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Busy buses
THE Elche city bus registered more than 9.9 million passengers during 2022. This is an increase of 23.46 per cent over the previous year, the councillor for Sustainable Mobility, Esther Diez, has confirmed.
“These figures reflect the fact that citizens are returning to normality and making use of public transport after the pandemic,” said the councillor, who is convinced that 2023 will be a key year for increasing the number of passengers.
Diez assured that the percentages are similar in terms of the type of tickets used compared to previous years, with 60 per cent of people travelling free of charge and more than 20 per cent using season tickets.
Diez also stated that since the last fourmonth period of 2022, around 10 per cent of users have travelled with the 50 per cent discount and she is convinced that with this poli cy of reducing prices, the number of passengers using the passes will increase.
ORIHUELA was unrecognisable to the 21st century visitor last weekend as the city transformed into a medieval market town. The 23rd edition of the event was declared open on Friday, February 3 before a weekend of festivities.
This year’s event saw more than 300 craft and food stalls line the streets of the city, offering their wares for passersby to sample and purchase. As well as selling traditional artisan goods, stall owners held demonstrations and workshops for visitors to learn more about the city’s medieval past. Knights also battled it out in duels and birds of prey demonstrations entertained guests.
As for the use of the lines, the councillor pointed out that the B line, with 1,331,309 passengers, was the most used.
Medieval mania
Medieval Orihuela was also brought to life by merchants in costume, parades and historical reenactments carried out by a theatre company. Families from all over the country enjoyed a fun day out while learning about the city’s past.
Over the weekend the city’s museums also offered longer opening hours and interesting exhibitions on different historical figures including King Alfonso X, allowing visitors to discover more about the city’s roots.
EUROVISION fans will be delighted to hear that Elche is representing Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest later this year.
Elche’s mayor, Carlos Gonzalez, has described the Eurovision singer, Blanca Paloma, as: “A woman with talent, creativity, intelligence, sensitivity and commitment.”
He also stressed that she
