Nerja’s older residents enjoy a leisurely walk to Maro, then dance the afternoon away

Few things lift the spirits like a stroll in the sun with good company, especially when followed by a dance lesson where nobody minds two left feet. These were the ingredients for a joyful day when Nerja’s older residents set off for Maro and finished with a fun class in the village.

A milestone walk from Nerja to Maro

Tuesday, September 29 brought the tenth Caminata de Mayores (Seniors’ Walk) from Nerja to Maro. It left from the Active Participation Centre for older people, and counts among the programme’s traditional sporting activities.

This year’s walk was part of the tenth edition of Nerja’s Seniors’ Week, running from September 28. Officials say the aim is to support the wellbeing, independence and participation of older people in Nerja and Maro.

Dancing at Maro’s social centre

Reaching Maro was only half the fun. Walkers finished the day at the the village’s Home and Social Centre, for a dance masterclass led by Miguel “Ojos Negros”, a cheerful way to wrap up the outing.

Maro is Nerja’s easternmost village, set above the cliffs of the Maro-Cerro Gordo natural area. Older residents also had a special day there earlier this month, when the Feria de Maro opened with its traditional lunch for older people.

What is still to come

Celebrations continue for a few more days with an exhibition of workshops and activities, International Day of Older Persons, with local artist Antonio Cortes performing at the Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja. Then an old-fashioned Spanish party with music and dancing, hosted at the Centro de Participacion Activa with DJ Toulalan. Medals are also presented at the closing party.

Full programmes and timetables are available at the Centro de Participacion Activa de Mayores in Nerja. Call in and ask about activities. Comfortable shoes and a bottle of water are all you need for the walk, and dancing shoes are optional, though you may wish to pack a pair to show off your moves.