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 Santiago de la Ribera Receives a Sweet Surprise SANTIAGO DE LA RIBERA has just received a sweet surprise! The beautiful town, located along the Mar Menor ‘Un buen día empieza en casa’ (‘A good day starts at home’) The company has chosen the stunning sunrise over the town as the centrepiece for one of the jars in their new limited-edition collection taken at one of the iconic spas in the area highlights the natural beauty of the region capturing the peaceful views that the locals love This recognition puts Santiago de la Ribera on the map showcasing its beautiful mornings and seaside location seeing their hometown featured on a global stage giving people around the world a taste of what makes this coastal town so special A post shared by Nutella España (@nutella.es) Read more Costa Calida news, articles and events here Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox Website#m44c1cde8a44350577286169{display:none} 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 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 For more local information go to the home page of San Javier Today The municipality of San Javier has three main offices giving tourist information to visitors The tourist offices are located in Santiago de la Ribera on the ground floor of the town hall in San Javier and at the start of La Manga There is also a summer tourist information point located on the seafront in Santiago de la Ribera as well as one at kilometre 12-13 of La Manga del Mar Menor next to Playa Mistral Due to its location on the fringes of the Mar Menor and Mediterranean San Javier has a period of intense summer tourism activity during the peak summer months although it is popular with retirees of all nationalities out of peak season Tickets for the annual San Javier Jazz Festival can be purchased at the Festival office in San Javier Town Hall Tourist office Santiago de la Ribera (Calle Padre Juan 30720 Weekends and public holidays 10.00 to 13.00 Email: turismo@sanjavier.es La Manga del Mar Menor (Gran Vía Km Weekdays 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.00 Weekends and public holidays 10.30 to 13.00 Tourist information point of San Javier (Plaza de España Tourist information point of Santiago de la Ribera (Paseo Colón on the seafront) Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 21.00 Tourist information point of La Manga del Mar Menor (Playa Mistral Weekends and public holidays 11.00 to 14.00  San Javier has introduced an ambitious new project called ‘Alzando el Vuelo’ (Taking Flight) to improve the Santiago de la Ribera area and better infrastructure to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the Parque de las Misiones de la Aviación (Aviation Missions Park) this park will transform an empty area into a lovely green space inspired by aviation Different sections will represent various aviation missions making it a great spot for families and nature lovers the park’s design will prioritise energy efficiency and environmentally friendly materials Another key element of the project is the Centro Cultural Aeronáutico (Aerospace Cultural Centre) This new space will celebrate the town’s rich aviation history offering educational exhibits and cultural activities It will serve as a gathering place for locals and visitors helping to preserve San Javier’s legacy in aviation Infrastructure improvements will also be a major part of the ‘Taking Flight’ project The Castillitos and Atalayón promenades will be upgraded with new pathways A new bike lane will connect San Javier to San Pedro del Pinatar making cycling safer and more accessible for residents and tourists San Javier is also focusing on sports and community spaces The project includes a new sports centre at the Faculty of Sports Sciences which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for athletes and students the Parque Príncipe de Asturias community centre will undergo a major renovation offering improved amenities for social events the ‘Taking Flight’ project aims to create a more connected San Javier is positioning itself for long-term economic and social growth the project will not only improve daily life for residents but also attract more visitors and investment to the area These improvements will make Santiago de la Ribera an even more attractive destination for tourism Blaze Starts Near La Hita Area in Santiago de la Ribera A wildfire broke out early Tuesday afternoon, April 29, near the La Hita area in Santiago de la Ribera, close to San Javier Airport has prompted a swift response from emergency services across the region of Murcia According to the Region of Murcia’s emergency coordination centre several calls were received from 1:11 pm onwards reporting flames near the military zone Firefighters from the Regional Fire and Rescue Consortium (CEIS) and the Air Force Academy were dispatched and two helicopters carrying airborne firefighting teams Local police from San Javier and Los Alcázares also joined the operation to control the blaze Although the full extent of the damage remains unknown authorities have warned residents living nearby to take precautions People are advised to keep windows closed as ash may travel into residential areas Officials have also requested that the public avoid the affected zone for safety reasons there is no confirmed information about how the fire began or how many hectares have been affected Emergency services continue to monitor and control the situation Read more Costa Calida news, articles, and events here There is a yellow dust on everything in Roda Golf Is this related and is this dangerous for kids I will see if I can find out any more information about it and let you know Has there been any cause identified for this and was anyone harmed Slightly nervous regarding wildfire season you don’t need to worry about forest fires Even though this article is about a wildfire it’s in no way a normal occurrence around here Website#cd90e6d786c4de72b3d4ea38{display:none} For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of San Javier Today For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of San Javier Today This relaxed tour takes in the locality of Santiago de la Ribera on the shore of the Mar Menor and includes some of the most important historical buildings in the area These include the tower of Torre Mínguez which was the forerunner of the fishing village we know today the Academia General del Aire (the officer training centre of the Spanish air force whose alumni include the present King of Spain and his father Juan Carlos) and the Casa Grande the first structure belonging to the tourist industry which has become so dominant in the area Also included are the Modernist palace of the Conde de Campillo and the Real Club de Regatas which at the time of its construction was revolutionary in its design There are also models of the aeroplanes which have been used over the last century or so at the Academia General del Aire on the way to the seafront promenade and the beach of Castillico begins at 9.30 at the tourist office of Santiago de la Ribera (in Calle Padre Juan) and lasts approximately two and a half hours Participants are advised to bring plenty of drinking water and appropriate footwear for the 5-kilometre walk Reservations for the free tour should be made online here and further information is available from the tourist office of Santiago de la Ribera (telephone 661 572285 For more local information visit the tourist offices of San Javier or go to the home page of San Javier Today Don’t forget, the Carnival Tent has a new home this year next to the skate park in Santiago de la Ribera the seafront promenade of San Javier is hosting a Book Fair between 10.00 and 21.00 music and a magic show all feature among the ancillary entertainments The schedule for the day includes the following: 11.00: Poerty recital with Laura Pérez Torregrosa and other poets 17.00: Live music from singer-songwriter José Sanz “El Rizos” 18.00: Magic show for all the family with Mago Leoren 19.30: Live music from singer-songwriter Tader Olivares For more local information visit the tourist offices of San Javier or go to the home page of San Javier Today The processions which are held during Easter Week in almost all of Spain are something of a rarity in the area around the Mar Menor and perhaps because of the scarcity of such events the two which are held every year in San Javier are a major visitor attraction which has become rightly renowned in the Region of Murcia and among Semana Santa visitors from all over Spain and northern Europe The Maundy Thursday procession in San Javier itself and the one in Santiago de la Ribera on Good Friday are relatively recent traditions, but they have quickly become established as one of the main events in the annual calendar of the municipality and indeed the whole of the Mar Menor area The first group or brotherhood to reinstate Semana Santa processions in San Javier was the Cofradía de la Santísima Soledad del Mar Menor with the Friday event in Santiago de la Ribera where the two most historic houses of the town the Casa Barnuevo and the Casa Conde de Campillo are included on the route along with the AGA air force officer training academy the procession of Maundy Thursday has been reinstated after an absence of almost 100 years and the silence of the event is broken only by the sound of “saeta” hymns and other music as the streetlights are dimmed and the Nazarenos make their wat by the light of lanterns large crowds gathered to see the figures of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno La Dolorosa and the el Santísimo Cristo de las Ánimas (the oldest of those kept in the parish church dating from the 16th century) proceed through the streets as they further strengthened this added Semana Santa boost to the already strong Easter tourist trade in the municipality Every year large crowds gathered to see the figures of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno dating from the 16th century) proceed through the streets as they further strengthen this added Semana Santa boost to the already strong Easter tourist trade in the municipality There is a ferry service across the Mar Menor between the jetty at Santiago de la Ribera’s Playa Barnuevo and the Puerto Tomás Maestre The ferries now run daily from Wednesday to Sunday but does not run on Mondays or Tuesday.  You are recommended to check departure times with the Ferry Mar Menor before travelling as weather conditions can cause alterations (phone number 0034 649 201 610) There are regular bus services along the La Manga strip in both directions (see public transport for more information) The journey takes 40 minutes and tickets can be purchased on board extra services are often laid on for those attending the San Javier Jazz Festival and the Festival of Theatre and Dance For more information about the municipality of San Javier including what's on and local news go to the home page of San Javier Today The monumental Belén (or nativity scene) in the Plaza de España, which will be set up this year for the 57th time is arguably the star of the show in the annual festivities to celebrate Christmas in San Javier but of course it is far from being the only attraction and there are a host of other events and activities over the festive season in the municipality The main events in San Javier focus around the Plaza de España and the enormous Belén while there are also various other nativity scenes on display including those in the church of San Javier and the Town Hall both of which are located in the same square in the town centre Most of the other activities in San Javier as well as the Three Kings and Father Christmas also take place in this area A second focal point for activity is the Explanada Barnuevo in Santiago de la Ribera where there is another nativity scene (the Belén Marinero) The program for the 2024-25 festive season in San Javier includes the following events:  17.00: Special Christmas edition of “Your Park or Mine” in the Parque Almansa 20.30: Sonrisas Harmony in concert at the church of San Francisco Javier 21.00: Ruth Lorenzo offers a Christmas concert at the Teatro de Invierno in Parque Almansa. Tickets from 15 euros available online here with funds going to aid those affected by the DANA in Valencia 18.00: Father Christmas arrives at the Explanada Barnuevo in Santiago de la Ribera and the Christmas market opens The Christmas market opens on the Explanada Barnuevo in Santiago de la Ribera with 23 stands and a food truck The market opens on Christmas Day from 11.00 to 14.00 14.00: Concert by Café del Parque on the Explanada Barnuevo 18.00: Concert by Dora Helena on the Explanada Barnuevo 20.30: Official opening speech of the festive season and the presentation of the Belén de la Marquesa in the church of San Francisco Javier a children’s show on the Explanada Barnuevo 14.00: Concert by Bis A Bis on the Explanada Barnuevo 17.30: Concert by Stolen on the Explanada Barnuevo 18.00: Christmas concert of the Banda Sinfónica de San Javier in the Teatro de Invierno 20.00: “La estrellera y el reloj del tiempo” a festive play in the church of San Francisco Javier Children’s workshops on the Explanada Barnuevo followed by music from the Rondalla y Coro Santiago Apóstol at 18.30 20.00: The official opening of the Belén de España in the Plaza de España accompanied by a “Zambomba Flamenca” musical performance by the Escuela Jesús Quiles 12.00: “Una Navidad muy pirata” family activities on the Explanada Barnuevo traditional Andalusian music and dance in the Plaza de España 11.30 and 16.00: Children’s workshops on the Explanada Barnuevo 12.00: Children’s activities in the Plaza de España 18.00: Concert by Adrián Ruiz on the Explanada Barnuevo 20.00: The chamber orchestra Virtuós Mediterrani present their Christmas concert in the Teatro de Invierno with music made popular by artists including Michael Bubble and Frank Sinatra. Tickets 15 euros + costs available online here 19.00: The family opera The Magic Flute by Mozart at the Teatro de Invierno. Tickets available from 10 euros online here an activity for all the family at the Belén de España 12.00: “Pequeños cuentos de Navidad” children’s theatre on the Explanada Barnuevo 12.00: Free guided tour of the Belén de la Marquesa and the Belén de España 14.00: Concert by Serendipity Dúo on the Explanada Barnuevo 18.00: Popular Christmas music in the Plaza de España 18.00: Concert by Jesús Hernández and Amber Kay on the Explanada Barnuevo 10.00: The official postman of the Three Kings collects present letters at an event for children in the pine grove of Roda 12.00: Children’s theatre on the Explanada Barnuevo 14.00: Javier Alcaraz offers a piano recital on the Explanada Barnuevo 17.30: Concert by Filiu y Cía on the Explanada Barnuevo 18.00 and 20.00: Two performances of The Nutcracker ballet by the Taller Municipal de Danza at the Teatro de Invierno 18.00: The Jurassic Band in concert on the Explanada Barnuevo 11.30: Children’s New Year party on the Explanada Barnuevo All-day New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Plaza de Castillo del Mar in La Manga including singing and dancing for children at 10.45 children’s workshops from 12.30 to 14.30 other children’s activities during the afternoon and concerts by The Jurassic Band at 15.00 and DJ music starting at 17.00 A charity Christmas is held during the day family activities in the Plaza de España 18.00: Magic and comedy by Lumaky on the Explanada Barnuevo 18.00 and 19.00: Family shows in the Plaza de España Open doors and charity day at the sports centre located at km 12 in La Manga 12.00: Children’s workshops and activities on the Explanada Barnuevo 14.30: Andrés Ballester in concert on the Explanada Barnuevo./ Concierto 18.00: The Aparatus Band in ocnert on the Explanada Barnuevo 20.00: New Year concert at the Teatro de Invierno featuring The Four Seasons by Vivaldo performed by the Orquesta Meyerbeer with violin soloist Antonio García 12.00: Music and dancing for children on the Explanada Barnuevo 18.00: The Three Kings arrive at the jetty in Santiago de la Ribera before beginning their procession to the Plaza de España in San Javier 20.00: An official welcome is extended by local dignitaries to Their Royal Highnesses the Three Kings in the Plaza de España 11.00: Hot chocolate and Roscón de Reyes cake in the pine grove of Roda A 27-year-old British man was critically injured on Monday evening in Santiago de la Ribera was attacked by an unknown assailant who shot him in the knee and side The incident took place on Monday night at around 8:30 PM on Calle Alférez Moreno The injured man was treated at the scene before being transported to Los Arcos hospital for urgent medical attention The Civil Guard is investigating the incident and is seeking witnesses and reviewing security camera footage to identify the attacker They are also investigating a vehicle found burned in an underground tunnel on the AP-7 motorway Authorities are appealing for any information that could aid in the investigation and the arrest of the suspect Log in to leave a comment © 2021 The Leader Digital For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of San Javier Today Tourist information point of La Manga del Mar Menor (Playa Mistral, km 12) Hello, 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: Who is the organisation running the event? Is it necessary to book beforehand, or can people just show up on the day? Also attach a photo to illustrate your article, no more than 100kb Expat in Spain shares the worst thing about moving to the European country A British expat in Spain remains in a “very serious” condition after being shot twice at by a masked gunman after he returned home with his partner The 27-year-old was shot and hit twice in the village of Santiago de la Ribera on the Mar Menor near La Manga golf resort Sustaining wounds in his knee and his side two local police officers used their own hands to plug the bullet holes and stop him from bleeding to death The officers have been credited with saving his life following the attack that took place at around 8.30pm on November 18 A British expat in Spain is in a 'very serious' condition after being shot twice at by a masked gunman (stock) after he returned home with his partner The man was shot by the assailant while approaching his apartment block with neighbours saying that they thought the shots were made by children playing with firecrackers The gunman had an accomplice who drove the vehicle they fled the scene and later set fire to the car after leaving it abandoned in a tunnel on the nearby AP-7 motorway Officers say they are unsure of what the motive of the attack may be though there is no indication at this point that it was a robbery gone wrong Guardia Civil have launched a manhunt to find the gunman Just a 20-minute drive away from the site of the shooting two Britons were “decapitated” on November 16 after their car was hit by a speedboat that came loose from a vehicle in front with a third person who was severely injured in a critical condition in a hospital nearby A massive pile-up involving around six cars occurred following the incident with eight people being injured following the initial collision a dual carriageway known colloquially as La Manga motorway The driver of the car with the boat attached reportedly fled the scene and the police have launched a manhunt to find him The spokesperson said: "The accident happened around 9.30pm last night on the RM-12 around the El Algar municipality “A semi-rigid boat on board a trailer a vehicle was pulling came off and ended on the road across both lanes “The four-seater '32-ft long' speed boat that hit the two men is a suspected ‘narco lancha’ which is used by drug smugglers "A car travelling behind it with three British men inside aged between 47 and 54 smashed into the vessel "Eight other people travelling in six vehicles behind them also crashed into the boat and were injured “The driver of the vehicle that was travelling with the speed boat on the trailer fled the scene The boat he was carrying that ended up on the dual-carriageway has all the characteristics of a so-called 'narco lancha' involved in drug trafficking and an investigation is ongoing.” Two of the most important dates in the annual calendar of the municipality of San Javier fall during July is carried out into the Mar Menor on board a boat and petals are strewn into the water in memory of those who have died at sea while back on land the celebrations are a mixture of the popular and the religious is the feast Day of Santiago Apóstol Almost all of the events scheduled are entirely free of charge, with the main venue being the seafront promenade of Explanada Barnuevo The full program for the fiestas in Santiago de la Ribera in the summer of 2024 includes the following: 22.00: Spanish female pop duo Azúcar Moreno in a gala on the Explanada Barnuevo 23.00: Conecta 2 perform pop and rock hits on the Explanada Barnuevo traditional folk music and dancing on the Explanada Barnuevo 23.00: The magnificent Steam Brass Band perform on the Explanada Barnuevo as part of the 2024 San Javier Jazz Festival 18.30 to 20.30: Children’s talent show outside the Club Náutico 20.30: Fancy dress party on the Explanada Barnuevo with prices for the best costumes worn by under-14s 23.00: Dancer Rosario Mohedano presents “Ave Fénix” on the Explanada Barnuevo 21.00: La Crema Band perform with food trucks in attendance the maritime procession in honour of the Virgen del Carmen 8.30: Holy Mass in the parish church of Santiago Apóstol is carried in procession from the church to the jetty in Santiago de la Ribera with tickets to board one of the accompanying boats on sale at 2 euros from the Hermandad de la Virgen del Carmen 23.00: A tribute to singer Alejandro Sanz on the seafront promenade of Explanada Barnuevo 23.00: Comedy on the Explanada Barnuevo with Toni Rodríguez and Manolo Mármol in “Flojos Tic Tac” 23.00: A tribute to Spanish singer and songwriter Manuel Carrasco on the seafront promenade of Explanada Barnuevo a live 3-hour show on the Explanada Barnuevo by the seafront featuring disco music from the 70s Presented by DJ Jorge Plane with live dancers and singers 9.00: Early morning musical street parade to begin the day in which competitors attempt to walk a greasy pole over the seawater with instructions on how to prepare this classic dish of the Mar Menor 20.00: Choral Mass in honour of the patron saint at the church of Santiago Apóstol 21.00: Procession of the figure of Santiago through the streets 23.00: Jurassic Band perform pop-rock hits from the 80s and 90s on the Explanada Barnuevo 23.00: Star People & Events present The Evolution of Dance The Teatro de Invierno (Winter Theatre) in the Parque Almansa in San Javier has announced a varied program for the first few months of 2025 the second event on February 15 being a special Valentine’s Day concert by Trivox The concert will include all of the most popular numbers performed by the original Il Divo (Urs Bühler Sébastien Izambard and the late Carlos Marín) The concert begins at 20.00 with tickets priced at 25 euros and available online here The 16th annual tapas and cocktails route in San Javier is being held from November 15 to December 3 with over 20 local hostelries and restaurants taking part offering a range of tasty snacks with a drink for 4 euros per serving Those wishing to vote for the best tapa and opt for a reward in the prize draw can do so using the San Javier Activa app Your route map (to collect stamps from the establishments visited) can be found in the “Fidelización – Tarjetas de fidelización” tab Every time you ask for one of the featured tapas scan the QR code and you will receive your virtual stamp Refresh the app and use the “Vota Tapa” or “Vota Cóctel” to cast your votes for your favourite You may only vote for one in each category but can change your vote while the route is still running Santiago de la Ribera in the municipality of San Javier usually hosts a bi-monthly artisan market and the first such event in August takes place on the first Sunday of the month.  Around 25 stalls are open selling hand-made items from across the Region of Murcia, with a wide range of hand-crafted products, all from genuine regional artisans - as an added bonus it is in a seafront setting on the Explanada Barnuevo making it an even more attractive proposition for a trip out followed by a coffee or a walk along the seafront The market is open from 10.00 until midnight and the stallholders on this occasion are: Susana Hernández (natural cosmetics)  Marí Carmen Cerezo (herbal remedies) María Estefanía Turiques (textiles) Rocío González (macramé jewellery) For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of San Javier Today.  For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of San Javier Today and the second such event in August takes place on the 11th of the month.  The market is open from 10.00 until midnight and the stallholders on this occasion are  Mª José Saura (personalized jewellery) Dulces y repostería (confectioners from Caravaca) Jesús Brocal (chocolate and confectionery) we advocate for natural materials whenever possible "The House of Corners" is constructed with natural thermal insulation Every detail reflects our quest for healthy and sustainable environments Landscaping and Water Management: Nature in Every Corner - The garden Native species create a fresh and healthy Mediterranean atmosphere interacting with the architecture and providing shade or a play area in every space Water for irrigation comes from a reservoir that collects rainwater from the roofs crucial in a low-precipitation area where this resource is scarce You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email San Javier celebrated the  inauguration of the remodeled Parque Príncipe de Asturias in Santiago de la Ribera on February 22 with a festive event for the whole family The day was marked by various activities and the prominent presence of the Patrulla Águila This park represents our commitment to the well-being of the residents and the environment It is a meeting and leisure place designed for all ages highlighted the importance of this space for the community "This park represents our commitment to the well-being of the residents and the environment It is a meeting and leisure place designed for all ages," he stated the Minister of Environment of the Region of Murcia highlighted the incorporation of sustainable drainage systems in the infrastructure "We have opted for innovative solutions that prevent flooding and allow better management of water resources This park is an example of sustainable development," he explained This park represents our commitment to the well-being of the neighbors and to the environment | EDATVAdditionally there were calisthenics exhibitions and a virtual reality space while the day concluded with a concert by the group Conecta2 emphasized the importance of the event to promote neighborhood coexistence "We want this park to be a reference point for leisure and culture in San Javier," she noted designed by the architect Roberto Marín Lidón after winning a national competition of the Official College of Architects of the Region of Murcia has involved an investment of 1,160,000 euros a central plaza stands out with roofs that simulate a hangar | EDATVAmong its features are a large children's play area with a macro game in the shape ofa giant seaplane a central plaza with covers that simulate a hangar and a sports area One of the most symbolic moments of the inauguration was the presentation of a mural in homage to King Felipe VI who appears piloting a plane during his time as a student at the General Air Academy "This mural not only recalls the history of this park but also links to the future when Princess Leonor arrives at the AGA," Luengo commented One of the most symbolic moments of the inauguration was the unveiling of a mural in tribute to King Felipe VI who is depicted piloting a plane during his time as a student at the General Air Academy  the first 1,200 people to enter the venue received a gift and tickets to taste Murcian products at the 'food trucks' installed on site "We wanted this inauguration to be a great party for everyone music and activities for all ages," explained the First Deputy Mayor The new design of the park emphasizes contact with nature and sustainability with rain gardens to collect rainwater and prevent flooding access has been improved with new sidewalks and perimeter green areas Estíbaliz Masegosa emphasized that "it's a new infrastructure that helps us have more outdoor space." | EDATVMeanwhile Estíbaliz Masegosa emphasized that "it is a new infrastructure that helps us have a more open-air space" "It also helps us strengthen ties with two of our emblems such as the General Air Academy and the Patrulla Águila," Masegosa concluded San Javier thus reinforces its identity as  'City of Air' with a theme park that pays homage to its close relationship with aviation and promises to become an emblematic space for residents and visitors The Romería de San Blas is held every 3rd February in Santiago de la Ribera the main residential area of the municipality of San Javier on the shore of the Mar Menor and is the only non-maritime procession of this kind along the shores of the inland lagoon.  The origins of the celebration date back to the 16th century when the Trinitarian monks brought their devotion to San Blas and the celebration of his feast day to San Javier and La Ribera although the Romería in its current format did not begin until 1980 It is always held on 3rd February and follows the celebration of Candelaria (Candlemas) on the 2nd of the month All of the events take place around the church of San Blas where the peña groups participating in the various activities around the festivities set up "encampments" Alongside the peñas' encampment is a collection of stalls alongside the Ermita de San Blas which is behind Avenida Luis Federico Guirao These sell the normal selections of crispy coated nuts sweets and popcorn found at most fiestas around the Region of Murcia but are also garlanded with brightly coloured ribbons and coloured cords holding small terracotta figures of San Blas many of them painted gold. Traditionally terracotta figures were placed above the bed of children in a family in the belief that they would keep throat infections at bay and these little figures are still sold at this Romería Participants also distribute bread rolls which have been blessed inside the church as they are believed to keep throat infections at bay At 10.00 the bells of the parish church, La Iglesia de Santiago Apostol in Calle O'Shea announce that the figure of San Blas is beginning his journey to the church many of them clad in typical "huertano" clothes and horsemen. The Saint emerges from the church on a wooden throne decked with flowers accompanied by hundreds of local inhabitants and for many are as much a community act as an expression of faith and there is always music as rockets are let off.  Conversation pauses as the image of the Saint passes.  When the Romería arrives at the church of San Blas a Huertana Holy Mass is performed enlivened by the choir of Santiago Apóstol and offerings of fruit and flowers from the surrounding countryside are made It's very crowded inside the church: make sure to be inside the building before the Saint arrives the revellers begin a long day of feasting in the encampment erected for their various peñas and paella is offered to all those who took part in the event by the local council as thousands of people come from to participate in the occasion Taking part is easy: just wait at the door of the church at Santiago de la Ribera with everyone else and then follow the Saint enjoying a walk in the sunshine with Santiago de la Ribera’s oldest resident Click here to read more about the history of the cult of San Blas in San Javier For more information about the municipality of San Javier, including What's on and the latest news, go to the home page of San Javier Today