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Every four years the countries of the Mediterranean Basin gather to celebrate a competition of which "Almería 2005" will be the fifteenth celebration. The first Mediterranean Games were held in Alexandria (Egypt) in 1951, on the initiative of Mohamed Taher Pasha, who is, thus, credited with being their founder.

The International Committee for the Mediterranean Games is the organ responsible for coordinating each edition and making sure that the related committees see to keeping the spirit of this event. Similarly, different commissions join them in the global structure. They all are guided by the Mediterranean Charter.

The symbol of the Mediterranean Games consists of three rings symbolically representing Asia, Africa and Europe, which are the three continents involved in this competition. The rings describe a wavy line in their lower part, as if the Mediterranean Sea waters bathed them. This symbol can be seen on the Mediterranean Flag, a light blue background with the rings in white. During the closing ceremony, the flag is transferred to the country of the city chosen for the organisation of the next Mediterranean Games.

Far from emphasising the division of countries and continents, the Mediterranean Sea acts as a linking element. This is why water is the symbol of the Games.