The holiday season is upon us, and there is so much going on! It is magical to experience (Navidad) Christmas in La Herradura. We also know it can be not easy to find out when and where things are happening, so we compile the information and keep it here for you! If we know the information, it will be in this post, and we will continue to provide updates throughout the season.
Please use the table of contents to jump to a section or date quickly.
Bookmark this, so you can refer to it throughout the season (December 2024 to January 2025)!
We love the holiday season, and there are plenty of Christmas markets to choose from. We have listed those we know in Almuñecar, La Herradura, Motril, Nerja, and more. If they looked good, we’ve added them to our list. Let us know if you have one we should add.
While the Almuñécar Halloween, and generally in Spain, isn’t a big tradition for trick or treat and costumes, there are a few fun things going on. It tends to be more of the zombies and scary events, but there are some for the little kids too. We have included Halloween activities for La Herradura, and Almuñécar, Maro, Motril, Salobreña, Malaga, Velez-Malaga, and Granda. Use the table of contents to quickly jump to the section you are interested in. There are many haunted houses to visit (Passage of Terror), try to visit them all.
The barrio of Torrecuevas Almuñécar hosts the Fiestas de la Chirimoya to celebrate the harvest of the chirimoya (a custard apple), in honor of the Virgen Madre. The Chirimoya Festival of Barrio Torrecuevas usually includes 4 days of celebration, activities, music, dancing, eating, and drinking. The Fiestas de la Chirimoya usually takes place around the 12th of October, which is also Día de la Hispanidad (Hispanic Heritage Day) and Fiestas de Pilar.
New traditions begin, and you are here to be part of it! Announcing the annual Almuñécar Autumn Jazz Festival (Festival de Jazz en Otoño de Almuñécar). We will share all the details about the location, artists, and where to purchase your tickets with you.
Almuñécar will celebrate the Week of the Elderly with a program of leisure, fun, and tributes! It starts with a “Copla Night” and ends with a lunch party and tribute to the couples celebrating their golden wedding anniversary.
This year there is a program of activities and events, “Elderly Week”, to honor the registered residents who are 60+ years old.
Saturday, October 1
During standard opening hours Free day to visit the local museums and monuments, such as the Castillo de San Miguel, the Cueva 7 Palacios Museum, and the Castillo de La Herradura!
20:00 A FREE concert “Noche de Copla” in the Casa de la Cultura auditorium. In this show, Jesús González, Virginia Salome, and Miguel Ángel Mellado will participate, accompanied by the Television Orchestra conducted by José Miguel Álvarez (Maestro Josemi).
Admission is free until full capacity, but you should collect your ticket in advance. Collection your advance tickets for free at the Casa de la Cultura, Center for Active Participation of the Elderly (Pensioner Club), and Center for Social Services.
Thursday, October 6
10:00 Guided Tour “A walk through the history of Almuñécar”. You will visit the Puente de Noy. This visit will be attended by the municipal archaeologist Elena Navas. The participants will meet at the Plaza del Aqueduct and begin the walk from there. You need to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Pre-registration is required at the Casa de la Cultura.
Friday, October 7
10:30 and 12:30 maximum of 15 people per tour.
Guided tour of the “Loro Sexi” ornithological park. It will take place in two groups of 15 people, at 10:30 and 12:30. Advanced registration is required and may be done at the Active Participation Center for the Elderly in Almuñécar (Pensionist Club) and at the Casa de la Cultura.
To celebrate Elder’s Day there will be lunch at the Venta Luciano, with bus service. After lunch, there will be a celebration and a dance party with live music! During this time, a tribute will be made to those couples who celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. This lunch party is aimed at pensioners over 60 years of age registered in the Sexta municipality. Couples and caregivers may attend as companions.
Advanced Registration is required and can be made at the Almuñécar Active Participation Center for the Elderly (Pensioner Club), the Casa de la Cultura, Social Services Center, and municipal offices of the La Herradura Civic Center. Couples celebrating their golden wedding anniversary must accredit them with their DNI and the Family Book. The registration will be open until October 5 or until full capacity.
.To combat urban air pollution and promote sustainable transportation, Spain has implemented a system of environmental low emission stickers, known as “Distintivo Ambiental,” issued by the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT). These stickers classify vehicles based on their environmental impact and are increasingly essential for driving in many Spanish cities, especially within designated Low-Emission Zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones or ZBEs).
Understanding the DGT Environmental Emission Stickers
The DGT has categorized vehicles into four distinct groups, each represented by a specific low emissions sticker: “Pegatina Emissions del coche o moto”
Zero Emissions (Blue Sticker): Allocated to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with a minimum electric range of 40 km. Correos
ECO (Green and Blue Sticker): Assigned to PHEVs with less than 40 km electric range, non-plug-in hybrids, and vehicles powered by natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas.
C (Green Sticker): For gasoline vehicles meeting Euro 4, 5, and 6 standards (typically registered from January 2006 onwards) and diesel vehicles meeting Euro 6 standards (registered from September 2015 onwards).
B (Yellow Sticker): For gasoline vehicles meeting Euro 3 standards (registered from January 2001 onwards) and diesel vehicles meeting Euro 4 and 5 standards (registered from January 2006 onwards).
Vehicles that do not meet these criteria are considered category A and do not receive a sticker, indicating higher emissions. EU Green Zones
Importance of the Emission Sticker
Displaying the appropriate emission sticker on your vehicle’s windshield is crucial for several reasons:
Access to Low Emission Zones (ZBEs): Many Spanish cities have established or are in the process of establishing ZBEs, where vehicle access is regulated based on emission levels. Having the correct sticker ensures you can enter these zones without facing fines.
Avoiding Penalties: Driving without the necessary sticker in restricted areas can result in fines. For instance, in some cities, fines can reach €200 for non-compliance.
Promoting Environmental Responsibility: The sticker system encourages the use of cleaner vehicles, contributing to reduced urban air pollution.
Acquiring the Emission Sticker
Obtaining the DGT environmental sticker is a straightforward process:
Post Offices (Correos): Stickers are available for purchase at local post offices across Spain. As of 2024, the cost is €5 per sticker. For example, in Palencia, 2,973 stickers were issued in 2024, with the yellow B sticker being the most acquired. You can provide them with your license plate number and your NIE. They will look up the appropriate sticker for your vehicle.
Online Purchase: You can also order the sticker through the DGT’s official website or authorized third-party services.
Vehicle Documentation: Ensure you have your vehicle’s registration details when applying, as the sticker type is determined based on your vehicle’s emission standards.
Emission Sticker Regulations in Málaga and Granada
Both Málaga and Granada have implemented Low Emission Zones to improve air quality, with specific rules regarding emission stickers:
Málaga:
Málaga introduced its ZBE on November 30, 2024. During the first year, vehicles entering the zone without the correct sticker will receive advisory letters instead of fines. The city has installed 104 cameras across 53 control points to monitor vehicle entry based on emission classifications. The restricted area includes the historic city center and parts of El Soho. Vehicles without the appropriate sticker may face future restrictions as the enforcement phases progress. Malaga ZBE map and info.
Granada:
Granada’s ZBE came into effect on April 1, 2024. The zone restricts access to up to 10,000 vehicles daily, primarily targeting those not registered in Granada City and lacking an environmental sticker. A “consciousness” period existed until March 31, 2024, when violators received informational notices. Post this period, enforcement measures, including fines, are applied to non-compliant vehicles. Residents and vehicles with appropriate stickers are generally exempt from these restrictions. Granada emission zones.
Key Takeaways for Drivers
Check Your Vehicle’s Eligibility: Determine which sticker your vehicle qualifies for based on its emission standards.
Display the Sticker Prominently: Place the sticker on the lower right corner of your windshield to ensure visibility during inspections.
Stay Informed About Local Regulations: Emission-related restrictions can vary by city. Regularly consult local authorities or official websites for updates. Especially when planning to drive in urban centers like Málaga and Granada.
For comprehensive information on the DGT environmental emission stickers, visit the official DGT page.
By adhering to these guidelines and ensuring your vehicle displays the correct emission sticker, you contribute to a cleaner environment and enjoy seamless travel across Spain’s beautiful cities.
At the end of September, we are always in for a treat with the Fiestas de San Miguel, in the barrio del Castillo Almuñécar! Up high on the hill in the old town, near the castle, the streets come alive for a few days and nights.
Celebrate the sea, learn about the environment, socialize, share experiences, enjoy activities, eat food, and have fun at the Festival del Mar (Festival of the sea) in La Herradura!
We think it is very important to ensure you are covered while you are away in a foreign country. You really can’t predict if you will need cover in advance, so it is best to have peace of mind when you are traveling. It is a good idea to check out your options of Insurance in Spain. We provide recommendations for health insurance, travel insurance, dental, funeral, car, and more.
