Costa Del Sol’s Malaga Park Gives Refuge To The Homeless During Cold Winter Nights

A mishmash campsite in the middle of an urban jungle serves as a place to live for those who have nowhere to spend the cold winter nights in Costa del Sol’s Malaga.

It’s not unusual for those who take an early morning stroll through the Malaga Park during the winter months to come across displaced clothing, belongings, towels found on the ground, benches and under the trees. Items belonging to the many homeless people who come to the Malaga Park to sleep.

A towel left on the green grass near the fountain of Ninfa del Cántaro indicates that someone has spent the night there. At a closer look one might see an old suitcase near the Eduardo Ocón auditorium.

Backpacks, bags, blankets and other belongings may be found strewn across the stands, evidence that someone had just left the area moments before.

A gardener from the Town Hall witnesses how every day the homeless who use the park as a shelter during the winter season are stirred awake by the police at 9:00 am and from there they may gather by a small esplanade about 40 metres from the auditorium. Some go for breakfast at some nearby social centre and come back again, other may try their luck begging to get a few coin at the parking lot at the Paseo de los Curas whilst others remain at the park, on a bench musing over a can of beer.

As the sun sets and the chilling night wraps it’s icy fingers around the city, the homeless return to take their places in the refuge of the park once more. Under the trees and moonlit sky.