The 1980’s TV series Verano Azul is widely credited as having put Nerja ‘on the map’, not only nationally but also on a worldwide scale.
As probably everyone is aware, a new series is to be filmed in 2009, 25 years after the screening of the original series, and although several places were keen to host it, Málaga and Alicante being the main rivals to Nerja, it was virtually assumed it would return to Nerja.
And it nearly did. However, despite the widespread assunptions, it would seem that the decision has now been taken to film the new series in Alicante. All very last minute, but it looks like Alicante will now derive all the publicity and benefits.
So why the sudden change? Nothing is very clear at the moment, but there are bits and pieces appearing on various forums and the like.
The film company were certainly looking for financial assistance from any municipality being considered, although it seems to be fairly clear that Nerja was the favoured location. Partly because it was the scene of the original series, of course.
Finance, though, seems to be at the heart of the matter. The Nerja Caves Foundation, merrily building bridges, museums and making funds available for anniversary conferences etc, appears to have withdrawn its offer of financial support to the project. That would leave Nerja Council to take up the slack.
Again, if the snippets are to be believed, the Council doesn’t have the funds for such an important project. Mmmm. Hard to believe, as there’s enough to pay consultants for draft reports which are never used.
Officials in Alicante, on the other hand, seems to be prepared to put their mittens in their pockets, and who can blame them? Tourism in Alicante is suffering badly at the moment, this could see that situation reversed in no time flat.
We are, however, only speculating at the moment as to the reasons for the change of heart, especially as it was at the last minute. Just seems shame on the face of it, but maybe when we know all the reasons we may think differently. Or not.
tony says:
We are regular visitors to Nerja. I have watched several of the Veano Azul series on You Tube and was fasinated to know that the series was made in Nerja and I think it will allways b associated with Nerja. What a pity its not been remade in Nerja as it would give much needed publicity to this beautiful area of Spain.
tony says:
We are regular visitors to Nerja. I have watched several of the Veano Azul series on You Tube and was fasinated to know that the series was made in Nerja and I think it will allways b associated with Nerja. What a pity its not been remade in Nerja as it would give much needed publicity to this beautiful area of Spain.