Marbepop festival Marbella turns 40 and every €1 eco-cup sale will help abandoned animals

A single euro added to a drink at Marbella’s Marbepop festival could help feed, treat and shelter some of the town’s most vulnerable animals. Organisers pledged all proceeds from 1,000 reusable eco-cups to Triple A, the local association caring for abandoned dogs and cats.

How the charity appeal worked

Marbepop marked its 40th anniversary on Saturday, October 24, at Parque de La Represa. Entry was free, and festivalgoers could buy a reusable cup for an extra €1 with their first drink from the bar.

All money raised through that €1 charge will go to Triple A, which supports abandoned animals in Marbella. Marbella’s youth councillor, Alejandro Gonzalez, said the initiative “combined support for local social organisations with more sustainable habits, as reusable cups reduce reliance on single-use plastic.”

Why Triple A needs support

Triple A currently cares for around 600 animals, largely abandoned dogs and cats. Its monthly costs reach about €60,000, covering food, medication, surgery and other veterinary care.

Marbella Town Hall gives the association an annual grant of €120,000, but Gonzalez said the scale of its work means further community support is always necessary. Triple A volunteer Pilar Jimenez welcomed the festival’s gesture, saying every small contribution helps the association continue its work.

She also encouraged residents to learn more about Triple A and to consider making donations directly, so the organisation can keep providing care for animals in need.

Four decades of local music

This year’s Marbepop bill featured Las Dianas, Besmaya and La Leshe que Mamate, along with local artists including Benjamin Paco, Hako, Klimax, Hizox, Aigy and Ñeco. Besmaya replaced Malmö 040, while Benjamin Paco took the place of Skabum after the festival was postponed because of forecasts of heavy rain.

La Leshe que Mamate, a Marbella band linked to the festival’s early days, returned with Poorhouse Rockers for a ska-inspired set. Las Dianas brought alternative pop and rock, while Besmaya offered indie pop with electronic influences.

A lasting local tradition

Marbepop began as part of Marbella’s youth cultural movement and, four decades on, continues to bring together generations of musicians and music fans. This anniversary edition kept much of its original spirit while introducing newer sounds, including rap, trap and other contemporary styles.