location: Municipal Tent next to the "La Aceña" Sports Pavilion 9:00 pm Opening speech for the Las Balsicas festivities by Gregoria Moreno Cazorla chocolate and cake for all attendees by the Las Balsicas Festival Committee 9.30 pm Christmas singing in La Majada by the Cuadrilla de Purtas and the Cuadrilla de Cuesta de Gos 10:00 pm Concert by the local group "Vertigo" 9.30 am Procession in honour of our Patron Saint accompanied by the Drum Band of the Parish of San José de Puerto de Mazarrón 11.00 am -1.00 pm Children's Mañana Vieja (Old Morning) 5.00 pm Election of Children's King and Queen of the Fiestas of Las Balsicas 2024 6.00 pm Exhibition by the De Rosa Dance School 8.00 pm Meeting of groups: La Marina de Cope group Los Auroras group from Lorca and Las Balsicas group 12.00 noon Celebration of the Holy Mass in the orchard in honour of the Patron Saint La Purísima This will be followed by the traditional Rebumos led by Bartolo "El Tabella" and Paco "El Ministro" Paco "El Choto" and his team will give way to Cante Pujado 11.00 am -1.00 pm Children's Mañana Vieja Location: Promenade (Port of Mazarrón) 12.30 pm San Silvestre Solidaria (5Km) Registration previews: €5 to benefit Anitema Location: Mazarrón Town Hall Square Location: Municipal tent next to the "La Aceña" Deport Pavilion 4.30 pm Children's activities in "Calle de La Ilusión" Location: Calle Hortalesa (Ermita Masarión neighborhood) Location: Calle Hortalesa (Ermita Masarión neighbourhood) 11.00 am Visit of the Royal Page to Mazarrón 10.00 am Roscón de Reyes for all attendees Location: Municipal Tent of Las Balsicas 4.30 pm Live performance of "Los Luisos” 4.30 pm Visit of the Royal Page to the Port of Mazarrón Location: Plaza Tonelerns (Puerto de Mazurrón) 4.30 pm Children's activities on the "Calle de La Ilusion" Location: Calle Hortaleza (Ermita Mazarrón neighbourhood) 8:30 pm Remember the Night with Dj Horacio 11.30 am Three Kings Parade in Puerto de Mazarrón Location: Starts at the fishing port finishing in the Church of San José in Puerto de Mazarrón 7.00 pm Three Kings Parade in Mazarrón Location: Starts at the Jardín de la Paz on the Constitution Avenue of Mazarron 10.30 am Three Kings' Day Hot Chocolate Location: Cañadas de Gallego Social Centre 11.30 am Living Nativity Scene Parade with the Three Wise Men Location: Church of Cañada de Gallego For more local news, events and other information go to the home page of Mazarrón Today The Phoenician vessel 'Mazarrón II' which has lain on the seabed for over 2,600 years dating back to the second half of the seventh century BC has been raised successfully The keel of the boat was the final part to be extracted on November 6 in a precise underwater operation that started in early September it was the last of the 22 sections into which the boat was divided to protect the integrity of the structure during its extraction The extraction and correlation operation carried out in-situ just off La Isla beach Puerto de Mazarrón has been planned for sometime after it was found that the underwater protective metal box placed over the wreck to conserve it was starting to sink into the sand and would eventually into 22 sections following existing cracks and fissures in the framework to enable the parts to be lifted to the surface it would have been impossible to raise the boat in one piece the operation moves to the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena (Arqva) where the next phase of study restoration and conservation of the wood begins Here the sections can be kept in a sealed environment and the process of fitting the sections of the boat back together for a future exhibition to the public Scientists and researchers participating in this phase will allow them to learn more about the life habits and customs of the time The extraction project of the 'Mazarrón II' wreck has been included in UNESCO’s Register of Good Practices of Underwater Cultural Heritage Accrediting the precision of the planning and work in an operation undertaken by the Murcia regional government in collaboration with the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology of Cartagena since 2018 Over this period the team has carried out a series of archaeological actions to monitor and control the vessel’s state of conservation on the seabed in order to guarantee its protection and safeguard the precious find for the enjoyment of future generations it was decided to investigate the possibility of removing the wreck from its precarious situation it was concluded that the most appropriate solution was to extract the Phoenician ship given the instability of its situation on the seabed and the risk of further deterioration or total loss This decision was endorsed at the international meeting of experts held at Arqva in May 2021 under the auspices of UNESCO and with the participation of the international scientific community working on underwater archaeological heritage Specialists in underwater archaeology and ancient naval architecture participated in these works as well as professionals in the restoration of archaeological pieces from the sea The Phoenician ship is part of a set of two ships found off the La Isla beach and both the wrecks and the underwater site are considered an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) by the presence of two ships dating back to the sixth century B.C The first wreck 'Mazarrón I' consisting of a four-metre section of the keel a plank and cylindrical pieces of wood that seem to correspond to the frames of the ship are preserved in the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (Arqva) The second boat 'Mazarrón II' protected by a metal frame and covered by sand in order to guarantee its conservation The boat has a length of 8.15 metres and a beam of 2.25 metres and was located in 1995 with all its cargo The wreck should be ready for public display within five years. It remains to be determined whether its final destination will be Cartagena or a dedicated museum and convention centre in Mazarrón IF you’re in El Puerto de Mazarrón and haven’t been to La Vista yet This spot has nailed the art of blending amazing food the menu is packed with options that hit the mark every time the cheese boards are a favourite with their customers The rooftop terrace and cocktail bar add an extra touch of cool perfect for kicking back with a drink while watching the marina life go by and genuinely care about making your visit great La Vista isn’t just another restaurant; it’s the kind of place where good food you’ll understand why people keep coming back again and again Read more about the top dining recommendations on the Costas here it has undertaken a series of actions to strengthen the status of its populations in the natural environment improve the state of wetlands and scientific knowledge of the species which is coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge through the Segura Hydrographic Confederation and Tragsatec; the Regional Government of Andalusia Environment and Blue Economy and the Environment and Water Agency; the Generalitat Valenciana; the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia as well as the organizations Spanish Ornithological Society/BirdLife International and Association of Naturalists of the Southeast It is supported by the LIFE Program of the European Union and the Directorate General for Water Don't miss this opportunity to engage with the walking football community and support active lifestyles among seniors Image: Ayuntamiento de Mazarrón The annual Fiestas in honour of San José in Puerto de Mazarrón are being held from March 9 to 19 with a full program including concerts the procession on the feast day of the saint and a tapas route The main focal point of the fiestas is Wednesday March 19 the feast day of San José (and Fathers’ Day in Spain) and on the previous evening a large “falla” (papier mâché figure) is ceremonially burnt at the fairground at the beach of El Rihuete at 23.45 The marquee at the Playa del Rihuete will also be hosting fairground attractions while the tapas route lasts from March 14 to 30 The full program of events includes the following: 13.00: Third age party at the Miguel Delibes primary school 19.00: Holy Mass and the opening speech of the fiestas at the parish church of San José in Puerto de Mazarrón Passports and route maps are available from the tourist office and more details can be found at @rutadelatapapuertodemazarron on Instagram 17.00: The fairground attractions open on the Paseo del Rihuete with a special 2x1 offer 17.00: The maritime market opens on the Paseo del Rihuete 22.30: Live music from Orquesta La Mundial at the municipal marquee on the Paseo del Rihuete 11.00: The maritime market opens on the Paseo del Rihuete 11.30 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 18.00: The Drilo Park children’s playground 17.00: Children’s photocall with characters from cartoon movies in the park on Calle José Antonio Ruiz López (next to the skate park of Puerto de Mazarrón) 12.00: Children’s parade on the seafront of Paseo del Rihuete 13.00: Live music from Adrián Ruiz on the Paseo del Rihuete a celebration of 90s pop and rock at the municipal marquee on the Paseo del Rihuete 10.00 to 13.30: Rally of classic cars and motorcycles on the seafront in Puerto de Mazarrón 10.30: Traditional fun and games for all the family on the Paseo del Rihuete 12.00: Concert of Disney music by the Asociación Musical Maestro Eugenio Calderón at the municipal marquee on the Paseo del Rihuete 13.00: Live entertainment from Vértigo on the seafront alongside the municipal marquee on the Paseo del Rihuete 17.00h Live music from Aires de Veleta at the municipal marquee on the Paseo del Rihuete 19.00: DJ music at the municipal marquee on the Paseo del Rihuete 17.00: The fairground attractions open at the municipal marquee on the Paseo del Rihuete. 17.00: Children’s workshops alongside the “falla” at the municipal marquee on the Paseo del Rihuete 22.00: Free concert by Miguel Campello at the municipal marquee on the Paseo del Rihuete 23.45: The ceremonial burning of the “Falla” papier mache figure outside the municipal marquee on the Paseo del Rihuete 00.15: DJ music at the municipal marquee on the Paseo del Rihuete 11.00: The procession of the figure of San José sets out from the parish church to the Paseo Marítimo 12.00: Holy Mass is held in the open air on the Paseo Marítimo in Puerto de Mazarrón 12.45: The PAPEA parachute squad of the Spanish air force perform daring aerobatci feats over the Paseo Marítimo 13.00: Live music from David Andreu at the municipal marquee on the Paseo del Rihuete 16.00: Afternoon party with DJ music at the municipal marquee on the Paseo del Rihuete The first small section of the 2,600-year-old vessel of Phoenician origin was extracted from the sea in a complex operation that will last until the first week of November. The operation is expected to take a total of 44 days. The vessel sank off the coast of the Murcian municipality of Mazarrón at a depth of about two metres a team of 15 professional divers removed the first of the 20 sections into which the wreck has been divided in order to carry out the extraction taking advantage of the fissures and fractures that already existed in the wood which dates back to between 610 and 580 BC the archaeologist responsible for the project explained that the extracted piece measuring around 72 centimetres long by 26 wide is the smallest of those that make up the ship and therefore the easiest to extract The segment was located in the starboard bow and has been extracted on a carbon fibre "bed" manufactured in situ at the bottom of the sea by a team of specialised divers This process was assessed to be the safest way to avoid deterioration of the archaeological wood while removing it from the sea Each section will be supported on a carbon fibre platform allowing the section of boat to be kept in a horizontal position during the operation of raising it from the seabed This process has been used as a pilot and will be used with the next series of fragments whose outer shape is unknown because they are partially buried by sand so the platforms must be tailor made on the spot to accommodate each segment the extraction will be done on prefabricated beds It is expected that the last segment to be taken out of the water will be the largest one which forms the keel at about 3.3 metres long by 70 centimetres wide De Juan indicated that the extraction of this section is expected to take about seven days the archaeologists will proceed to extract the frames transverse pieces of wood that form the skeleton of the ship before proceeding with the rest of the portions that the pieces do not lose their horizontal position and are not allowed to dry out so they will be transferred to the laboratory of the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQUA) in Cartagena as in the case of the fragment extracted today or wrapped in plastic film to preserve the humidity Once at the laboratory the treatment and restoration work will take at least 4 years The Phoenician ship currently being raised is called 'Mazarrón II' and was discovered in 1995 during research work on another sunken shipwreck from the same period only partially preserved from the sea and is on display at the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQUA) which was discovered practically complete and with all its cargo on board consisting of more than two tons of lead ore a hand mill and its anchor of lead and wood among other items Once its cargo was extracted in the year 2000 and is also on display at the national museum it was decided to protect the vessel at the bottom of the sea with a metal box The importance of the wreck cannot be over emphasised being one of the most complete ancient ships discovered to date and is a unique example of Phoenician navigation and naval architecture Through future study of both the ship and its contents it offers the possibility of learning much more about the Phoenician presence and activity in the area The decision to extract the vessel has become imperative in recent years as the metal box placed over the vessel to protect it has begun to sink into the sand faster than the boat meaning the boat could end up being damaged or even crushed So in 2021 the Regional Government and the Ministry of Culture agreed to extract the wreck to guarantee its protection a decision that was corroborated in May 2022 by UNESCO during a conference of experts held in Cartagena The Mayor of Mazarrón, Ginés Campillo, highlighted the historic milestone and the council’s insistence that the vessel is exhibited in the town when restoration is completed "It is imperative that the creation of a museum here on the same site where this ship was extracted Not only would we protect an invaluable heritage but we would also enhance our cultural and tourist offer transforming Mazarrón into a point of educational and historical research meeting of national and international reference." The Regional President described the event as a historic milestone after years of debate which will remain in the history of archaeology A post shared by Asociación de Vecinos de Puerto de Mazarrón (@aavv_puerto_de_mazarron) The documented history of the Semana Santa processions in Mazarrón goes back to 1579 and the oldest “cofradia” or brotherhood taking part in the events is that of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno which was formed between 1653 and 1655 and then reconstituted in 1876 It was in the second half of the 19th century that the brotherhoods grew sharply in popularity – at the same time as the town grew due to the increased mining activity – and others were formed at around the same time by 1981 the traditions had practically died out before a group of locals decided to breathe life back into them by uniting the different brotherhoods as one that of the Santo Cáliz de la Preciosísima Sangre de Cristo As the processions grew in popularity again the brotherhoods once more became separate entities The schedule for the main events of Semana Santa 2025 is as follows with all processions and other events organized by the brotherhood of Nuestra Señora Virgen de la Soledad (although the programme may be modified due to adverse weather conditions): The figure of the Virgen de la Amargura is on public display all day in the church of La Purísima 12.00: Mass in honour of the Virgen de la Amargura 21.00: Vía Crucis starting at the church of San Antonio followed by Mass in the church of La Purísima 18.30: The drums and cornets of the Semana Santa brotherhoods in the Plaza del Convento 10.30: Mass in the church of San Andrés 11.15: Blessing of the Palms in the church of La Purísima and a procession to San Andrés church of San Andrés Apóstol 19.30: Mass in the church of San Andrés Route: Residencia de Ancianos La Purísima 19.00: Last Supper Mass in the church of San Andrés Calle Pintor Miguel García Viváncos 23.00: Vigil in the church of San Andrés 6.30: Vía Crucis in silence starting at the church of La Purísima Tableaux: Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno Calle Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente 17.30: Good Friday Mass in the church of San Andrés 20.00: Procesión del Santo Entierro Calle Maestra Ginesa Méndez España Following the procession the tableau of the Holy Sepulchre and the Virgen de la Soledad are taken to the church of San Andrés where the feet of the figure of Cristo Yacente are kissed 22.30: Easter vigil in the church of San Andrés 12.00: Mass in the church of San Andrés For more local events, news and visiting information go to the Mazarrón section of Murcia Today GET ready for an unforgettable weekend at the Mazarrón Rocks Festival Taking place from May 30 to June 1 this three-day event promises incredible live music the festival offers the perfect mix of stunning coastal views and top rock performances Whether you’re a die-hard rock fan or just looking for a fun weekend a variety of food stalls serving delicious bites and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the lively festival spirit and experience an epic celebration of music and community Entry: Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian Mazarrón Rocks Festival is set to be one of the biggest music events of the year THE Friends of Mazarrón Animals (FMA) Spring Fashion Show is back on March 29 from 12.30am until 3:00pm bringing an afternoon of fashion and entertainment to the Mazarrón Country Club Clubhouse This popular event is a great chance to shop for stylish clothes at affordable prices while enjoying a great atmosphere it’s a social gathering where guests can laugh With DJ Tiger hosting and live music from Sean Holsgrove there will be plenty of entertainment to keep the energy going FMA is a dedicated group of volunteers working to help animals in need and events like this play a big part in supporting their efforts Every purchase and every ticket sold helps fund their vital work contact Karen for bookings and more details at 0034 711 036 388 LA GENTE Restaurante in El Puerto de Mazarrón is hosting a special night of music and fun on April 5 The evening kicks off with dinner at 7:00pm followed by an entertaining karaoke session with DJ Wazza at 8:00pm Guests can enjoy an exclusive set menu for just €24.90 per person The menu includes a choice of delicious starters a salad with caramelised pear and blue cheese or bacon-wrapped asparagus with Roquefort sauce diners can choose between cod au gratin with peach aioli and vegetables or Iberian sirloin with mushroom and pepper sauce A house dessert and a bottle of wine for two are also included this is set to be a fun-filled evening for all CARTAGENA is starting guided night tours at Cerro del Molinete giving visitors a new way to explore its history after dark The tours called More Than a Hill: The History of El Molinete with guides turning on lights to highlight key monuments as the tour goes on These tours are possible thanks to a new lighting project completed by the city Fourteen energy-saving LED spotlights now light up important sites like the Roman temple The lights make it easier to see the ruins while also protecting them so visitors can enjoy the site without causing damage Mayor Noelia Arroyo said the project is about more than just adding lights ‘This park has pieces of Cartagena’s past from ancient times and now people can experience it in a whole new way,’ she said This is Cartagena’s second big lighting upgrade following a similar project at Concepción Castle in 2021 These improvements make the city’s history easier to see and enjoy helping visitors connect with the past in a fun way AGE CONCERN COSTA CALIDA is on a mission to support those over 50 with valuable services like advice where you can declutter your home or hunt for amazing bargains With a variety of stalls featuring second-hand treasures at fantastic prices it’s the perfect chance to find something unique The sale runs from 10 am to 1 pm at the Age Concern Social Centre garden in Camposol Whether you’re looking to sell or simply enjoy a morning of treasure hunting this event promises a friendly atmosphere and great finds there will be delicious cake to enjoy while you browse LORCA is gearing up for its 32nd annual Easter Handicraft Market This year’s event has been expanded to include a new area in Plaza Colón featuring a section dedicated to gourmet food making it even bigger than before with 34 stands The market will be set up in two locations: the traditional Plaza Calderón and the newly added Plaza Colón Visitors can look forward to a wide range of handmade products The new gourmet food section will offer delicious local treats like cheeses giving everyone a taste of the region’s delicious food the market will offer a chance to enjoy Lorca’s Easter celebrations A special stand will highlight traditional artisan techniques and visitors can even take home some of the beautiful crafts on offer The market celebration event is on Wednesday at 6:30pm with a performance by the Coros y Danzas de Lorca group the Easter Handicraft Market is a must-visit for anyone in Lorca this spring LOS ALCAZARES is hosting a Women’s Artisan Market and live music this Saturday These activities were originally planned for International Women’s Day but had to be rescheduled The event will take place at Plaza Real de la Feria from 10:00am and illustrations created by talented women It’s a great chance to explore unique products and support local artists Every December the municipality of Mazarrón holds its annual fiestas patronales in honour of La Purísima and on the eve of her feast day in 2024 at a free guided tour is being held of the sanctuary in which the sculpted image of the patron spends most of the year The convent church in which the image is housed was built between the 16th and 18th centuries when Mazarrón was intermittently enriched by the mining activity in the nearby mountains as well as by the more traditional fishing and agricultural activity The tour begins at 11.00 and lasts approximately an hour, with registration online here pets are not allowed to accompany visitors For further information consult the tourist office in Puerto de Mazarrón (Plaza Toneleros email oficinaturismomazarron@gmail.com or turismomazarron@esatur.com music and legends for Halloween organised by the Mazarrón Council department for Archives and Libraries with four free activities at the Puerto de Mazarrón Biblioteca (Library): The recovery operation of the Phoenician ship from the sea off Mazarrón’s La Isla which began on September 13 by a team of archaeologists led by Carlos de Juan from the University of Valencia (UV) was projected to take two months but at the halfway point of that period 30% of the wreck has been extracted according to an update given by the scientific team The rough seas have forced the work to be halted for a few days but De Juan hopes to "readjust the field work in the coming dates" and points out that "we have a margin of time in which these tasks could be extended" The archaeologists are confident the work will be completed within the planned schedule and add that so far there have been no unforeseen events that have put the operation in check "The previous work of study and planning was so exhaustive that there are contingency plans for all possible scenarios even the most improbable This allows the team to continue the underwater extraction work very safely," says the mission manager The parts of the boat recovered are the steering section as well as "other boards found in the enclosure of the box," referring to the metal sarcophagus that had been placed over the ship The extracted wooden sections have been transported to the Arquatec laboratories dependent on the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (Arqua) where the consolidation and restoration of the wreck will be undertaken Experts have applied stainless steel staples to prevent the portions of wood from fragmenting further Some pieces of ropes and planks have also been located at the site of La Isla beach "apparently already known by the old excavation teams" the wood is "in a magnificent state" the team is working with the utmost caution in dismantling and removing the ship's hull due to the numerous visible and invisible cracks in the hull of the vessel "Our greatest effort is to prevent the designed portions from fragmenting into smaller units," says Carlos de Juan although there is the possibility that some dates will be extended "depending on the state of the sea" Carlos de Juan clarifies that a third of the wreck has already been dismantled and removed from the water and he is confident that from now on they will be able to step on the accelerator to avoid the autumn storms Although halfway through the timescale with only 30% recovered Carlos was optimistic about being able to stick to the planned timeframe "From the point we are approaching this percentage will grow exponentially requiring fewer hours of immersion to recover the next parts of the ship." Once the underwater part of the operation is completed it will be the turn of the Arquatec restoration team. The wreck should be ready for public display within five years. It remains to be determined whether its final destination will be Cartagena or Mazarrón THE recent heavy rains triggered a wave of emergency calls across the region, with Mazarrón hit hardest by the downpour in the Region of Murcia received 181 calls linked to 129 incidents ranging from flooded streets to traffic disruptions including the Vía Axial in Puerto de Mazarrón which regularly floods during major storms fast-moving water even swept some cars along the ravine rainwater overflowed onto roads in El Pocico while a ravine spilled onto the main road to Cabo Cope Lorca had around ten roads temporarily closed as a precaution The Valle del Guadalentín region as a whole recorded the most incidents this weekend with emergency services working round the clock to handle the situation In the aftermath of the recent flooding in Mazarrón and surrounding areas it’s essential for both residents and visitors to stay safe during and after a storm Read more Costa Calida news, articles and events here The volunteers of Friends of Mazarrón Animals (FMA) are excited to present the incredibly talented Wild Card Fleetwood Mac in celebration of a nostalgic journey of all the popular Fleetwood Mac hits Tickets are 10€ each payable in advance Food available and the usual fabulous raffle Please join in and let’s start the New Year with a fabulous evening of entertainment To reserve seats private message Karen, call or Whatsapp +34 711 036 388 or private message the Friends of Mazarrón Animals Facebook page Great atmosphere food & drink available FMA thanks you all for your continued generous support throughout this year The event is sponsored by Rainbow Satellites For more local news, events and other information go to the home page of Camposol Today or join the Camposol Today Facebook group which is celebrated in Spain as the feast day of San José and Fathers’ Day there is a chance to enjoy a display by the PAPEA (the Parachute Acrobatics Team of the Spanish Air Force) over the seafront in Puerto de Mazarrón The team is returning to Mazarrón for the second year in a row after the success of the 2024 event when large crowds gathered to see the spectacle The show is starting at 12.45 on the beach next to the Paseo Marítimo and all are invited to come along and enjoy Fathers’ Day with a difference For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Camposol Today As part of the fiestas of San José in Puerto de Mazarrón a maritime market is being held on the Paseo del Rihuete over the weekend of 14th to 16th March The stalls and stands at the market open at 11.00 on each of the three days For all those brave enough or mad enough to join in, the Age Concern Costa Calida New Year’s Day Swim is returning to the beautiful Playa de Bahía Age Concern will be providing soup and brandy for all the brave swimmers why not take advantage of the Spanish weather Let’s start the new year by making a difference—see you at the beach For more local news, events and other information go to the home page of Camposol Today or join the Camposol Today Facebook group we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors in our community Our comprehensive range of services ensures that our over 50’s residents receive the support and companionship they need to lead fulfilling lives One of our key services is assistance with transportation to and from medical & hospital appointments We understand the importance of regular medical visits and our reliable volunteers are committed to providing safe and comfortable transportation ensuring that no one misses a crucial appointment We also offer assistance with local shopping.  Whether it’s a weekly grocery run or picking up prescriptions ensuring you have everything you need without the stress of shopping alone and our befriending service is designed to combat this Our friendly volunteers provide regular companionship bringing joy and social interaction to those who may otherwise feel isolated Our fundraising events are not only a vital source of support for our activities but also fantastic social occasions Check out our Facebook page “Age Concern Costa Calida” and help us raise the funds needed to continue our essential work For those in need of assistance with mobility we offer a range of disability equipment for hire to help maintain independence and improve quality of life Our Social Centre on Camposol C is the heart of our community activities monthly table top sales and regular parties fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment where you can engage in various hobbies Navigating the complexities of applying for Attendance Allowance can be daunting Our knowledgeable team provides guidance and support through the application process ensuring that our retirees receive the benefits they are entitled to our Vintage Shop is open every weekday and offers a wonderful selection of pre-loved items you not only find great bargains but also support our charity’s mission For more information or to get involved, contact us at 0034 634 344 589 or email ageconcerncostacalida@gmail.com Join Age Concern Costa Calida in making a meaningful difference in the lives of our over 50’s and together we can create a caring and connected community Age Concern Social Centre: 2B Avenida de los Covachos Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 to 13:00 Age Concern telephone number: 634 344 589 (10am - 4pm Monday to Friday) SEPTEMBER 13 marked a landmark moment for the Region of Murcia as the first piece of the ancient Phoenician shipwreck known as ‘Mazarrón 2’ was lifted from its resting place at Isla Beach in Mazarrón Regional President Fernando López Miras called the event a ‘historic day’ and a significant milestone in maritime archaeology The piece recovered is part of the ship’s prow This is the first step in a meticulous process involving the careful extraction Dating back to the second half of the 7th century BCE ‘Mazarrón 2’ is one of the best-preserved ancient ships ever discovered López Miras praised the rigorous work and collaboration between various administrations highlighting the efforts of experts from the University of Valencia He noted that while the extraction process will be challenging it will provide invaluable insights into ancient maritime practices and the Phoenician presence in the region The project, which began in 2018, has seen collaboration between the Regional Government and the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena The decision to extract the wreck came after expert consultations including a UNESCO-backed international meeting in 2021 Recognised by UNESCO for its best practices this project is set to enhance our understanding of ancient navigation and Phoenician culture scientists will continue to work on preserving and studying this extraordinary find promising exciting discoveries about our ancient marine legacy For more Costa Calida news, articles and events click here Download our media pack in either English or Spanish.