Velez-Malaga march: Expats invited to join 10th annual walk against violence against women

Foreign residents are encouraged to get involved in their local community as the town prepares for its annual November 25 demonstration.

Residents of all nationalities are being encouraged to join Velez-Malaga’s 10th annual march against gender-based violence on Wednesday, November 25, with foreign residents also invited to show their support.

The event coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, an annual United Nations initiative calling for greater awareness and action against violence directed at women and girls.

Organised by Vélez-Málaga Town Hall through its Department of Social Rights and Equality, this year’s march will involve pupils from 18 local schools and colleges, as well as members of the wider community.

Where and when to join the march

Anyone wishing to participate should gather at 10.30am on Wednesday, November 25, on the esplanade beside the Social Services building in the Calle Hojalateros area, where the town’s Thursday market is normally held.

The march will set off at 11am, passing through the historic centre before reaching Paseo de Andalucía at approximately midday. A ceremony will then take place to remember women murdered through gender-based violence during 2026.

According to figures presented by the organisers, 44 women have been killed in Spain so far this year. The latest official figures published by Spain’s Ministry of Equality also record 44 victims.

A minute of noise instead of silence

One of the most poignant parts of the gathering will be the reading of the victims’ names, followed by a minute of noise rather than the traditional minute of silence. The gesture is intended to demonstrate that the community will not stay quiet in the face of violence against women.

Schoolchildren will also take part in the ceremony, with contributions from Colegio San José and the Reyes Católicos, Almenara and Juan de la Cierva secondary schools.

A manifesto written by Colegio San José pupils will be read out, while prizes will be presented for the town’s eighth annual anti-violence poster competition and a separate slogan-writing contest.

The Town Hall will also display a white ribbon on its balcony, while the Cerro Hermitage and the Virgen del Carmen fountain on Torre del Mar’s seafront will be illuminated in purple.

Getting involved in local life

For British and other foreign residents living in Axarquia, the march offers an opportunity to take part in an important local event and show unity with Spanish neighbours.

Getting involved in community activities is also a valuable way for expats to become more connected with the places they have chosen to call home. From supporting local charities to attending cultural celebrations and community gatherings, participation can help bridge the gap between international residents and Spanish neighbours.

Velez-Malaga’s previous community celebrations and local events have demonstrated the town’s ability to bring people of different backgrounds together.

The November 25 march is another opportunity to do just that, while supporting a cause that affects communities across Spain and beyond. Participation is open to all residents who wish to attend and show their support.