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October Fair a success I t was greeted with derision when the announcement came that the May Fair couldn’t take place in May after all. With a new slot in October, there were some who wondered if it might ever happen. They were proved wrong. From 11th to 15th October, the newly named Sevillanas Fair, delighted the people of Torrevieja and much further afield. The May fair was postponed until October this year due to difficulties with issuing contracts in sufficient time for the traditional Andalucian event to take place before the summer season. It may have
come five months later than normal, but in almost every other aspect the fair remained just as entertaining and vibrant as usual. As you would expect in May, the marquees were erected around the port area with each one offering a selection of food and impromptu performances of flamenco dancing. A traditional part of the fair is the procession of horses and carriages and Spanish costumes. These were out on the street both on the Saturday and Sunday and were enjoyed by many onlookers. Every evening a number of local dance groups entertained audiences with their
shows of flamenco and it seemed as though everyone turned out on Saturday night to enjoy these planned and impromptu spectacles. Altogether 29 different marquees had been erected next to the fair ground and many of these were full. There is also a religious side to the festivities, with a mass being held at 1pm in the Inmaculada church in the central square of the town. At 8.30pm on Saturday the crowd was entertained by Payas dance group with a selection of 12 flamenco and classical dances involving children from four years old to adults.
Tuesday, 17th - 23rd October 2017
Baile Dharma followed Payas on the specially erected stage. The final performance was from Carlos Vargas and Chayo Mohedano with the show ‘Viva la copla’. The performances were presented by Luis Terry and the Salt Queen, Marta Andréu. Although the event was a success, unfortunately some people would miss out this year as they were unable to rearrange their holidays to accommodate the fair’s new month. Even though it seemed to go well in October too, there are no plans to reschedule the fair on a permanent basis. It should be able to go ahead as usual in May next year. With now only six months to put it back in its traditional slot, there will be those wondering if the October billing isn’t here to stay. Suzanne O’Connell
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