Painting & cuisine: Artists and cooks take centre stage in Torre del Mar on July 25

Creative energy returns to Torre del Mar on July 25 when two much-loved local events share the same day. An open-air painting contest paying tribute to a celebrated local artist runs together with a traditional food tasting that forms a firm favourite of the annual fair. Both draw neighbours and visitors into the streets and public spaces for a full day of creativity and community.

Open-air painting contest pays tribute to Francisco Hernandez

More than €3,000 in prizes await participants in the 18th Francisco Hernandez Open-Air Painting Contest. First prize stands at €1,700, second at 800 euros and third at €500. Registration opens at 9am at the Nuestra Señora del Carmen building, the former sugar factory, where completed works must also be handed in by 2pm. Canvases must measure 81 by 100 centimetres. The theme remains free, though the jury will look favourably on pieces inspired by Torre del Mar and its surroundings. Winning works become the property of the Velez-Malaga town hall.

Daughters of the late painter, Carmen Hernandez and Maria Jesus Hernandez, have expressed pride that the contest continues to honour their father’s deep affection for Torre del Mar, Velez-Malaga and the wider Axarquia. They note the pleasure of watching artists at work in the open and of seeing the connection between the recommended local inspiration and the poster image chosen for this edition, which shows a stretch of the Torre del Mar seafront promenade. Anyone walking the streets that day can watch the painters create finished pieces in just a few hours and speak with them about their process.

Gastronomic contest brings traditional recipes to the fair

Later the same day, the 31st Gastronomic Contest of the Torre del Mar Fair takes place on Paseo de Larios. Organised once more by the Asociación de Mujeres Torre Bahía, the event invites residents and visitors to sample classic local dishes. The poster for this edition was created by Aurora Novo Vargas and was unveiled at the association’s headquarters. Organisers stress the role of older residents and local groups in keeping traditional recipes alive and passing them to younger generations.

Part of the wider Feria de Santiago y Santa Ana programme, the contest has become one of the most representative moments of the fair after three decades. It focuses on everyday flavours, shared tables and the simple pleasure of tasting food that belongs to the area.

Both events sit comfortably within Torre del Mar’s summer cultural calendar. Painters will turn streets into temporary studios while cooks and neighbours gather around plates that speak of local custom. Whether following an artist’s brush or sampling a classic recipe, visitors will find a day shaped by creativity and the everyday life of the Axarquia coast.