Mijas prepares to thank visitors with free paella and flamenco

Mijas is set to host an annual celebration for its visitors on Wednesday, September 23, with a free paella and flamenco performance in Plaza Virgen de la Peña. The event, part of World Tourism Day, aims to welcome both tourists and locals, offering a taste of the town's rich culture. Flamenco will kick off the festivities at noon, followed by paella served from 1:30 pm.

A shuttle bus service is available to make the event more accessible, though exact routes and schedules have not been disclosed. In August, Mijas welcomed a staggering 94.4% hotel occupancy, placing it as the third most popular tourist destination within the Costa del Sol region. The town now employs nearly 8,000 people, with 7,974 directly tied to the tourism sector in the second quarter of 2026.

Mayor Francisco Jerez highlighted that this Tourist Day is a key part of Mijas' engagement with World Tourism Day, providing an opportunity for residents and visitors to share in the town's vibrant traditions. Beyond the immediate celebration, the event serves a broader purpose for Mijas, aiming to draw more visitors during the typically quieter winter months.

Jerez emphasized the town's efforts to promote golf, sports tourism, gastronomy, and its inland attractions as alternative reasons for people to visit. Winter tourists, he noted, often stay longer and seek unique experiences, thus boosting the local economy. Mijas has been holding its Tourist Day for many years, with the last edition also featuring flamenco and free paella in the same location.

The popularity of the paella event was evident in 2025 when it was consumed within approximately an hour. This year's celebration precedes World Tourism Day by four days, making it a proactive local observance of the international date.