Hundreds gathered at Calvario Park to celebrate Estepona’s 2025 Foreign Residents’ Day on Saturday, April 26, a colourful tribute to the town’s cosmopolitan mix.
Deputy Mayor Begoña Ortiz said of the event, ‘This annual gathering brings together and promotes harmony among all residents, regardless of their origins, while showcasing each country’s unique culture.’
The event honoured three elected foreign residents of the year: Johnny Cuéllar from Bolivia, Carlos Stieffel from Argentina, and Teresa Rocío Mateos Torras from Mexico for their community contributions and long-standing participation in Foreign Residents’ Day and the Sweet Christmas Encounter. Ortiz praised their integration efforts, noting the event’s role in recognising such work.
Twenty-five countries, including Belgium, Italy, Morocco, Ukraine, and newcomers Germany, Switzerland, and Ecuador, set up stalls offering examples of traditional cuisine and artisanal crafts. Spain gave excellent performances by local dance schools La Milana, Ana Guerrero, and Marví Dominguez and Claudia Ramírez ‘La Maravilla’. The stage was non-stop all day with Chilean cumbias, Mexican folk songs, Celtic tunes, Scandinavian melodies, Argentine folk, Paraguayan dance, and Venezuelan salsa.
Informational stalls from groups like the Estepona Foreign Residents’ Association (AREME), Gatos y Amigos, AECC, and the Official Language School added to the community feel. The event, a melting pot of music, dance, and flavours, shows Estepona’s commitment to celebrating its global community.
