Picture Perfect Proyecto Mastral has once again donated all profits from its charity calendar sales. The calendars, featuring photographs of Torrevieja’s weather, were available at various locations across the city. This year, the sales raised €2,400, which has been equally shared between two local organisations. AFA Torrevieja, which supports Alzheimer’s patients, and GAEX, which helps former addicts, each received €1,200. These funds will help both associations continue their vital work for those living with Alzheimer’s and individuals recovering from addiction. A Look Around The Interpretation Centre of the Natural Park del Hondo will host the photographic exhibition “A Look Around” by Justo Ferrer until May 4. The exhibition showcases the natural wonders found in the surroundings of the Benejúzar mountain range. The Big Clean On March 30 at 10am, Guardamar del Segura is inviting volunteers to help with a cleanup event. As a thank you, volunteers will be rewarded with a healthy brunch. For more information, WhatsApp at (+34) 699 27 33 39 or email alcaldia@alcaldiaguardamar.com. Easter in Focus Dolores has announced its second National Holy Week Photography Contest, aiming to promote artistic photography in the context of Holy Week. Submissions for the contest will be open until April 28th. The contest is open to all, whether professional photographers or amateurs. The only requirement is that the photos must be taken within the municipality of Dolores during Holy Week. The contest rules are available on the official website at dolores.es. There are two prizes for the contest: a first prize of €350 and a second prize of €150. Rugby Rumble The Spanish women’s rugby team delivered a strong performance, defeating Brazil 41-12 in a friendly match on March 22 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Torrevieja, as part of their preparations for the European Championship. On April 5 the lionesses will take on the Netherlands, one of their toughest opponents, at the El Pantano Stadium in Villajoyosa at 4pm. The Spanish team will conclude five weeks of matches by facing South Africa on April 19 at the Amorós Palao Rugby Field in Elche, at 5pm. This friendly is crucial as they aim to break their losing streak against the formidable Springboks. Rainy Revival The rainfall recorded in March 2025 has provided a significant boost to the Segura basin, increasing the volume of water in reservoirs by 98 cubic hectometers (hm³), according to the Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS). From March 1 to 21, the average rainfall was 157.2 mm. The highest levels recorded were 172.4 mm in Pinar Hermoso (Mula River), 195.2 mm in the Almanzora basin, and 100.3 mm in Cedaceros. However, the uneven distribution of rainfall has limited the rise in water levels in key reservoirs such as Fuensanta and El Cenajo. Although the rainfall did not cause major disruptions to riverbeds, there were occasional overflows in the Albujón ravine and the Mula River. Some areas affected by these overflows lack well-defined channels due to previous human activity. Chatting in Torrevieja Torrevieja Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, attended the diploma ceremony at the Palacio de la Música for foreign residents who completed Spanish language courses. The courses, which ran for eight aimed to help international residents improve their Spanish skills. A total of 90 students were selected from 196 applicants and divided into groups of 15 based on their skill level, either beginner or intermediate. Each group received 32 hours of lessons, held three times a week for two hours per session. Participants came from various countries, including Italy, France, Belgium, Ukraine, Russia, Germany, England, Sweden, Norway, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Slovakia, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, and Japan. The courses focused on helping students communicate effectively in both daily life and professional settings. More courses are planned later this year to continue supporting the city’s international community. Learn the Lingo Albatera’s Department of Education and International Residents has unveiled the academic offerings for language training for 2025. These eagerly awaited courses aim to promote language skills within the community. Juan Manuel Cánovas, councillor for both departments, outlined the scope of the two courses. The first is a Valencian language course, offered at levels B1 and B2, designed to continue promoting the language of the Valencian Community. The second is a Spanish for Foreigners course, aimed at ensuring international residents in Albatera gain proficiency in Spanish to help with their integration and development in the community. The Valencian course will begin on April 1, followed by the Spanish for Foreigners course, which starts on April 2. Both courses require registration, which can be done online at albatera.es until March 28. The councillor encouraged everyone interested to participate. Torre Champ Charo Esquiva of the Torrevieja Tennis Club has claimed a remarkable victory at the J300 Junior ITF tournament in Villena, held at the Juan Carlos Ferrero academy. In the final, Charo defeated Latvian, Beatrise Zeltina, with scores of 7-5 and 6-3. Her strong performance, including reaching the semifinals alongside English player Flora Johnson, has earned her enough points to move up to around 30th in the world rankings. With this achievement, Charo is now virtually qualified for the Junior finals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon for the third year in a row. Congratulations to the champion! Dolphin Delight Dolphins are not uncommon off the Torrevieja coast, but each sighting is a big event for residents and visitors lucky enough to see them. On Sunday, 23rd March, a small pod of dolphins was seen near Cabo Cervera. These intelligent and sociable creatures often swim close to the surface. Although such sightings are frequent, sailors and dolphin watchers are reminded to respect marine life, keep a safe distance and avoid any interaction that could disturb their natural behaviour. Shaken History On March 21, the town of Almoradí experienced a pivotal moment: the devastating 1829 earthquake that also ravaged neighbouring towns like Torrevieja, Guardamar, and Benejúzar. Every year since then, the community honours this event with a prayer to Saint Emigdio, the patron saint against earthquakes. To commemorate this transformative history, Almoradí is finalising plans for the “Earthquake Museum,” set to open this spring in one of the few homes rebuilt after the tragedy. The museum aims to immerse visitors in the earthquake’s impact on daily life, offering a journey back to March 21, 1829, when the region was forever changed. It serves not only as a tribute to the resilience of Almoradí but also as an educational resource for understanding and preparing for natural disasters, which have historically affected the area. The museum will also honour José Agustín de Larramendi, a key figure in the town’s reconstruction efforts. The Council acquired the house in late 2018 and was able to restore it with support from the Alicante Provincial Council’s Aid Plan for the Rehabilitation of Historic Architectural Heritage.