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The Mojácar Excavation Yields New and Interesting Discoveries

The Mojácar la Vieja 2022 excavation campaign has concluded with very positive results, as those responsible for the dig revealed in the presentation of the results: the University of Granada, the MEMOLab Biocultural Archaeology Laboratory, the director of the General Research Plan and Mojácar Council.

As is customary, at the end of each campaign’s excavation works, those responsible explain the findings and conclusions stemming from the works carried out on Mojácar la Vieja to local residents and to those who are interested.

On this occasion, the locality’s Multi-Uses Centre, with a large audience, was the meeting point where Emmanuel Agüero, Mojácar Council Tourism Councillor; José María Martín Civantos, Director of the MEMOLab laboratory; Jorge Rouco Collazo, director of the General Investigation Plan; Julio Miguel Román, PGI Researcher; Cristina Martínez Carrillo, Archaeological Material Expert; and Noelia Aguado, Community and Participative Archaeology Expert, gave an interesting conference about the novelties found.

The 2022 campaign is the fifth since this project was started and the first carried out with the support of the General Investigation Plan.  This year two main lines of action have been followed: one of them following the outside walls, by the entrance gate, and another in the area outside, on the southeast hillside, where it is suspected there were dwellings. 

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Worthy of note is the appearance of another wall and corresponding entrance gate, at the foot of the one initially found during other actions, and that in previous years was thought to be the only entrance to the compound. The defences of Mojácar la Vieja, as shown by its two walls, are much stronger than initially believed, indicating a huge investment in the construction of the castle and its control with this double fortification. This makes the defence and the attack very complicated since it is very intricate, both being built on a curve. This also suggests that this great effort would only have been made due to the great importance of the settlement.

In the new open zone, in the area outside the walls on the southeast side, a very well-structured, two-floor house has been found, and what could be other very well-built houses that correspond to the typical models of the Moorish era.

In the conclusions obtained during this month of work, there have taken part a group of professionals made up of researchers, the majority from MEMOLab, and by another 13, external, who are professors and researchers from different universities and analysis centres, such as CSIC, from both Spain and the UK, as well as two shifts of 35 archaeology students who have worked on the excavations.

Standing out is the reaffirmation of the potential, whether from the historical or heritage point of view of Mojácar la Vieja, that little by little is being uncovered and which can be seen with the naked eye on the mountain itself, underlining the importance and the significant remains, together with its good conservation and the possibility of understanding everything related to this settlement: how it was built, when and how it was abandoned.

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In addition, increasingly more evidence of the instability of the terrain is appearing, mainly in the area of the old entrance. Work remains to be done on its origin and its formation in order to understand how it was founded, who created it and where the population came from, since we already know how they lived and what type of dwelling was used.

Also remaining is the work of study and analysis throughout this year, from organic remains like thorns, scales, shells, eggshells, and ceramic remains, including a pipe with remains of what is suspected to be hashish, found this year, and which will yield new data, new surprises about the form of production, subsistence and organisation, providing a complete image of Mojácar society of those times.

Coming away from the dig site, mixing with local people and bringing them closer to it, understanding the direct relationship between the two settlements – Old and New Mojácar with their surroundings – and keeping the intangible heritage alive, is a task that MEMOLab tries to carry out in all its actions.

With the PGI there opens a new stage of analysis and of basic management to restore, conserve and highlight its importance so it can be visited. Collaboration with both the Valparaíso Foundation and the owners of the land on which they are working, opens the door to gaining more support from the State, to the 1% Cultural that would be added to that already provided by the Local Council and from the Smart Heritage company.

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Mojácar Says Goodbye to the Year With the Fifth Edition of its Children´s New Year´s Eve

Mojácar Says Goodbye to the Year With the Fifth Edition of its Children´s New Year´s Eve

This morning, the Plaza del Arbollón was filled with happiness and fun in the fifth edition of the Children’s New Year’s Eve, now a well-established event in the municipality.

Hundreds of children, both residents and visitors, gathered together with their families to welcome the New Year on a day designed especially for them.


At 12 noon, the little ones enjoyed an emotional moment with the traditional chimes, when, instead of grapes, they ate small sweets to celebrate the early arrival of the New Year.


The morning was full of activities for the whole family. The children took part in children’s workshops, painting activities, and enjoyed bouncy castles which delighted the most active. In addition, the celebration extended to the Plaza del Parterre, where a spectacular magic show kept both adults and children captivated.

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The Mayor of Mojácar, Fran García, expressed his satisfaction at the success of the event: “It is an immense joy to see so many children and families enjoying this celebration, which has now become a very special tradition for our municipality. These kinds of initiatives demonstrate the commitment of our Local Council to families and to the creation of fun spaces for everyone.”


The event, organised by Mojácar Council, reaffirms its commitment to offering inclusive and participatory activities which attract both residents and visitors. Children’s New Year’s Eve has become an essential event in the local festivities calendar, attracting increasingly more participants from inside and outside the municipality.


With this Children’s New Year’s Eve, Mojácar bids farewell to the year with a smile, remembering that the magic of this time of year also belongs to the little ones.

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Mojácar Shines as a Model for Christmas Tourism with its Zambomba Flamenca

Mojácar Shines as a Model for Christmas Tourism with its Zambomba Flamenca

Mojácar reaffirms its title as the municipality of Christmas par excellence with the successful celebration of its traditional Christmas Zambomba Flamenca, an event that filled the evening with art, emotion and Christmas spirit in the iconic Plaza del Parterre.

The event brought together residents and visitors in an atmosphere filled with warmth and tradition, offering an unforgettable experience that stood out for a line-up of top-level artists. The Zambomba featured the outstanding performance of the renowned dancer Anabel Veloso, who offered a masterful performance accompanied by Mayte Beltrán and her students. With each step, both conveyed the strength and elegance of flamenco, leaving an indelible impression on the audience.


There was an accompaniment of flamenco singing by Alberto Funes and Rocío Zamora, while the guitar playing of David de la Fragua and Gabri Pérez added depthand feeling to the event. Carmen Moreno provided the percussion that marked the vibrant rhythm of the evening.


The Mayor of Mojácar, Francisco García, highlighted the value of this event as part of the municipality’s Christmas celebrations. In his statements he said: “The Zambomba Flamenca is not only a tribute to our traditions, but a way of sharing the magic of Christmas with all those who visit us. Mojácar is not just a place to enjoy, it is a corner where culture and art become the true driving force of our festivities. This is the essence of Christmas in Mojácar.”

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The Plaza del Parterre became, once again, the perfect setting for an event that celebrated the best of flamenco culture and the Christmas spirit. The lights, the festive atmosphere and the artistic quality made the Zambomba Flamenca an essential benchmark for Christmas in Mojácar.


With this kind of initiative, the municipality continues to position itself as a unique destination to enjoy authentic festivities, full of tradition and with the unmistakable stamp of flamenco art.

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The Mojácar Christmas Market Dazzles With its Spectacular Opening

The Mojácar Christmas Market Dazzles With its Spectacular Opening

Christmas has arrived in Mojácar with the highly-anticipated opening of its Christmas Market last Friday, 20th of December, with a mass turnout. The event became the epicenter of the Christmas celebration in the municipality, attracting both residents and visitors with its spectacular staging.

The opening ceremony was led by the Mojácar Mayor, Francisco García Cerdá, who, accompanied by his government team, kicked off the Christmas festivities in an event that is already shaping up to be the highlight of this time of year in the locality. In his statements the Mayor commented: “Our Christmas Market is a demonstration of the cultural and festive wealth of Mojácar. It is a space where traditions meet excitement, and where each visitor can take home a little piece of the magic of our land. This year we wanted to go further, with unique activities and shows that consolidate Mojácar as a benchmark Christmas destination.”

The Christmas Market offers a wide variety of offers for all kinds of people. Visitors can enjoy:
• Handcrafted products: from handmade Christmas decorations to unique pieces of ceramics, wood and textiles.
• Typical cuisine: traditional sweet treats such as “mantecado” shortbread cookies, turron and “polvoron” cookies, as well as local offers that reflect the flavour of Christmas in Mojácar.
• Unique gifts: original ideas to surprise this festive season, including jewellery, accessories and toys.

The opening day culminated with a dazzling light and sound show, a unique experience in the municipality and presented for the first time in Mojácar. The show combined music, visual effects and artificial snowfall that delighted everyone there, enveloping the event in a magical atmosphere.
“Seeing the excited faces of children and families enjoying this experience is our greatest reward. This show, together with the market’s offer, represents Mojácar’s commitment to offering its residents and visitors an unforgettable Christmas,” added Mayor García Cerdá.

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The Christmas Market will remain open until the 5th of January, with activities scheduled every day to continue bringing the magic of Christmas to every corner of the village. Mojácar invites everyone to enjoy this unique experience and discover why it is one of the essential destinations for this festive season.

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