Mojácar music marathon raises almost €6,700 for fire-hit families

More than 250 people passed through Delfos del Faz during a 12-hour programme built at short notice by volunteers. The final surprise came when two Turre firefighters arrived and the crowd rose to its feet in an emotional show of respect. 

Two Turre firefighters receive a standing ovation

By the time two members of the Turre Fire Brigade arrived, the music had been running since midday. Though their appearance was not part of the programme, Delfos described it as a “moving surprise”. Those still at the venue rose for a standing ovation, recognising the firefighters’ work during the wildfire that swept through Los Gallardos and Bédar earlier in July. The applause brought an emotional end to a day with a substantial result. Delfos said almost €6,700 had been raised for families and individuals most severely affected by the fire. Representatives from Vera and District Lions Club were present and received the donations for distribution. 

Twenty-four acts kept the music flowing

The marathon ran from midday until midnight on Sunday July 26 at Delfos, on the road between Mojácar and Turre. Organisers assembled a staggering 24 local bands, singers and performers across two garden stages, with each act given a half-hour slot. Keeping that many acts on schedule would test most festival organisers, but the team at Delfos was prepared and said the programme ran smoothly.

More than 250 visitors came through the venue during the day. And alongside the music, an artisan market, food stalls and a charity auction gave people several ways to contribute. The auction alone raised €575, which formed part of the nearly €6,700 total.

Three mayors join a wider weekend of support

The mayors of Mojácar, Bédar and Los Gallardos visited during the evening with members of their councils, joining performers, volunteers and residents at the fundraiser. The event was staged in memory of the 13 people killed after the Los Gallardos wildfire broke out on Thursday July 9. Its fundraising, however, will be directed towards the surviving families and individuals in Bédar and Los Gallardos who were most severely affected.

It also completed a weekend in which local music became part of the wider relief effort. The previous evening, the Banda de Música Ben Beder played a sold-out charity concert at Vera’s municipal auditorium after its usual summer performances in Bédar and Los Gallardos were cancelled.

As the day drew to a close, the lasting image belonged to the two firefighters from Turre. They arrived without fanfare and ended the day facing a crowd of neighbours on their feet, who understood what they’d done for their community, and thanked them for their bravery.