Veladilla Santa Maria del Mar celebrates 26 years of helping local families in Torremolinos

Anyone looking for a relaxed summer evening by the sea this weekend can enjoy good food, live entertainment and a chance to support the community with a worthwhile cause when the Veladilla Santa Maria del Mar returns to Torremolinos.

Celebrating its 26th year, the popular beachside charity festival will take place on Friday, August 7, and Saturday, August 8, at the Oasis area of Playa del Bajondillo, with free admission for everyone.

Running from 10pm each night, the long-established community event combines affordable homemade food and drinks, live music, raffle prizes and a welcoming family atmosphere, while raising money for Caritas Parroquial Santa Maria del Mar, which helps vulnerable families across the area.

More than two decades of community support

What started over 25 years ago as a fundraising event connected with the parish has gradually developed into one of Torremolinos’ best-loved summer traditions.

Money raised today goes directly towards helping local people struggling with everyday living costs. Caritas uses the funds to provide food parcels, hygiene products and emergency help with household bills such as electricity, gas and water, as well as rent assistance for families facing financial hardship.

In previous years, the parish charity has supported well over 100 families every month, while also helping people passing through the municipality who need urgent assistance. Every dish of traditional Spanish homemade food purchased or raffle ticket bought helps keep that support available throughout the year.

Beachfront setting makes for a memorable summer evening

Few fundraising events enjoy a setting quite like this one. Held just metres from the Mediterranean at the Oasis on Playa del Bajondillo, the Veladilla offers visitors the chance to spend a warm August evening listening to live music while enjoying traditional homemade dishes without paying restaurant prices.

Organisers promise a relaxed atmosphere designed for all ages, making it an easy option for families, holidaymakers and local residents searching for something different after a day on the beach. Visitors do not need to buy tickets in advance, with entry remaining completely free.

Volunteers keep the tradition alive

Much of the event’s success comes from the dozens of volunteers who donate their time each year. Parish members, local supporters and younger volunteers help prepare food, serve drinks, organise raffles and keep everything running smoothly across both evenings.

Although thousands of tourists pass through the Costa del Sol every summer, the Veladilla has never lost its local character. Many families return year after year, while holidaymakers often discover it by chance and become regular visitors whenever they are back in the area.

A different way to experience Torremolinos

Summer on the Costa del Sol often revolves around concerts, beach clubs and large-scale festivals. Events such as the Veladilla offer something much more personal. Rather than focusing on commercial entertainment, every euro spent helps neighbours who may be finding life difficult because of rising household costs.

That combination of traditional Andalusian summer culture and genuine local fundraising has helped the event remain popular for more than a quarter of a century.

Anyone visiting Torremolinos on August 7 or 8 can simply head to the Oasis at Playa del Bajondillo from 10pm to enjoy homemade food, live performances, raffle draws and a friendly community atmosphere while contributing to an important local cause.