On Saturday, 9 May, communities across the Costa del Sol will come together once again for the Darkness into Light charity walks—an international initiative focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
Taking place at dawn, the event follows a simple but powerful format: a five-kilometre walk that begins in darkness and ends at sunrise, symbolising hope and recovery. The initiative, originally launched in Ireland, has grown into a global movement attracting hundreds of thousands of participants each year.
Here on the Costa del Sol, several walks are being organised with the support of the AFESOL mental health association. One of the key events will see participants walk from La Carihuela in Torremolinos to Benalmádena’s Castillo El Bil Bil, setting off at around 6am.
Further west, Estepona will host its 11th edition of the walk, also starting at dawn along the paseo marítimo. The five-kilometre route runs from the Malva Beach area to the Mirador del Carmen, raising funds for suicide prevention programmes and support services for families affected by mental health issues.
More than just a walk, Darkness into Light is a shared act of solidarity. It brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to support those struggling, honour those lost, and help break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Whether you take part in Estepona, Torremolinos, Benalmádena or beyond, the message is the same: no one has to face the darkness alone.
If you’d like to sign up for one of these walks you can do so here: www.eventmaster.ie/event/D0EEtmAcJr
