The Suns of Málaga shine under the sun of La Malagueta

On an early summer day, under a heatwave that reached 30 degrees Celsius, La Malagueta bullring gathers today 3,000 people (according to the organizers) to celebrate the Soles de Málaga charity festival, which is held annually by the El Pimpi Foundation. This year, the celebration is doubly special as it coincides with the day the institution from Alcazabilla received the Provincial Medal for its social work.

The work with the needy, in this sixth edition, has focused on combating poverty. Up to ten projects will benefit from the funds raised. The three main ones (which receive 50% of the proceeds) are: an initiative for children in Kenya, through the NGO Nena Paine; a program to provide job opportunities and inclusion for migrants in Málaga, through the Dyar Association; and the efforts of Includd in the Carretera de Cádiz district, also in the capital, supporting people in social emergency situations and poverty prevention.

Meanwhile, eight other NGOs with a long tradition of good work among vulnerable people share the remaining 50%: Asociación Lagunillas; Afremar; Inpavi; Nada es imposible; Afenes; Altamar; Adintre and La Casa de la Buena Vida. The founder of the latter, known as Chule, states: "Thanks to this support, we will be able to work openly and help thousands of people who are on the streets, suffering from all sorts of hardships, addictions, crime, and absolute poverty." With this money, the organization will create a laundry and a bathroom/clothes closet, where people can take a dignified shower and change clothes. This is just one example of how the funds raised at the gala will be used.

"Los Soles is a very effective project to help Málaga, bringing together businesses, institutions, and individuals, and providing immediate aid to 11 deserving organizations that lack the necessary means and resources," says Rocío González, manager of the El Pimpi Foundation. "We take the best of each one, what we know how to do, to serve others and help in a very effective way," she adds. Last year's collection, from sponsorships, collaborations, donations, and sales was 172,000 euros, with more than half coming from businesses. This year, they hope to reach or exceed that figure. "This is the celebration of solidarity," she concludes.

To entertain the attendees, the stage was hosted by the presenter and godmother of the Foundation, Belinda Washington; along with Manolo Sarria, Miguel Ángel Martín (Tunomandas), and Ángel Rielo. Performances included Raimundo Amador, Nacho Campillo from Tam Tam Go!, Pablo Carbonell with Los Toreros Muertos, La banda de Antonio Vega, Legends Alive (a tribute to Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, and Queen), Pop FM, Mucho Rielo, Soul Station, Tarifa Plana, Electroduendes, Paquito Carmona, Zayas, Lady Shakes, and DJ Juan Marín.

To make it possible, along with the El Pimpi Foundation, the Soles de Málaga festival is mainly supported by the Provincial Council; the City Council of Málaga; La Caixa Foundation; Lágrimas y Favores Foundation, and Mahou San Miguel Foundation. Additionally, participating are Bodega El Pimpi; Sanamar; Larios; Fox Group; Clínicas Miranza; Burger King; Dunkin Donuts; KFC; Grupo Insur; Coca Cola; Giants; Caetano Benet; Idiliq Foundation; Famadesa; Viveros Guzmán, OAM Group; Soho Boutique Hotels; Yellowbricks Trison; Del Pozo Ingeniería; El Corte Inglés; Ly Company Foundation; Málaga Virgen; Freepik, and Quirón Salud.

In the afternoon, Francisco Salado, the president of the Provincial Council, and Luis Merino Bayona, president of the El Pimpi Foundation, shared with those present at a symbolic event the delivery of the provincial medal that had officially taken place in the morning in Álora.