XXX Jimena Flamenco Festival next weekend

JIMENA This year marks the 30th anniversary of Jimena's annual Flamenco Festival. Until now, it was one of the most popular such events in the Campo de Gibraltar, attracting rising stars of the Andalucian flamenco firmament - but now, in what should be its celebratory 30th year, it is somewhat diminished, no doubt we will be told for lack of funds, though we venture it is for lack of political will and skill. In any case, the 'festival' features Marta González Sevillano (voice), Pedro Campo Quintana (guitar) and Salvador Campo Quintana (percussion) as the headliner, with local cantaores (singers) Gabriel Jiménez and Jaime Martín accompanied by Manolo Cortés on guitar. Scheduled for Friday, September 2, at the square by the railway station, and starting at 11pm. (Check our UpComing Events calendar now at the foot of this page.)

Manilva hosts Comic Festival this weekend

MANILVA (Agencies) The word cómic (with an accent) is not the word for comedian in Spanish. It refers to what used to be called comic magazines, or 'comics' for short. There is an enormous interest in Spain about the subject and it's a very healthy sector of the publishing business, too. Local fans will be wham!ing their way to Manilva, where a festival is being held this weekend. Artists in the medium will have a chance to learn a lot from experienced artists working with some of the world's top comic publishers, including Disney and Marvel. Yes, Spain exports many dab hands with the pen & ink. Also present will be local artists, many known well beyond the confines of the area, like Carlos Villanueva, Ricardo Tejeiro, Antonio Garrido 'Garry', Jesús Barony and young Cris L. Vargas, the author of the mural at Parque María Cristina in Algeciras. Films, shops specialising in the art, and others, and activities for the kids are on the programme. So shazzam! yourself to Manilva until Sunday, and have a colourful time.