Benahavis in 2008

Christmas swindle in Benahavis!!!!
Apparently, a person is trying to pass thimself off as a town hall employee. For example he will request a Xmas gift for the 2008 rubbish collection. The police tell me he drives a grey car and if seen should be reported (e-mail to info@benahavis.net and we will pass it on immediately).
He is working the Benahavis urbanisations and not the village itself so please take care. We would appreciate you passing on the message.

Festivities in Benahavis
Monday 22 December 12:00 - 14:00 Children's Party "Magic Fiesta" in the sports pavilion.
Saturday 27th December 12:00-13:30 Children's theatre "Mago de Shalakabula" in the sports pavilion.
Wednesday December 31st From 00:30 Musical end to 2008 party in the sports pavilion.
Monday 5th January 16:00-19:00 Kids snacks and drinks and all the fun of the fair. From 19:00 the "Three Kings" will be passing through the village.

Citizens card 2009
You can apply NOW ( December 2008 ) for the citizens card 2009 at subsidized rates, i.e. 10 € for the sports facilities and 10 € for the activities during the year 2009 ( it is not completely clear to me which activities are involved here, but they will be able to explain it at the town hall ) and 20 € for the full Monty. You'll have to be a registered citizen, so if you are not "empadronado" yet but live in the village, do so at the town hall ( check it here )
Better go there this month as it will be 200 and 400 € as from January.

Sports in Benahavis 2009
The annual 172 marathon will be held on April, 5th, and the first stage of the Vuelta de Andalucia cycling race will finish in Benahavis on February, 18.

Intercultural Day
Benahavis will have its Intercultural day again this Saturday 22nd November from 12:30 at the Sports pavilion, where there will be "live Cuban music" (Los locos de la Habana) as well as an exhibition of Brazilian Martial Art Dancing "Capoeira" and children's workshops and games.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy a drink and sample some traditional foods.
As usual, the town hall has waited until now to put up the posters.

Open and Closed
Two businesses closed over the last month and two other opened. We sadly cannot get any more late drinks in the Orient express, or try the Thai food at Jasmine ( there's still El Ambiente for curries ), but we got the new Amigos restaurant and La Torre is open again.

Romeria on October, 7
As you've been able to see on the right all year, next Tuesday, October, 7, is Romeria day at the chapel halfway the Benahavis road. Free "churros and chocolate" on the Avda. Andalucia at 10.00. Walk to the Romeria area starts at 11.00. Mass at the chapel at 13.00.

Bike ride Pujerra-Benahavis
On October, 4th, a bike ride from Pujerra to Benahavis will be organized. Start at 07.30.

Update : official opening of the Parque de leones
The official opening of the new park around the Torre de Leones was postponed due to the bad weather. The new date for the inauguration is October, 10 at 18.00. Live music and aperitif.

The myth of the Mummies
From September, 24 until October, 5 an exhibition about the Egyptian mummies ( cinema and science )  will be held in the sports pavilion. Open from 18.00 until 21.00.

International party in the Orient Express
To celebrate the reopening of the Orient Express late night bar, an international party will be held on Friday, October, 17 with international music from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Concert in Benahavis and official opening of the Parque de leones
Classical concert in the church hall on Friday 12th of September at 21:30. "A Soprano plus the quintet Ibercamera".
The official opening of the new park will take place on Friday,  September the 26th at 18:00 hrs. Drinks will be provided and there will be a "Celtic" music concert

Opening hours new municipal gym
The new municipal gymnasium, near the swimming pool is open since Monday, September, 1st, and it is open from monday to friday 10:00 -  13:30 and 17:00 - 21:30.

Building works by the town hall
According to the town hall the building of the social housing complex opposite Urb. El Mirador and on the road to the cemetery will be finished in autumn 2009. The new town hall  next to the Urb. El Casar should be finished in the spring of 2010.

New Leather Luxury : Clara design
A new leather shop opened in town on Monday. See here what they have for you ( like personalized golf bags ).

Feria  2008
Just 5 more days to go for the 2008 feria to kick off. You better get some sleep while you still can!

Feria programm 2008
Click here to find out what´s happening when and where during the feria.

Free excursion to the Sorolla exhibition in Malaga The Centre of modern Art in Malaga is staging an exhibition of famous painter Joaquin Sorolla under the name Vision of Spain, and Bancaja offers foreign residents of Benahavis a free trip to see it on Tuesday, 12th of August. Just pop into the Bancaja office or call 952 855 002. Bus will leave at 10.30 and is expected back at 15.30.

National Jumping at Marbella Club on 8-9-10 of August
National Jumping Grand Prix at the Marbella Club golf course & riding stables. Free entrance.

Chamber orchestra concert on Friday, 8 of August
The local church will be the stage for the concert of Andalusian chamber orchestra Maestro Artola on Friday, 8 of August at 21.00. The concert is free for all and full programms are available at the town hall.

Citizen's passport
The town hall is issuing citizen's passports ( carnet de ciudadano ) at the town hall building on the plaza de España. This to ensure quick and cheap access to the municipal sports and cultural facilities. Just present yourself at the town hall and ask for the "carnet de ciudadano".

Art exhibition in Gallery "Havis" from Saturday,  July 26 As from Saturday, 26 at 21.00, four artists are showing their works ( paintings and wood works ) at the Gallery "Havis".  The artists are Lily Koyman, Danean Ohayon, Eddy Parkiet and Javier Vela.

Euro 2008 : Giant screen on the Plaza de España for the final
Since Spain is playing the final of Euro 2008, a giant screen will be placed on the Plaza de España. So if you want to be part of the party, and let's hope Spain wins, just watch it there.

Medieval Festival in July
The town hall  has a surprise for us this year as, instead of Callejeando, a Medieval Market is being organized from July, 18 to July, 20. More news about it when possible, the trouble is that even the website of Legend Especialistas does not give any more information.

Local artists show their work
Everyone is welcome to attend an exhibition of paintings by local artists at La Cartuja on Thursday 19^th June at 19.00 hrs.

Harley Davidson meeting in Benahavis 30-40 Harley Davidsons will meet in Benahavis on Sunday, June 15. On the Avda. de Andalucia at 13.30. photo by Matt

No Callejeando Festival this year
It is a shame but the best 3 days of last year in Benahavis - the Callejeando festival - when the streets were buzzing with street artists and tourists, will not be held this year. According to www. festivalcallejeando.com because the town hall does not want to foot the bill. At least they have reduced the feria to 5 days.

Village back open
The newly laid Avda. Andalucia is back open to traffic, so everything is back to the old again. Wish they would tell us - before starting - when and until when, and not just in the village center.... 

Andalusian Trial Championships
The 7th event of the Andalusian Trial Championships will be held in Benahavis on Sunday, June 8, near the football pitch.

Free Concert on June, 6 A free concert by KIKO and SHARA will be given at the Benahavis football pitch on Friday June the 6th at 23.00hrs. They are two young musicians, brother and sister from Cadiz, who have just been given their second platinum album. So be there!

Malaga Football Club prepares the deciding stages in Benahavis
Malaga Football Club arrived in Benahavis yesterday, May 16, in Benahavis to prepare for the final stage of the 2nd division championship, where, with 5 games to go, they are still in a promotion position. So let's hope we can watch Malaga CF in La Liga next year.

Kumite Championship Villa de Benahavis
Benahavis will organize a martial arts championship for the first time on Saturday May, 17. The sports hall will be the venue of the Kumite Championship Villa de Benahavis as from 1AM.
Kumite is basically what we call karate and means combat.
There will be 5 categories, from 5 until 14 years old.

Marbella-Malaga airport bus times on benahavis.net
Always trying to make www.benahavis.net better and better, you can find as from today the schedule for the direct Marbella-Malaga airport bus service on the site. Click here or on the Taxis & Bus services link on the right.

New Link : Stephanie West's photo album
We have a new inhabitant with her own photo album on the net, so if you like to see how life goes on in Benahavis, have a look at Stephanie's photo site. An expat in Benahavis

Accident on the road to Marbella Club Golf
A rather spectacular accident happened on the road to the Marbella Club Golf. A lorry driver managed to put his truck on the side, apparently without help from anyone else. The local police was on the spot and an ambulance had to take the driver to hospital.

1000 nights in La Bodega de la Aldea “One Thousand Nights at La Bodega de La Aldea” was a wonderful celebration of Paul Blackburns 1000 consecutive open nights. Wednesday 16th April was a beautiful evening. It saw close to a hundred friends enjoy drinks and a barbeque in the bar and courtyard of the ever popular Bodega. During the evening local resident Seve Revuelta was also applauded for conquering the gruelling London marathon in aid of Cancer Research. Seve & Leighs daughter Ella who has successfully recovered from cancer provided the highpoint of the evening by drawing out the winners of a prize draw, which during the event alone raised over 800 euros towards the same worthy cause. As to the future, Paul’s “Two Thousand Nights at La Bodega” is something to look forward to already.

more photos

Update on Show your heart : A Message from Sevy Revuelta (Ella´s Dad)
Sevy would like to thank everybody who was kind enough to sponsor his London marathon run and is proud to announce that he actually made it, and thereby raised an important amount of money for the Cancer Research UK Charity.

Malaga Football Club in Benahavis?
According to the prestigious Spanish sports newspaper AS, Malaga CF is seriously thinking of having their preseason in Benahavis this summer. They were already here only a couple of weeks ago when the Spanish national team played in Malaga.

Benahavis Nursery : register now!
Reservations for the 2008-2009 term can be made at the Benahavis nursery as from now! Telephone number and/or e-mail here

World record update
Although we had about 200 participants in the spinning event, Benahavis was left without the prize of a Guinness World Record, as Esporta UK gathered 323 of its employees at the Concept Centre in Bedford, UK on February, 28.

Easter week
Easter week is finished again and it is back to work again. Luckily no rain fell during the Friday and Sunday processions, so everything went ahead as planned. Photos later this week.

World record
Benahavis are proud to announce that an attempt on the Guinness World Record for the number of participants for an indoor cycling event will be held in the new Sports Pavilion of Benahavis this Saturday March 15.The “spinning event” will be led by Apolo Gym tel 678 888 847. For more information or to enter contact www.scs-bike.com or Benahavis Town Hall on 952 855 025. All entries welcome. watch videos and photos

Murals, Paintings and Trompe l'oeils
Local artist Juan Nicolas can personalise your house in Benahavis with one of his murals or trompe l'oeils, or some pottery of paintings.
check it out here

Show your heart : A Message from Sevy Revuelta (Ella´s Dad)
Cancer Research UK Charity - Every Penny Helps
As you may or may not know, Ella (11) was told back in October that she had a malignant brain tumour. Fortunately it was one that could be treated. However she has undergone delicate brain surgery, radiotherapy and has to take lots of medication.
It’s her unbelievable courage and character that has inspired me to run the 2008 London Marathon (god help me…!!!!) to help raise money for the Cancer Research UK Charity. I would like you to help me.
I need to raise a minimum of £2000. Just think long arms and short pockets when I’m running 26 miles..... and most of all think of every person you could be helping…we all think it won’t happen to us…yet it affects 1 in 3 people in some way.
Please help this worthy cause. Pat and Alan Bonner have the sponsor forms. They may ask you if you want to sponsor me or you can contact them on +34 666 387 105 or e-mail to bonner@benahavis.net. It will be much appreciated.
Watch the Marathon on Sunday April 13^th; I will finish but maybe on a stretcher!!
Sev

Michael's golf club repair
There is a golf club repair service in the village. Michael can reshaften or regrip your golfclubs in 24 hours. check it out here

Andalusian Day
On  february 28, it is the day of Andalucia and the mayor invites every inhabitant for a glass of wine on the Plaza de España at 13.30. At 13.00 there will be a little ceremony and after that the flag of Andalucia will be raised.

Bar Casar
On Andalucia day, february 28, the clubhouse in the El Casar urbanisation will be opened as a bar and private functions lounge by Jen and Vince, and they will be serving Indian curries, healthy daily specials and home-made cakes. There will be also be swimming lessons in the indoor pool and dancing lessons, teaching Waltz, Quickstep, Tango, Foxtrot, Jive, Samba, Rumba, Cha Ca Cha and Line Dance. Go to the page of Bar Casar

Carnival in Benahavis
Next Saturday 16^th February Benahavís will be celebrating its Carnival 2008. From 9pm, there will be events staged in Plaza de España and its surrounding streets. Prizes will be awarded for the best fancy dress and face painting. Categories will be 0 up to 10 years, 11 to 16 years and 17 years to grandparents.

Half marathon Benahavis 2008

The 2nd annual event was held on Sunday through the streets and mountains of Benahavis. The 21 km race was won by Javier Diez Carretero of of San Pedro A.C in a time of 1:12:12. The "local runners" race was well supported with positions being fought out as in 2007.

All results - The photos
Results for local runners :
MEN
Francisco Javier Marin Olalla  1:31:53 (Los Arqueros)
Jose Romero Perea 1:31:54 ( Guardia Civil)
Francisco Jose Guerrero Castilla 1:39:56 (Paquito)
Peter Letters 1:44:29
Jose Antonio Mena Castilla 1:46:19 (Mr Mayor)
LADIES
Esperanza Gonzalez Pazos 2:08:50

Update on the Tour of Andalucia. February, 17
Benahavis hosts the start of the Tour de Andalucia, on Sunday February, 17 at 11.15, a 123 km stage finishing in Alora. Be aware that the Benahavis road will for this reason be closed off from 06.00 until approximately ( my guess ) 2 hours after the start ( +/- 13.15 )The stage was won by José A. LÓPEZ GIL from ANDALUCIA - CAJASUR.
 

Il Paesano
Benahavis will start having Italian food in the "Il Paesano" restaurant as from next Friday, February, 8. The local is situated in the Calle Malaga and used to be called El Rincon del Abuelo. Viljar will serve Italian specialities and pizzas for which you can choose the toppings you like.
Go to the page of Il Paesano

Benahavis Golf Club
The first tournament of the 2008 season will be held at Los Arqueros Golf Club on Saturday the 16^th of February. Play will commence from 08.30.Entry fee will be € 30 per person.
To enter please enrol at the “Bodeguita del Chico” before February the 12^th.
For next golf tournaments, please visit the golf section

Plan General de Ordenación Urbana
The new building plan for Benahavis ( for zones outside the town nucleus ) was approved on  December, 27  by the town hall. Everyone can examine these new proposals in the Municipal Technical Office for a 2 month period after publication in the official Province Bulletin, and make eventual objections to these.
According to Spanish law, the licenses and authorisations in the areas where changes have taken place will be suspended for the next year.
more info : http://gis.sopde.es/benahavis/avance/planos.htm ( spanish )

Cycling Tour of Andalusia 2008-2011
Benahavis will host a stage in the cycling tour of Andalusia between 2008 and 2011. This year the tour will visit Benahavis the weekend of 15-17 February.

Half marathon Benahavis 2008
The Benahavis half marathon 2008 will be held on Sunday, February, 10 at 10AM. Inscription costs 9 euros ( free for "empadronados" of the village ) and can be done at the town hall or at carreras populares.com ( only in Spanish )