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Tuesday, 26th September - Monday, 2nd October 2017
Ready for the ‘October’Fair
t was sadly missed in May but now it looks as though the May Fair will still take place, if a little late in October. The inaugural event, the offering of flowers, took place on Sunday 24th September, 15 days before the festival itself will begin. Dozens of people dressed in traditional sevillanas clothes took part in the ceremony which includes the offering of flowers to the Virgen del Inmaculada in the calles Ramón and Cajal. This was just a prequel to the flamboyant Feria de Sevillanas that we can now expect to take place from the 10th to 15th Octoberin the port area of the town.
The delay in holding the fair was due to difficulty in issuing the correct contracts in time. These are now in place for a total of €106,552 and this popular event can now go ahead. The possibility of holding the fair during the summer months was discussed. However, the decision was taken to wait until Octoberdue to the heat and number of visitors that Torrevieja plays host to during July and August. Instead it was agreed to wait until the quieter month of
October. The delay did not put people off on Sunday. There was plenty of evidence of the usual May Fair excitement with a good turn out and plenty of flamenco dancing opposite the statue of the Purísima Concepción which is situated close to playa del Cura. Those taking part were dressed in their traditional suits and flamenco dresses and there was even a carriage to take some participants to the monument. People placed garlands of flowers at
the statue and there were several horse riders too to bring some extra glamour to the event. The crowd then went to the parish of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús where an official mass took place, this time in honour of the Feria de Sevillanas rather than the Feria de Mayo. Later in the afternoon the candidates for the Sevillanas Queen were presented. This is organised by the town hall in conjunction with the Andalucian house
‘Rafael Alberti’. The May fair attracts people from all over Spain but in particular from Andalucia which is the centre of the tradition. It is perhaps Torrevieja’s most well known festivity and attracts visitors from all over the world. It was sadly missed in May and for some, who book flights to coincide with the dates, it will not be possible to celebrate it this year. As the event is being held in October it will, however, coincide with the bank holiday of the Virgen del Pilar. It is intended that the fair returns to its usual slot in May in 2018. Suzanne O’Connell
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