Manilva unveils a mural in honour of the Virgen del Carmen in the Fishermen's Quarter

Mayor Mario Jiménez and councillor Pilar Zúñiga unveil the work of María José Gil Lozano, which pays tribute to the fishing tradition of Sabinillas.

The Manilva Town Hall inaugurated a large mural in the Fishermen's Quarter of Sabinillas this Monday. The work, dedicated to the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of fishermen, aims to beautify the area and highlight the cultural legacy of the coastal community.

A tribute to the maritime tradition

Local artist María José Gil Lozano is the creator of the illustration, which depicts the Virgen del Carmen alongside symbolic elements of the neighbourhood, such as boats and fishing nets. According to municipal sources, the design was agreed upon with the Brotherhood of Fishermen of Sabinillas to faithfully reflect the community's devotion.

Parish priest José Antonio Melgar blessed the mural during the inauguration ceremony, attended by local residents and members of the council. The artwork is located on a façade visible from the Avenida del Puerto, with the aim of allowing both residents and visitors to enjoy it.

Boosting the beautification of the coastline

The councillor for Beautification, Pilar Zúñiga, highlighted that this initiative is part of a municipal plan to recover public spaces in coastal areas. “We want every corner of Manilva to tell a story,” she stated during the event, as reported by the town hall.

The mural adds to other recent interventions in Sabinillas, such as the renovation of the promenade and the installation of new urban furniture. Residents of the Fishermen's Quarter have positively valued the initiative, which reinforces the identity of the area.

A commitment to local art

María José Gil Lozano, a native of Manilva, worked for three weeks on the execution of the mural, using weather-resistant acrylic paint. The artist combined shades of blue and white, evoking the sea and the brotherhood tradition.

Mayor Mario Jiménez emphasised the importance of supporting local talent and reminded that the council has allocated a specific budget for urban art projects. “It’s a way to energise the municipality and generate neighbourhood pride,” he stated.

The work has already become a reference point for locals, who have begun sharing images on social media. The Town Hall plans to organise a mural route through Manilva and Sabinillas to promote the artistic heritage of the municipality.