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Orihuela will become a hub of youthful talent as the I Encuentro Violín Suzuki brings together over 100 young violinists from Alicante province and Murcia for a grand concert at the iconic Teatro Circo ‘Atanasio Die’
The free concert starts at 7pm and the doors are open until all the seats are filled
pioneered by Japanese music teacher Shinichi Suzuki
which revolutionises music education through early learning
The method helps young musicians to perform together
encouraging collaboration and artistic development from an early age
The show features students trained under the prestigious method
and shows that Orihuela is dedicated to developing its young artists
It also gives a boost to the city’s tourism appeal
and invites visitors to explore its rich historical and cultural heritage
The I Encuentro Violín Suzuki promises an inspiring evening of music
and passion of students and their families
Free to enter, the show will be on at Teatro Circo ‘Atanasio Die’ on Saturday
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Outcry over democratic deficit and failing municipal services sparks mass protest outside Playa Flamenca town hall
Frustration and political tension exploded once again in Orihuela Costa this Monday as more than 300 residents took to the streets in protest
answering the call of local political groups and residents associations
Their message was loud and clear: “Enough is enough.”
held in front of the Playa Flamenca municipal offices
coincided with the long-delayed meetings of District Boards X and XI—the local bodies meant to represent over 30,000 registered residents and more than 60,000 full-time inhabitants of the coastal area
These citizen forums had not been convened in five months
triggering accusations of democratic neglect and administrative incompetence
Among the symbols of the protest: a symbolic empty chair
whose continued silence and lack of accountability have fuelled growing resentment in the area
Residents decried the failure of the Orihuela Council to provide even the most basic municipal services—services they say they are taxed for but never receive
“We are invisible to this government,” said Román Jiménez
who denounced the council for turning the district meetings into a “mockery of democratic representation.”
The roots of the crisis date back to late 2024
when the secretaries of both district boards resigned
A scheduled session for April 28 was cancelled without explanation
amid allegations that the original postponement was to allow Councilman Manuel Mestre
fully authorized by the Subdelegation of the Government
was a boiling point for long-standing grievances
The Unidos por la Costa residents’ association supported the action
highlighting chronic failures in district governance and a broken system of participation that has led to no concrete results
residents condemned the council’s failure to draft a district needs report—a document required for budget planning—and the administration’s refusal to analyse and review its own municipal activity
Despite broad support from local political groups (excluding abstentions from PP and Vox)
opposition groups and board members have repeatedly called for Mayor Vegara’s direct appearance to explain budget decisions for 2024 and projections for 2025
Their request has gone unanswered for months
intensifying accusations that the mayor is “deliberately undermining” local representation
the PIOC and local groups also called for an emergency review of conditions at IES Playa Flamenca
and weapons—highlighted by the recent murder of 15-year-old Cloe
Forecasters predict that Orihuela Costa’s population will surpass 40,000 registered residents in under a decade with residents agreeing that it’s no longer sustainable for this many people to be governed from a city that refuses to even acknowledge them
Recent population data confirm this shift: Orihuela’s population has grown by 1.9%
compared to near-zero growth in the urban centre
Yet political representation remains grossly imbalanced
the local party outpolled both governing parties combined within Orihuela Costa—but failed to gain representation due to overall municipal thresholds
With civic patience wearing thin and political resolve rising
Monday’s protest may well mark a turning point
Orihuela Costa is no longer asking for attention
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Since her days as a Yale Law School student, Clinical Professor of Law Marisol Orihuela ’08 has been fueled by a passion to use the law for social change. In this episode of Inside Yale Law School
Gerken about leading a new clinic focused on mental health justice
how mental health and criminal justice are intertwined
and the importance of decompressing during stressful times
Download the transcript
she was a deputy federal public defender in Los Angeles and a staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California
Orihuela often represented clients with mental health conditions
which spurred her interest in working on these issues:
“So much of criminal defense involves mental health
disproportionate number of people with mental health conditions in the criminal system
And it was true that I never felt there was a ton of training around mental health issues
I kind of had to train myself or seek it out once I started representing people…”
In 2018, Orihuela and the Worker and Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic represented two children who were separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border and sent to a detention facility in Connecticut
The clinic successfully sued to reunite the families by bringing a disability rights claim on behalf of the children
based on the trauma they had suffered from the separation
“Just understanding what is happening to these families not just as a constitutional issue but also as an issue of potential disability
I think an extremely meaningful thing to bring to the forefront
And I was so proud that that was something that we were able to do.”
WIRAC Mobilizes to Reunite Families
In 2023, Orihuela launched the Mental Health Justice Clinic to serve the legal needs of people with mental disabilities in Connecticut
she conducted nearly a year of research and community needs assessments:
“We do work both in the civil system and the criminal system
That's one of the themes that came out in the community needs assessment
which I was thrilled about because it also lined up with what I thought was interesting to expose the students to
which was how civil and criminal legal systems really intersect ..
So we try to get people set up with services that might really help them.”
Professor Marisol Orihuela on Clinical Work in Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and More
01:32 Her experiences as a YLS student
05:47 Teaching in the Worker & Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic
07:32 Her career at the ACLU and as a federal public defender
10:06 Winning a nationwide injunction against the travel ban from majority-Muslim countries
14:37 Winning a family separation case
20:50 Her toughest case representing a client with mental illness
25:12 The work of the Mental Health Justice Clinic
29:28 The “tap on the shoulder” in her career
33:29 Helping her students handle difficult cases
37:23 The importance of decompressing
203.432.4992
subpoena issued to Fresnoland reporter Pablo Orihuela by a prosecutor in Fresno
ordering the journalist to testify April 10 as part of the criminal case against a homeless man
A subpoena issued to Fresnoland reporter Pablo Orihuela was dropped on April 10
after a California judge dismissed the criminal case at which he was ordered to testify
The case involved Wickey Twohands, a 77-year-old homeless man arrested in October 2024 for alleged violations of the city’s controversial anti-camping law
Press Freedom Tracker that after prosecutors for the city of Fresno attempted to serve him a subpoena over email April 4 ordering him to testify at Twohands’ trial
who made sure to let me know they had my back,” Orihuela said of Danielle Bergstrom
Is this something you want to tackle head-on
We can absolutely get all the legal resources we need.’”
He decided on the latter, and they quickly contacted the First Amendment Coalition — whose Legal Director David Loy wrote a letter objecting to the subpoena — and secured the representation of attorney Patience Milrod
When they arrived at the courthouse April 10
A court official served Orihuela a copy of the subpoena in person while they were waiting inside the courtroom
but it was rendered moot and functionally dropped shortly after
when County Judge Brian Alvarez dismissed the case against Twohands on a technicality
Orihuela told the Tracker that all of his team’s preparation ended up being unnecessary
“That was hours and hours of work we had to go into on my end: signing a declaration
But in the moment there was a bit of frustration that so much of our bandwidth had to get dedicated to this thing that
a housing reporter for the nonprofit news outlet Fresnoland
was subpoenaed by prosecutors for the city of Fresno
in connection with a pending criminal case
The case involves Wickey Twohands, a 77-year-old homeless man who was arrested in October 2024 and may be the first to go to trial for alleged violations of the city’s controversial anti-camping law
The ordinance — among the toughest in the state — went into effect in September 2024 and bans camping
sitting or lying on public property at any time
Orihuela reported on the charges against Twohands in February after his trial was postponed so his attorney could file motions to dismiss the case
The parties are due back in court April 10 for a ruling on the motions and
Deputy City Attorney Daniel Cisneros ordered Orihuela to appear to testify at the hearing with less than a week’s notice
according to a copy of the subpoena reviewed by the U.S
The request did not provide any indication of what the journalist would be questioned about
and included only a copy of Orihuela’s February article obtained April 3
Orihuela declined to comment until after the hearing and Cisneros did not respond to a voicemail requesting comment
David Loy, legal director for the First Amendment Coalition, wrote a letter on Orihuela’s behalf objecting to the subpoena the day it was issued
“Even if the subpoena were timely and properly served
California’s reporter shield law absolutely protects Mr
Orihuela against a subpoena from the City compelling him to testify about any unpublished information,” Loy wrote
the City should immediately cease attempting to subpoena Mr
Loy told the Tracker that the subpoena was improperly served
as it was sent via email to Orihuela and Fresnoland Executive Director and Managing Editor Danielle Bergstrom
and that without proper service a witness has no legal obligation to comply
“It’s obviously highly significant for any reporter or newspaper or publication to get a subpoena
“One would hope that government lawyers would be better educated on reporter shield law
until proven otherwise: that this is some good-faith mistake and that hopefully — now that I’ve written to the city explaining the law — they have stopped trying to subpoena a reporter.”
The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker catalogues press freedom violations in the United States. Email tips to [email protected]
Using U.S. Press Freedom Tracker incidents or number counts in an article or paper? We’re happy to answer questions about methodology and guide you through the database so you get the most accurate information for your needs. Email: [email protected]
U.S. Press Freedom Tracker is led by the Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF). The Tracker is an open source database with a downloadable API. All other original content is licensed under a Creative Commons 4.0 Attribution International License
AcademyUD Almería 'B' bid farewell to season against Orihuela CF Neither team have anything to play for in this final Matchday of the league. The match will be played this Sunday at 12 noon
02 Mar 2025 17:30:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Orihuela won 1–0 over Cadiz CF Mirandilla on Sun
This is 25 of the Segunda Federacion - Group 4
Predicted lineups are available for the match a few days in advance while the actual lineup will be available about an hour ahead of the match
The current head to head record for the teams are Orihuela 1 win(s)
Have scored 4 goals in their last 5 matches
Who won between Orihuela and Cadiz CF Mirandilla on Sun
02 Mar 2025 17:30:00 GMT?Orihuela won 1–0 over Cadiz CF Mirandilla on Sun
02 Mar 2025 17:30:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 3 goals in their last 5 matches
Orihuela is playing home against Cadiz CF Mirandilla on Sun
Medievalists.net
Archaeologists in the Spanish city of Orihuela have uncovered the remains of a well-preserved medieval bathhouse dating back to the 11th century
The discovery was made during restoration work on the historic Rubalcava Palace
when excavation efforts in the building’s north garden—near the Plaza de Santiago—revealed a section of an underground thermal complex from the Andalusian period
According to the Orihuela City Council
the structure is part of a hot room (caldarium) from an Arab bathhouse
The find was made while preparing the site for a new fire-fighting water tank
prompting the halting of construction and the immediate activation of archaeological protection protocols
“This is a discovery of enormous significance
both for its age and its excellent state of preservation,” said Matías Ruiz
Councilor for Urban Planning and Historical Heritage
“These are Arab baths from the 11th century
which places us in an early medieval context that broadens our knowledge of the history and heritage of Orihuela.”
Preliminary investigations have identified the remains as part of a well-constructed hammam typical of early medieval al-Andalus
Measuring approximately 9 metres by 4.64 metres
the rectangular room contains a hypocaust heating system—an underground network of brick pillars that once circulated hot air from a furnace
Archaeologists also documented a small adjoining alcove and multiple entryways
suggesting that other rooms from the original complex may lie nearby
Some of the bricks show signs of reddening
likely from the heat of the original fires that warmed the baths nearly a thousand years ago
These features reflect the sophisticated bathing culture that spread through Islamic Spain during the Middle Ages
drawing on Roman traditions while adapting to local needs and religious customs
Bathhouses such as this one played a central role in community life
serving not just hygienic functions but also as social and spiritual centres
Following consultation with the Territorial Service of Culture and Sport of the Valencian Regional Government
Orihuela’s project managers have committed to conserving the remains in situ and integrating them into a public heritage display
The originally planned water tank will be relocated to avoid disrupting the site
City officials now plan to create a museum space that will allow residents and visitors to view the medieval bathhouse
“To complete the restoration of Rubalcava Palace
and to showcase this discovery so that residents and visitors can experience such a unique element up close.” He added that the structure could be illuminated from the outside
allowing for safe and respectful public engagement with the site
the city plans to launch a larger archaeological project to fully excavate the complex and assess its extent
A formal museum and interpretation plan will be drafted as part of future cultural budget allocations
Rubalcava Palace gains a remarkable link to Orihuela’s Andalusian past
further enriching the city’s medieval heritage and offering a new lens through which to view daily life in 11th-century Spain
Top Image: Photo courtesy Orihuela City Council
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Sharada Balachandran Orihuela, the Mexican cousin of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, provides a unique perspective on their relationship and the multicultural tapestry that defines their family
Sharada shares a deep connection with Harris through their shared Indian heritage
Sharada's life has been a blend of cultures, spending her early years between Mexico and India before moving to California in 2001
This move marked a significant shift in her life
as she lived with her aunt Shyamala and cousin Kamala
Already deeply involved in her political activism, Kamala played an essential role in helping Sharada get used to her new environment. Whether taking her to concerts or political rallies, the Vice President, now presidential candidate for the Democratic Party and Donald Trump's rival, acted as a mentor and guide
shaping Sharada's understanding of American society and politics
One of Sharada's most memorable experiences was when Kamala took her to her first punk rock concert in San Francisco
This gesture was more than just a fun night out; it symbolized Kamala's role as the "big sister" who introduced Sharada to new cultural experiences in the U.S
This bond was not just about shared activities but also about deep-rooted family values—justice
and the well-being of the common person—that both cousins hold dear
Sharada reflected on the diverse nature of their family
She argues that this diversity characterizes not only their family but also the broader American experience
Kamala's ability to navigate these different cultural landscapes has shaped her political career and left a lasting impact on her family
A post shared by instagram
She is a person with solid principles and values that have to do with justice and economic justice," explains Balachandran Orihuela
Balachandran Orihuela lived most of her life between Mexico and India
she moved to Oakland (California) to study at the university and lived with her aunt Shyamala
Their close-knit relationship is evident as Sharada speaks about Kamala affectionately
warm person who loves cooking and sharing recipes with family
This personal side of Kamala contrasts with her public image as a tough political figure
showing the vice president and Presidential candidate's multidimensional nature
having reconned today’s opening 34.3km-long team time trial at their January training camp
it was obvious that every single rider meant business and an impressively strong team performance out on course saw them stop the clock at 39 minutes 19 seconds to move into the hot seat
That’s it! Officially winners of the opening TTT at #VCV2025 🥳🥳🥳🥳 pic.twitter.com/3RCEwdiywj
— Lidl-Trek (@LidlTrek) February 5, 2025
it was a long wait to see if Lidl-Trek had done enough to secure victory with potentially some of the toughest competition to come in the last group of teams
no one was able to get close to matching the benchmark set by the Team and it was Simone Consonni
and Mathias Vacek who stepped onto the podium as the first winners of the race
SPAIN - FEBRUARY 05: A general view of Simone Consonni of Italy
Daan Hoole of Netherlands and Team Lidl - Trek celebrate at podium as team time trial winners during the 76th Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2025
Stage 1 a 34.3km stage from Orihuela to Orihuela on February 05
Lidl-Trek was the only team to step onto the podium with Mathias Vacek crossing the line first to take the race leader’s yellow jersey
as well as the jersey for the best young rider while
Jonathan Milan will wear the KOM jersey tomorrow with Daan Hoole in the Points jersey
We could even think about the margin we had at the finish
We’re super confident now for the next races and time trials
Today we enjoyed our victory and we left everything out there
It was not really decided that I should pass the finish first
but I was in the first position before the downhill and I stayed there until the finish line
and I’m proud that I can wear the yellow jersey now for the next stage
to the other guys because without them it wouldn’t be possible
The team effort we put in and all the details we worked on
I don’t want to say that I’m going to win the next stages
but I’ll try to keep the jersey for as long as possible
I have a good gap to the other teams but for sure it will be hard racing with some tough climbs in the next says
I’ll see how I feel but I will leave it all out there to keep the jersey as long as possible
SPAIN - FEBRUARY 05: Mathias Vacek of Czech Republic and Team Lidl - Trek celebrates at podium as Yellow Leader Jersey winner during the 76th Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2025
I would say absolutely yes [it went to plan]
The plan was a bit easy – go full gas and give 100% of ourselves
We were also try this time trial in the last month
From the beginning we looked and said that with our team it would be really perfect
I think it was the plan to make Mathias first
Mathias did a nice pace and I think he can play his cards also in the next days
The last stage should be pretty interesting for me
Trek Factory Racing-Pirelli XC is ready to ride
The Orihuela Department of Tourism has unveiled its program of guided tours for May
offering residents and visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural and historical legacy
With a diverse lineup of routes—from nighttime museum visits to modernist architecture and poetic heritage—this month promises something for everyone
Kicking off the program on May 1 is the ever-popular “Walking Through History” tour
guiding participants through Orihuela’s most emblematic historical landmarks
including the iconic arch of the Santo Domingo Convent and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Monserrate
The life and legacy of beloved Orihuela poet Miguel Hernández take center stage in two special events: a tribute at the Murales de San Isidro on May 3 as part of the 11th edition organized by the Department of Culture
and a literary-themed tour on May 24 that includes visits to Hernández’s House-Museum and the Convent of Santo Domingo
In celebration of International Museum Day
a special night tour of the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art will take place on May 17
showcasing a stunning collection of religious artwork dating from the 13th to 18th centuries
the spotlight turns to Orihuela’s early 20th-century architecture with the Modernist Route
which features stops at the Teatro Circo and other notable buildings from the period
Other highlights include the “Mysteries of the Cathedral” tour on May 9 and the elegant “Route of the Palaces” on May 31
both of which delve into lesser-known aspects of the city’s cultural wealth
the Torremendo Reservoir Route on April 11 offers a scenic exploration of the district’s unique natural environment
All activities require prior registration, which opens weekly. Spots can be reserved through the official tourism website, www.orihuelaturistica.es
The municipality of Orihuela has reached a population of 85,674 registered residents
This figure marks a 1.9 per cent increase compared to 2023
according to the latest population statistics from the Orihuela City Council’s Statistics Department
with Orihuela Costa seeing a significant 5 per cent increase in population
while Orihuela town had a modest rise of 0.1 per cent
and the hamlets experienced a 0.9 per cent increase
Although the Spanish population remains the majority at 53,512
international migration has become more noticeable
and the Venezuelan population has increased by 48 per cent
the Spanish population grew by 1.1 per cent
while the foreign population rose by 3.3 per cent
Foreign residents now make up 32 per cent of the total population
with people from 121 different nationalities
After the Spanish population, the most significant foreign groups in Orihuela are from the United Kingdom (9,681)
the British population decreased by 7 per cent compared to the previous year
likely due to factors such as Brexit or returns to the UK
In terms of net population changes from 2023
Population growth in Orihuela has been primarily concentrated in Orihuela Costa, where the population grew by 1,333, reaching 27,929. In the city of Orihuela
with some areas seeing increases while others have experienced declines
The district with the most notable growth was La Murada
Hurchillo followed with a growth of 41 people
Other districts with increases include San Bartolomé (+33
The districts with the highest populations
Orihuela will host the 12th edition of the Playa de Orihuela Triathlon this Sunday
at La Glea Beach in the Dehesa de Campoamor urbanization
This year’s event is especially significant
as it includes a qualifying race for the Spanish Olympic Distance Triathlon Championship
The announcement was made at a press event attended by Orihuela’s councillors for Sports and the Coast
in addition to the traditional sprint-distance triathlon
the club has been honoured with organizing a prestigious national qualifier
150 elite male and female triathletes from across Spain will compete in this Olympic-distance race
The day will begin at 9:00 AM with the Sprint Triathlon
750m swim – 20km cycle – 5km run
All 150 available slots for this event have already been filled
Awards will be given to the top three finishers in eight different age categories
with cash prizes for the top three overall
the Olympic-distance qualifying race will take place
1500m swim – 40km cycle – 10km run
This event will feature 150 triathletes from 40 clubs nationwide
current junior European champion and member of Universidad de Alicante
Coastal Councillor Manuel Mestre emphasized the importance of Orihuela Costa hosting such a high-profile event
highlighting the town’s efforts to prepare and enhance the race circuits
He stressed that Orihuela Costa is becoming a go-to destination for sports tourism
Sports Councillor Víctor Sigüenza added that hosting this event places Orihuela on the national triathlon map
showcasing the town’s capacity to support top-tier sporting events
He concluded by underlining the dual benefit of such events — not only promoting sports but also boosting tourism and the local economy
Orihuela now offers a new tourist brochure featuring the complete Holy Week programme for the first time
and cultural activities scheduled during this period
which has been recognised as of International Tourist Interest
This initiative meets the increasing demand from visitors, providing a practical, clear, and accessible guide to help plan their stay and ensure they experience all that Orihuela has to offer during these special dates
The brochure outlines the full schedule and routes of processions
It also covers parallel activities such as concerts
A notable feature of the brochure is the adjusted opening hours of Orihuela’s museums, allowing both tourists and locals to explore the city’s rich historical and artistic heritage during Holy Week
Copies of the brochure are available free of charge at several locations in the city and along the coast: tourist offices at Glorieta
as well as at Orihuela Town Hall and its offices in Orihuela Costa
This inaugural edition underscores the City Council’s commitment to providing high-quality tourist information
further enhancing Orihuela’s reputation as a premier destination for Holy Week festivities
After months of mounting frustration from residents and visitors alike
the Orihuela Coastal Department has finally launched an emergency plan to repair the deeply deteriorated road network in Orihuela Costa—an area whose infrastructure has reached a critical state following the heavy rains of March and April
The condition of the roads had become alarmingly unsafe
forcing the council to declare an emergency and begin long-overdue intervention measures
The poor state of the streets had not only disrupted mobility but also posed daily risks for both drivers and pedestrians
Coastal Councillor Manuel Mestre acknowledged the severity of the problem
stating: “The intense rainfall over recent months has caused enormous damage
Some roadways had become so degraded they posed a serious hazard
leaving us no choice but to act urgently.”
Despite repeated calls from the public in recent years to address decaying roads in the coastal area
it was only the recent weather crisis that spurred official action
are expected to continue for approximately two months
The plan includes repairing extensive road damage and improving safety conditions across multiple sectors of Orihuela Costa
where road subsidence and poorly maintained surfaces had become the norm
raising concerns over emergency access and increasing the likelihood of accidents
the project also aims to restore some degree of normalcy to mobility in the area
and reinforce the cohesion of a coastal zone that has long felt neglected in terms of infrastructure investment
The local government urges residents to remain cautious as work progresses
while many hope this long-awaited intervention marks a genuine turning point in the management of Orihuela Costa’s neglected roads
a practicing lawyer and former councillor of Orihuela as well as a former Ciudadanos Member of Parliament
has sparked a public debate through an opinion article that was published in Diario de la Vega
he urges Orihuela residents to formally challenge the recent
sharply increased urban waste collection tax (RSU)
describing the situation as unjust and legally questionable
has risen dramatically – by between 250% and 340%
depending on the area – prompting concern and discontent among the local population
López Bas argues that the municipal government is failing to comply with Spanish law
Since Orihuela is legally classified as a “municipality of large population” it is required by law to establish a specialised administrative body to handle economic-administrative appeals
particularly for reviewing tax settlements issued by the town council
Orihuela has not created this mandated body
depriving citizens of a lawful administrative channel to contest tax decisions before resorting to the courts
López Bas claims that tax assessments made without providing this administrative recourse are legally invalid
He supports his position by citing court rulings from cities like Alicante
where judges have annulled similar tax settlements on the basis that the absence of such municipal bodies violates taxpayers’ constitutional right to effective judicial protection
López Bas states that every taxpayer has the right – and even the duty – to challenge administrative actions when authorities knowingly disregard legal procedures
He advises residents to file an economic-administrative claim within one month of receiving any municipal tax bill
Should the town hall reject or ignore these claims
where he believes existing precedents will support the public stance
His call to action has already resonated across the region
Coastal and rural community representatives have expressed interest in pursuing similar claims
The group Unidos x la Costa is actively preparing documentation to help their members submit appeals
are monitoring the legal landscape to determine their next steps
López Bas is mobilising a grassroots legal resistance against what he sees as an unlawful and excessive tax policy by the Orihuela municipal government
Orihuela’s political leaders proposed a new Citizen Participation Regulation
and some parts of it—like appointing an Ombudsman and making it easier to file complaints—could benefit residents
It gives the area little importance and suggests further dividing it into several districts
making it even more difficult to demand the services and facilities we deserve
That’s why we must say NO to splitting Orihuela Costa into multiple districts
Instead of more red tape and complex participation processes
Orihuela Costa needs less bureaucracy and more investment—especially cultural activities and in services for seniors
The proposed district system would only make things worse
Orihuela Costa doesn’t need expensive procedures to get residents involved in managing things that don’t even exist yet
While the city of Orihuela already has all of these facilities and much more
Orihuela Costa is still lacking in even the basics—despite having a population similar in size to the city and generating much of the municipality’s tax revenue
There’s a risk that these new participation procedures are being used to distract from the long-standing neglect of the coast
But the real threat lies in the plan to divide the coast into smaller
Orihuela Costa was wrongly designed in the 1990 Municipal Plan as a bunch of isolated urbanisations
This makes it easier for politicians to deny us the services we need
We must reject the division and instead protect Orihuela Costa’s status as one unified urban area
Only then can we fight effectively for the services and infrastructure that residents rightfully deserve
On his return following a period of Paternity leave
has formally resigned from his role as head of the Culture Department
Mayor Pepe Vegara approved the decision by decree on Wednesday
handing the portfolio over to fellow Vox councillor Anabel García
who had temporarily assumed the role during Montoya’s absence
a department that was briefly managed by Vox’s Costa councillor
who has now requested expanded responsibilities
Montoya’s departure from the Culture post comes after a series of controversies since he assumed the position following the 2023 municipal elections
he was at the centre of backlash for removing imagery with Republican symbolism from the Rincón Hernandiano
including tributes to poet Miguel Hernández
The action sparked opposition support for their reinstatement
with only Vox voting against and the PP abstaining
The incident followed other contentious moves
such as the withdrawal of funding from the Miguel Hernández Cultural Foundation in late 2023
Mayor Vegara distanced himself from both actions
The Culture department also saw turbulence with the resignation of Vox’s appointee to manage Orihuela Cultural amid allegations of mismanagement and political pressure
Montoya’s resignation coincides with growing rifts within the ruling coalition
particularly over Vox’s hardline positions
Recent disputes include a proposal to expel undocumented migrants
and a controversial vote that saw PSOE and Vox jointly raising Church subsidies—while the PP abstained
Montoya will not attend the upcoming San Isidro Murals (May 9–11)
marking a notable absence from one of the city’s key cultural events
His resignation would seem to underscore the increasing strain between Vox and their conservative coalition partners
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The fall of a 1,300-kilogram bell during Palm Sunday Mass at Orihuela Cathedral has reignited concerns about the deteriorating state of the city’s religious heritage buildings
detached from its support due to a failed bearing and fell inside the tower
The Mass had been moved back to the Cathedral from the Gabriel Miró Roundabout due to rain
a decision that inadvertently placed the congregation near the site of the incident
debris fell from the Church of Saints Justa and Rufina during ongoing roof restoration works
prompting authorities to cordon off the area — but only after the collapse occurred
These back-to-back incidents have raised alarm about the state of Orihuela’s historic religious sites
part of the sacristy roof at the same church collapsed
and the Church of San Agustín has remained closed for decades due to structural risks
Architects have since inspected the bell tower and will initiate a project to refurbish the remaining bells
the wave of incidents has triggered political and public backlash
Local political group Cambiemos Orihuela has announced a motion demanding an urgent review of all diocesan properties in the city
Councilor Leticia Pertegal criticized the Diocese for “dereliction of duty” and urged the City Council to suspend financial support for cultural and heritage projects unless proper maintenance is ensured
president of the Orihuela Chamber of Commerce
also condemned the poor upkeep of the city’s historic architecture and the lack of preventative action by authorities
A restoration plan for Orihuela as a Monumental
and Archaeological City had already begun last year through collaboration between the City Council
calls for swift and decisive action are growing louder
The 25th Medieval Market of Orihuela will take place from 28 February to 2 March
marking a special anniversary for the event
Councillor for Festivities Rocío Ortuño highlighted that thousands of visitors from different cities attend each year to experience the historic centre transformed into a medieval setting
The opening ceremony will be held on Friday
at 11:30am starting from the Plaza de Santiago
New attractions include the Villa de las Brujas in Plaza de Santiago
and immersive experiences throughout the streets
The market will be divided into three areas- Jewish
and Arab – covering various locations in the historic centre
Visitors can enjoy traditional craft stalls
including a tavern for people with celiac disease
The councillor encourages residents and visitors to enjoy the medieval magic of the event
recognising it as one of Spain’s most significant medieval markets
Further details can be found on the Orihuela Council’s website orihuela.es and social media
while brochures are available at the Tourist Office or via QR codes on mupis and information leaflets
To ensure coastal residents can easily visit the Medieval Market in Orihuela
the Department of Tourism has arranged a free bus service connecting the coast with the city centre during the event
The buses will depart from Playa Flamenca at 11:00am and return from Orihuela city at 6:00pm on Friday 28 February
This service has been designed to allow residents to experience the medieval celebration without transportation concerns
The buses are adapted for people with reduced mobility
Seats are limited, so those interested must make their reservation through the official website CLICK HERE
Councillor for Tourism Manuel Mestre encourages residents to take advantage of this free service to fully enjoy the Orihuela Medieval Market
Orihuela is preparing for the celebration of St
The Councillor for Coast and Tourism, Manuel Mestre, has confirmed that this event aims to become a reference celebration for Orihuela Costa
It has also established itself as one of the most significant in Spain and Europe
with an estimated attendance of 25,000 people
The parade will begin at 3pm on Calle Agua and will feature more than 40 groups of different nationalities
showcasing the multicultural essence of the celebration
a former Gaelic football star and an iconic figure of the Dublin team
The councillor highlighted the event’s importance for the coastline
emphasising its role in attracting visitors and energising local businesses
The event also promotes cultural integration, celebrating the diversity of cultures and nationalities that coexist in Orihuela Costa
The councillor stressed the Council’s responsibility to support and promote such initiatives
recognising their role in shaping a lively and diverse community
Expectations are high for a successful celebration
Patrick’s Day as one of the most prominent events in the Orihuela Costa festive calendar
Police have arrested the teenage ex-boyfriend of a 15-year-old girl for allegedly stabbing her to death in the town of Orihuela
accused of fatally stabbing the victim in the neck
He had not been reported previously for gender-based violence through the VioGén system
as confirmed by secretary general of the government office in Alicante
who had decided to end the relationship a few days prior
around 8pm on Sunday 24 November when the incident happened
Guardia Civil is still trying to piece together what happened
although the force can reveal it was the victim's brother who found her with a wound to her neck
Police were notified of the death around 9pm that evening after she had been taken to Torrevieja Hospital but had died from her injuries
Guardia Civil officers then located the alleged murderer around 11.30pm and arrested him
The girl's death is the first underage victim of gender-based violence so far this year and the sixteenth since records began
according to data from the ministry of equality
She is also the 42nd woman to die at the hands of either a partner or ex-partner this year
While Guardia Civil continues to investigate the circumstances leading to her death
key questions remain such as who was responsible for taking the victim to the hospital
The hypothesis is that it could have been her brother
Police are also working to confirm how and why the girl was killed
Orihuela town hall on Monday 25 November held a minute's silence in memory of the 15-year-old girl in the municipality
where a day of official mourning was also declared
sad and devastated by this murder in our municipality," said mayor Pepe Vegara
"There are no words to express the feelings that flood this municipal corporation and the people of Orihuela," added Vegara
while expressing his condolences and support for the victim's family
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The name Miguel Hernández is applied to numerous structures and institutions around Alicante and Elche on Spain's Costa Blanca
These include the airport serving Alicante and the university based in Elche
Hernández was one of the most important poets (amongst many poets and artists) who fought
and worked for the Republican government during the Spanish Civil War.
Hernández was not able to flee Spain like many others who had fought against the fascist regime
Years of fighting and poor treatment had left him weak
after succumbing to tuberculosis while in Alicante Prison
close to Hernández's childhood home (now itself a museum)
have been adorned with murals commemorating many aspects of the life
Some of the works are by renowned street artists
The centerpiece is a street art version of Picasso's Guernica
The suburb has adopted the title of "open-air museum." While some show signs of age
others are regularly maintained and updated
The effect is magnificent and a sight not to be missed
If you are following a GPS you will probably be directed to enter the tight complex of streets from the N340
When you have found and seen the murals you should retrace your route back to the main road
Other potential routes are not as easy as they appear on an electronic map
A fantastical glow-in-the-dark mural inspired by the city’s most famous writer
This mural of the late David Bowie features eight colorful panels showcasing Bowie’s various alter egos
An open-air art gallery that aims to share the stories of the people who live around it
This massive 286,200-tile mosaic was the largest mural of its kind in the United States and is an early example of computer-generated art
An abstract sculpture that will be a work in progress for the next 1,000 years
Thomas Dambo's lesser-known early work is a creative 3D mural with sustainable birdhouses
A bike traffic circle showcasing the works of local graffiti artists
An unconventional monument to one of America's largest landowners
It is well known that Kamala Harris’ mother was from India and her father is from Jamaica
What is less well known is that the United States vice president and Democratic Party presidential nominee has a Mexican cousin
Sharada Balachandran Orihuela was born in Mexico City to a Mexican mother
she reconnected with her cousin — an Oakland native — after moving in with her aunt
Balachandran Orihuela described the current U.S
vice president as a “loving” and “warm” person who was like her “big sister” when she moved to California
Harris even took her cousin to her first punk rock concert
“When I think of Kamala, I see a person who has a lot of values — values of the importance of the family, of justice, of wellbeing of the common person,” Balachandran Orihuela, an associate professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of Maryland
“She’s a person with very strong principles and values that have to do with justice
played a key role in helping Balachandran Orihuela adapt to life in the United States and integrate into society
Harris — who was elected as district attorney of San Francisco not long after her cousin arrived in the U.S
which led to a “political awakening” for Balachandran Orihuela
The Mexico City native recalled that Harris took her to see the Californian punk rock band Bad Religion in San Francisco
“Bad Religion was one of my favorite bands
there weren’t many punk rock concerts there
So I listened to music on my walkman and when I moved to the United States
I thought that now I would be able to go to all those concerts,” she told EFE
Balachandran Orihuela noted that the family of Harris — and by extension her family — is very diverse
Such diversity “is characteristic” of the United States
“Our family is basically [representative of] the history of the United States
It’s an American family that represents a a lot of Americans — African American people
people from India,” Balachandran Orihuela said
Vice President Harris also has a connection to Mexico via her father, Donald J. Harris, an economist and academic who was a Fulbright Scholar in the country in 1992
She traveled here in 2021 — a visit remembered in part for President Andrés Manuel López Obrador allegedly calling her “Kabala” rather than Kamala
Harris — like Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico — will become the first female president of her country
The Mexico-United States relationship — currently strained due to U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar’s criticism of Mexico’s judicial reform proposal — will continue to be of vital importance during Sheinbaum’s presidency and the four-year term of the next U.S
The two countries — each other’s largest trade partner — collaborate on a range of shared challenges
including immigration and drug and arms trafficking
With reports from EFE
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Tensions have reignited in Orihuela’s local government as Vox reasserts its demands for increased public subsidies to the Catholic Church—thrusting Mayor Pepe Vegara (Partido Popular) into a precarious political position
Although Vox remains the junior partner in the coalition
its support is crucial to Vegara’s continued leadership
and it’s now leveraging that power openly
The party has reintroduced a controversial motion to allocate €165,000 to the Junta Mayor de Cofradías and €100,000 to the Diocese of Orihuela in the upcoming 2026 budget
While similar proposals are typically handled behind closed doors
Vox’s decision to go public—again—signals a calculated challenge to the mayor’s authority
This is the second time the motion has surfaced
underscoring the escalating friction within the coalition
By bypassing internal discussions and bringing the issue to the April plenary session
effectively daring Vegara to either concede or risk coalition instability
The Partido Popular has yet to respond publicly
though sources suggest the matter is causing strain within the government
with discussions expected to heat up in the coalition’s internal meetings
Vox justifies the funding on the basis of the Church’s societal role
arguing that its contributions generate strong social returns
They cite infrastructure concerns—such as the recent bell collapse at the cathedral—as urgent reasons for support
the proposed increase in funds to the Diocese lacks a clear plan
raising yet more concerns about transparency
the new motion notably drops previous proposals to support Church-affiliated charities like Cáritas and San José Obrero
a move that may alienate more moderate voices within the PP ranks and beyond
the challenge is clear: appease Vox and risk alienating centrist supporters
or push back and gamble with his grip on power
Either path sets the stage for further turbulence in Orihuela’s political landscape
have been calling the PP and VOX government liars over the contracts—claims that
the government falsely promised that the implementation of the road maintenance contract on the coast would be approved within weeks
Politicians are often masters of double-talk—regularly saying things that contradict previous statements
or offering different opinions depending on the situation
what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”
The problem with lies is that you have to remember exactly what you previously said
political lies often go unexposed until the damage is done
But the truth never changes—it stays constant
Orihuela Costa is on the lips of all the opposition parties
but now PSOE has jumped on the “support Orihuela Costa” bandwagon
undoubtedly with a view to picking up votes in the 2027 elections
For those of us who remember the 2023 elections
we can recall the numerous promises made by PP and VOX—promises that havesince been forgotten
Politicians use lies to gain or hold onto power
it’s like having their fingers crossed behind their back
“Maybe that’s why I’m not like other politicians
but the truth is more important than stringing people along with false promises that may never be fulfilled.”
Being in opposition must be incredibly frustrating—without real power to make a difference
should take priority over the city because the coast pays more in taxes
While it’s true that residents on the coast contribute
How many people are actually registered and bother to vote
That’s the real problem facing the Coast—voters
It’s so very disappointing to realise that without an increase in voter participation
But unfortunately that is the harsh reality
With just over two years until the next elections
it’s safe to assume that many of the promised actions will soon start to materialise—like the footbridge over the AP7
which might miraculously appear just before the May 2027 elections
Already we are seeing the introduction of an emergency contract to repair the potholes in Villamartin and Los Dolses
It’s disheartening to see how easily memories fade—how residents forget the long trail of broken promises
only to place their trust once again in the very parties that let them down
unless activists and voters in the Orihuela Costa wake up very soon
Join in the festival fun this February at the Orihuela Costa Carnival and dance along with the parade through the streets of Playa Flamenca
organised by the Orihuela Costa Festival Committee will begin at 12am with food
There will be activities throughout the day but the highlight of the whole event will undoubtedly be the vibrant parade
Local dance groups and associations have been planning the parade and its entertainment for months
bouncy castles and DJ’s all performing to the crowds to provide visitors with a lively and upbeat carnival atmosphere and of course
The Carnival has been called Orihuela Costa Carnaval Multicultural and organisers say they want it to be an example of cultural integration
The Parade starts at 5pm and sets off from the roundabout at Calle Nicolás de Bussi and Calle Pintor Ribera
heading in the direction of CEIP los Dolces
CFOC or Comisión de Fiestas Orihuela Costa have appealed for more sponsors to collaborate with the carnival
those interested should reach out to them via Facebook
The Orihuela Costa Carnival is the second locally
following the spectacular Torrevieja Carnival whose celebrations started slightly earlier but will run the whole month with activities every weekend
Interested in finding more local festivities and tourist activities, find useful articles here.
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Grela Orihuela is the senior vice president of fairs at Design Miami, now in its 18th edition in Basel. Located across the street from the main Art Basel fair, Design Miami welcomes 25 design vendors. This year’s fair honours the late Italian artist and designer Gaetano Pesce, who died in April. There are works by Pesce on several galleries’ stands, and on display outside of the main sales floor. Here, Orihuela chooses some of the pieces that caught her eye at the fair.
Nouveaux Moutons (Agneau), François-Xavier Lalanne, Galerie Mitterrand (pictured at top of page)
‘Anemone’ Sofa by Jean-Pierre Laporte at Galerie Meubles et Lumières David Owens
‘Anemone’ Sofa, Jean-Pierre Laporte, Galerie Meubles et Lumières
Parchment bed by Jean-Michel Frank at Galerie Maxime Flatry David Owens
Parchment bed, Jean-Michel Frank, Galerie Maxime Flatry
The Paris dealer Maxime Flatry has dedicated its stand to work by Jean-Michel Frank, one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. One of Orihuela’s favourite pieces is a daybed with Frank’s famous parchment covering. “When I looked at this when it was being installed, I pictured the person who has it and the life they live: where they like to eat dinner, how they dress,” Orihuela says, adding her imagined owner is “very chic, but very relaxed at the same time”.
Monkey Wisdom II by Richard Texier at Laffanour-Galerie Downtown
Monkey Wisdom II, Richard Texier, Laffanour-Galerie Downtown
Another of Orihuela’s picks is a bronze floor lamp by the contemporary French artist Richard Texier, which is being shown by Laffanour-Galerie Downtown. The lamp features whimsical animal figures and a warm light cradled by patinated bronze leaves. Orihuela says the piece makes viewers feel “like it’s coming up from Middle Earth, and everything is coming to life”. The lamp has not sold yet and is priced at €68,000, says the gallery’s owner, François Laffanour.
Bourrache Verte by Suzanne Ramié at Lebreton Gallery David Owens
Bourrache Verte, Suzanne Ramié, Lebreton Gallery
The late Suzanne Ramié lived in the French city of Vallauris, where she and her husband owned a pottery studio famed for its association with Pablo Picasso. The Spanish artist experimented with pottery there in 1946 and was inspired by Ramié’s work, according to the Lebreton Gallery co-founder Karim Mehanna. This vase dates to 1945 and is glazed in a rich green, with bits of ash from the woodfire in the kiln. The vase was sold to a collector from New York.
Pink sculpture by Rie Aizawa at Pierre Marie Giraud David Owens
Pink sculpture, Rie Aizawa, Pierre Marie Giraud
This pink, coral-like sculpture was created by the young Japanese artist Rie Aizawa, apparently using a secret technique. The piece has sold for around €8,000, says the Brussels dealer Pierre Marie Giraud. Orihuela says that it is a work she is “obsessed with”, adding the coral-like sculpture reminds her of Miami. Giraud specialises in contemporary decorative arts, and works with many Japanese artists.
Pratt chair n°7 by Gaetano Pesce at Pulp Galerie David Owens
Pratt chair n°7, Gaetano Pesce, Pulp Galerie
Pratt Chair n°7 was included in a Gaetano Pesce show at the Centre Pompidou in 1996, which explored the architect and designer’s experiments with synthetic materials. The chair, of pliant resin, is part of a series of nine created in a collaboration with students at the Pratt Institute in New York. The seat’s mould features a range of symbols throughout, including a crucifix, a graphic sex scene, and Pesce’s handprint on to the back of the chair. The asking price is €60,000.
feature14 June 2023Epic drama: six of the best works in Art Basel's Unlimited section for large-scale artCurator Giovanni Carmine walks us through some of his favourites for this edition
Orihuela will hold its first Music Festival to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina’s birth
The event will focus on the music of the renowned Italian composer who is considered the leading composer of late 16th-century Europe
The festival will offer three free concerts at the Santo Domingo Church
specialises in early music and historical performances
Made up of musicians and singers from Alicante
their music spans from the early Renaissance to the Classical periods
On Sunday, March 23, at 7:00pm the Uryula Duo will perform Mozart’s Requiem in a four-hand piano version. This duo has performed across Alicante and Murcia. Their past performances include the closing event for composer Manuel Berná García’s centenary and a concert with the Orihuela Symphony Orchestra at the Teatro Circo
The festival will conclude on Wednesday, April 9, at 8:00pm with a concert by the chamber section of the Orihuela Symphony Orchestra
The programme will feature works by Baroque masters such as Johann Sebastian Bach
The Civil Guard has struck a major blow against a violent British gang that had been terrorizing cannabis club owners in the Vega Baja area
Two British nationals have been arrested for robbing a club in San Fulgencio and threatening its owner with death if he did not pay €25,000 and hand over half the profits
“We don’t play games; we’ll bring the war to you — and we know you have a wife and children.” This chilling threat was sent to the owner of a cannabis club by the British criminals
who have been systematically using violence
and intimidation to take over cannabis associations across the region
the British gang managed to seize control of at least two cannabis clubs in Vega Baja
The Civil Guard’s investigation began after a violent robbery last October
where the club’s owner was extorted under the threat of being killed
the victim initially refused to report the crime
authorities have arrested two members of the British network and are actively pursuing at least four more suspects involved
The most recent arrest occurred in April in Orihuela Costa
where a British suspect violently resisted detention
injuring three Civil Guard officers and barricading himself inside a foreign couple’s home
officers discovered two submachine guns — classified as weapons of war — and over 300 rounds of ammunition at his residence
who has a lengthy criminal record in the UK and ties to two shootings in Liverpool
The British suspect now faces multiple serious charges
He was also found with 85 amphetamine tablets at a club in Orihuela Costa
which the British gang had taken over through threats
The Civil Guard’s Organized Crime and Anti-Drug Team (EDOA) is leading the investigation
coordinated with the Guardamar Judicial Police
Many potential witnesses are too frightened to testify
seeing the British gangsters as extremely dangerous
The original robbery occurred on October 23
at a cannabis club in the La Marina urbanization of San Fulgencio
authorities only learned of the crime in early November when the club owner’s wife sent a distress call via the AlertCops app
reporting that her husband was being held hostage by the British criminals
She revealed that the gang demanded $25,000
and even sent armed men to her home in Pilar de la Horadada
the Civil Guard launched a surveillance operation that led to the arrest of another British national
and warned the owner that they would control half of the business from that moment on
Further investigation revealed that after the robbery
another member of the British gang tried to coerce the owner into signing a document handing over 50% ownership of the business — again using threats of violence
The British suspect arrested in April had fled Spain for a time after the robbery and was linked to gun violence back home in Liverpool
including a shooting at his mother’s house
His capture marked a significant victory for Spanish authorities against organized British crime in the region
Orihuela Costa witnessed its largest and most spectacular St
The event drew a record-breaking estimated 25,000 visitors to the Cabo Roig strip. This year’s celebration went beyond borders
with over 40 groups from various nationalities joining in and showcasing the true spirit of multiculturalism
which created the perfect afternoon for spectators who eagerly gathered to partake in the festivities
a well-known figure from Dublin’s Gaelic football scene
The streets were alive with energy as bagpipers
and colourful floats animated the procession
the event also served a noble cause by raising funds for the Helping Hands Food Bank
a local charity dedicated to providing essential resources such as food
and hygiene items to families in need across the community
The parade not only celebrated cultural diversity but also highlighted the importance of community integration. Council members emphasised their commitment to supporting such initiatives, recognising their crucial role in fostering a healthy and inclusive environment on the Orihuela Costa
With its unprecedented turnout and charitable impact
Patrick’s Day celebration has solidified its place as a cornerstone event in Orihuela Costa’s annual festivities
As the community looks forward to future celebrations
and generosity showcased this year is sure to have created a lasting memory for all who participated
Orihuela will host stages of the Cycling Tour of the Valencian Community in 2025
The Council has started a special process to work with event organisers to make this happen. The aim is to boost Orihuela as a major destination for sports tourism and cultural activities
includes promotional actions with the slogan “Orihuela
History of the Mediterranean,” along with ads in the Route Diary
The Council highlights the media success of the 2024 Vuelta
which reached over 20 million viewers and had more than 56 hours of international broadcast across 200 countries
The organisers will handle logistics and technical details
while the Council will provide resources like signage
hosting a stage start at Puerta de la Olma and being the finishing point of the third stage
which coincided with the opening of the Medieval Market
A large stage was set up on Avenida Marqués de Molins to welcome the teams and provide space for the event
The Orihuela Statistics Department has introduced a series of video tutorials to help residents complete registration processes online
The aim is to save residents from having to visit offices in person
This multilingual approach allows more people to benefit from the resource
Statistics Councillor Maria Carmen Portugal explained that this initiative improves resident services by providing clear instructions on how to navigate the electronic office for tasks like requesting registration
The goal is to reduce in-person visits and make the process more convenient for everyone
The videos provide step-by-step guidance on various registration procedures, including confirming or renewing your padron
even for those with limited digital skills
Residents can access the videos and learn how to carry out the procedures through the following link: orihuela.es/servicios-basicos/estadistica/video-tutoriales-sede-estadistica. For processing, visit the electronic office at: orihuela.sedelectronica.es/info
A 59-year-old British man died on Wednesday in Orihuela Costa
following an accident on Calle Baikal after falling off his electric scooter
was returning from work when he is said to have hit a pothole and flown over the handlebars
although this is yet to be confirmed by the authorities
the incident occurred around 8:00 pm on Wednesday evening
RELATED: Orihuela Costa Road Workers Demand Urgent Solutions After Two Months Without Pay
The Emergency Information and Coordination Centre (CICU) dispatched a Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) to the scene
The medical team performed advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other stabilization techniques
Electric scooters are increasingly used in the Orihuela Costa area due to the region’s vast urban layout
and long distances between residential areas and popular tourist spots like beaches and shopping centres
This transportation option is becoming a fast
and eco-friendly way to improve urban mobility
scooters have also faced criticism for being left abandoned in public spaces
While the urban structure allows for relatively easy scooter parking without major issues for pedestrians
problems such as reckless driving or improper parking still persist
Many of these issues depend on the user’s responsibility and civic attitude
which will need to show a vast improvement if electric scooters are to remain a beneficial transport option
Currently the use of scooters is regulated by the local mobility ordinance
which outlines rules such as prohibiting parking in obstructive locations and limiting usage to one person per scooter although it rarely seems to be exercised
The rental system for these scooters has also highlighted the chaotic nature of the service
After two consecutive summers in which local police seized hundreds of scooters from companies renting them without permission
the Orihuela City Council launched a tender at the end of the year for a four-year contract to manage the service
This new contract aims to streamline the service and address complaints from residents about issues like reckless riding and improper parking
The terms of the contract specify a total of 750 scooters distributed across 120 parking stations
though locations and the number of units may change based on demand
which can increase to 1,200 units with justification
The scooters will be distributed by season: low (300 units from January to March
medium (450 units from April to June and October)
and high (750 units from July to September)
These authorized personal mobility vehicles must be parked in designated spots and cannot obstruct pedestrian traffic
The company managing the service must have its own system in place to ensure compliance with parking rules throughout the day
They are responsible for collecting improperly parked scooters and relocating them to designated areas
Violations of parking and circulation rules will result in penalties
The company must also have insurance coverage of at least €500,000 to cover potential damages to users
Parking areas must be a standard size of 4.50 x 2.20 meters
though this may vary depending on available space
the company must ensure regular maintenance
The company managing the service will pay a fee of €34,366 to the city
which corresponds to 40% of the gross profit after accounting for costs and estimated revenue
The age of the scooter fleet will also be considered in the tender process
with 20% of the scooters needing to be no older than three years
and the remaining 80% must be newly acquired
The Culture Department of Orihuela has opened the registration period for the 11th Edition of the San Isidro Murals
dedicated to honouring the poet Miguel Hernández
offers artists the chance to showcase their creativity on the facades of the iconic San Isidro neighbourhood in Orihuela
Artists wishing to participate in the mural painting should complete the attached form (Annex I)
where they can indicate up to three preferred facades in order of preference
This will help with assigning spaces based on the participants’ needs. The registration form and all necessary information are available on the official municipal website at www.orihuela.es/desarrollo-de-la-ciudad/cultura/xi-edicion-de-murales-de-san-isidro/.
the form should be sent to the email address muralessanisidro@orihuela.es
offering local creators the opportunity to showcase and sell their products
Participation in Mercadearte is free of charge
Those interested in taking part must complete the form available at www.orihuela.es/desarrollo-de-la-ciudad/cultura/mercadearte/ and send it to muralessanisidro@orihuela.es.
you can contact the Culture Department by phone at 672 217 438
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30 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Orihuela won 2–1 over Villanovense on Sun
This is 29 of the Segunda Federacion - Group 4
The current head to head record for the teams are Villanovense 0 win(s)
Have scored 5 goals in their last 5 matches
Who won between Villanovense and Orihuela on Sun
30 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMT?Orihuela won 2–1 over Villanovense on Sun
30 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 1 goals in their last 5 matches
Villanovense is playing home against Orihuela on Sun
Orihuela has been chosen as a featured destination in Caminos Naturales de España – Diario de una Ciclista (Natural Paths of Spain – Diary of a Cyclist)
The programme is a new documentary series on TVE2 that showcases various scenic routes across Spain
This 13-part series, set to air in 2025
as she explores destinations throughout Spain
She arrives in Orihuela via AVE train from Madrid
with her first stop being the monument to poet Miguel Hernández
setting the stage for her tour of the city
This production brings Orihuela’s unique heritage to a broad audience
“We are proud to showcase Orihuela’s unique attractions to both national and international viewers
helping to establish it as a prominent tourist destination,” said Gonzalo Montoya
During the episode, Ainara visits key landmarks
and the Museum of Sacred Art in the Episcopal Palace
Each location highlights a part of Orihuela’s rich history and cultural heritage
Her tour ends with a taste of Arroz y Costra
a traditional local rice dish before she continues on to Caravaca de la Cruz
The Department of Rural Development of Orihuela
in collaboration with the El Tranco Traditional Games and Sports Club of Raiguero de Bonanza
has organized a series of activities to bring the traditional game of El Tranco to the rural areas of the municipality
This event will feature demonstrations and exhibitions of the game
emphasized the importance of bringing one of Orihuela’s most rooted traditions to all the local districts
so that “both young and old can enjoy this experience and engage in this team game.”
The activities will be held in three locations: La Murada on Friday
from 11:00 to 13:00 at the Plaza de la Iglesia; San Bartolomé on Saturday
from 11:00 to 13:00 at the Parque de La Cruz; and Arneva on Saturday
The event is designed for participants of all ages and skill levels to learn and enjoy this traditional game while also gaining insight into its history and rules
El Tranco is a sport that has been a part of Orihuela’s cultural heritage
and promote the practice of traditional games while encouraging community participation
Participation in the activities is free and open to anyone interested
and no prior experience with the game is necessary
The El Tranco Traditional Games and Sports Club will be present to explain the rules and guide participants in the practice of the game
To accommodate the expected increase in visitors during the Easter holiday
the Councillor the Orihuela Costa has announced enhanced services across all beaches
beach facilities will be fully operational daily from 10:00 a.m
all 11 beaches along the Orihuela coastline will be staffed with lifeguards to ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers
Public restrooms will also remain open throughout the day to improve comfort and hygiene
access walkways have been reinforced to facilitate easier movement
especially for individuals with disabilities or reduced mobility
several beach bars will be open to the public
These measures are designed to ensure a safe
and high-quality beach experience for both residents and tourists visiting Orihuela Costa during the holiday
The student admission process for public schools will begin on May 5th
who also presented the enrolment calendar for the 2025/2026 academic year across the different educational stages
Pina explained that the process will start with the publication of available places for Infant and Primary Education
followed by the publication of vacancies for Secondary (ESO) and Baccalaureate on May 14th
Regarding the application submission, Pina stated that it must be completed online through the portal: https://portal.edu.gva.es/adminova/es/inicio/
Families can submit applications for Infant and Primary Education from May 6th to 14th
and for ESO and Baccalaureate from May 15th to 23rd
If families face difficulties with the online procedure
they can visit their first-choice school for assistance
Pina stated that there will be two options: online and in-person
online enrolment will take place from June 18th to 27th
online enrolment will be from July 16th to 21st
the online process will run from July 22nd to 25th
The councillor also highlighted that “the number of educational units will be increased at several schools in the municipality
Final numbers will be confirmed at the beginning of September.”
Pina concluded by saying that the Department of Education “will provide families with all the necessary information and support throughout this process,” and took the opportunity to “commend the educational quality of all the schools in the municipality and congratulate them for their hard work.”
The 25th edition of the Orihuela Medieval Market will be held from February 28 to March 2
The event has been contracted to the Valencian company AMB Producciones
with a payment of over 12,000 euros for its organization
the Orihuela Medieval Market enthusiasts have to wait rather longer than usual
While the event typically takes place in February
the Council decided in December to move it to the end of the month
This year’s celebration is anticipated to be the most magical one yet
as it marks the 25th anniversary of the beloved event
Along with Holy Week and the Moors and Christians Festival
the Medieval Market is a cornerstone of Orihuela’s cultural calendar
The festivities will kick off on February 28
allowing approximately 500 students and teachers an opportunity to explore the market and experience the open stalls for the first time
including those from the coast and surrounding districts
with animation groups parading in full medieval costume
The parade will start at the Church of Santiago and end at Rincón Hernandiano
the Armengola Proclamation will be read from the Town Hall balcony
after a festive procession departs from Puerta de la Olma at 11:00 a.m
and officials from the Moors and Christians Festival Association will greet those in attendance
and street entertainers thereby bringing the event to an exciting finish
the market will be divided into three distinct zones
each representing one of the three monotheistic cultures that once coexisted in Old Uryula
Live performances from musicians and entertainers
with at least five performances each morning and afternoon
Workshops showcasing medieval crafts such as pottery
An interactive farm with animals including donkeys
stretching from Calle Mayor to Plaza Santa Lucía
Street performances in Plaza Ramón Sijé and Plaza de la Soledad
Children’s games and attractions in Plaza del Salvador
including a merry-go-round and Ferris wheel
A tavern sponsored by the Celiac Association and a sweets stall run by a local disabled association
where visitors can enjoy traditional food and drinks served by different groups
this zone will cover Calle Adolfo Clavarana to Rincón Hernandiano
Arabic dance performances from a traveling dance troupe
complete with weapon exhibitions and displays of Arab culture
A medieval tournament with six horse riders participating in combat
This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever
which has promised additional attractions:
as well as large-scale shows in Plaza Ramón Sijé
LARGE-SCALE ATTRACTION WITH THOUSANDS OF VISITORS
Last year’s market drew over 12,000 visitors daily
The influx of visitors typically comes not only from Orihuela but also from Alicante and the Region of Murcia
The event also attracts tourists from abroad
museums such as the Casa de Miguel Hernández were able to welcome over 10,000 visitors during the Medieval Market in 2024
With the impressive increase in attractions
the 25th Medieval Market is sure to be a spectacular celebration of Orihuela’s medieval culture and history
The councillor for the coast has confirmed that transport will be provided from the coast although at the time of writing details are still to be released
please contact the following telephone numbers for the Orihuela Centro tourism office: 96 530 46 45 or 96 530 27 47 or the Orihuela Playa tourism office 672 218 977 or send a WhatsApp to the following number 673 836 385