- Orihuela City Council hires external company to organize and promote local commerce events in 2025.
- Two event packages: Six key events throughout the year, plus a dedicated Christmas market.
- Total budget: €155,140 (including VAT) with €103,977 for six events and €51,163 for Christmas market.
- Events to feature family activities,performances,and local vendor participation.
- Christmas market requires at least 40% of vendors to have fiscal domicile in Orihuela.
Orihuela Mobilizes New Strategy to Boost Local Commerce Through Year-Long Events
The Orihuela City Council has taken a fresh approach to revitalizing its commercial areas by contracting an external company to spearhead the organization and advancement of various promotional events. These events aim to attract more shoppers to the streets, assisting local businesses and fostering community engagement throughout 2025.
Thorough Event Plan Divided into Two Main Lots
The tender issued by the local government divides services into two main lots targeting different aspects of the city’s commerce calendar:
- Lot 1: Coordination of six major events aligned with key moments in the year – christmas, Black Friday, Back-to-school, Spring, Local Commerce Day, and Carnival.
- Lot 2: Exclusive focus on organizing the traditional Christmas market.
The total budget allocated for these contracts amounts to €155,140 (IVA included), with €103,977 dedicated to the first lot covering the six events and €51,163 reserved for the Christmas market alone. the contract duration is limited to the year 2025.
Key Features of the Six Year-Round Events
These events will take place primarily in two commercial zones across the city, except for Christmas, which expands into three high-traffic areas:
| Event | Scheduled Dates | Primary Locations | Notable Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas | 5th – 30th December | Severo Ochoa Park, Calle Mayor-Patriarca antioquia, Plaza Nueva & Plaza centuria Romana | Inflatable attractions, 360° photocall, giant piano, family workshops & small-scale shows |
| Black Friday | November (Exact dates TBD) | Two main commercial zones | Live theater, magic, puppet shows, story-telling, creative kids’ activities |
| Back-to-School | September | Two main commercial zones | Workshops, entertainment shows, creative zones for children |
| Spring | Spring months | Two main commercial zones | Family activities, arts and crafts, live performances |
| Local Commerce Day | To be scheduled | Two main commercial zones | Special promotions, interactive entertainment, street performances |
| Carnival | Typically February/March | Two main commercial zones | Themed performances, music, children’s workshops, street parades |
Each event will last at least three hours and include a small-format live show such as theater, dancing, or storytelling, with performers compensated up to €2,000. The family-friendly settings will encompass attractions like inflatable playgrounds, handicraft workshops, and innovative photo opportunities to increase visitor engagement.
Christmas Market: A Festive Tradition with a Local Twist
The traditional Christmas market will be held near iconic commercial areas like Calle Mayor and Calle San Pascual-Plaza Nueva, featuring 20 market stalls.Besides sale points for Christmas and artisanal products, the market includes a large 50-square-meter marquee dedicated to family-oriented activities such as magic shows, face painting, storytelling, and creative workshops.
To promote local economy further, the Council mandates that at least 40% of the vendors must have thier fiscal domicile in Orihuela. Moreover, the event will host 20 large-scale outdoor performances and 10 smaller indoor acts to enrich the atmosphere and draw visitors.
Supporting Local Commerce: Council’s strategic Vision
The city Council’s Commercial Department emphasizes the importance of such initiatives as tools for economic recovery and growth in the local business sector. By bringing communities back to the heart of Orihuela’s shopping streets during key commercial dates, these events help stimulate sales and respond directly to the needs of local suppliers and entrepreneurs.
Summary of Budgets and Objectives
| Lot | Scope | Budget (€ IVA included) | Main Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot 1 | Six events across the year | 103,977 | Enhance foot traffic, entertain families, highlight local shops |
| Lot 2 | Christmas market | 51,163 | Support local artisans, festive atmosphere, community engagement |
These plans mark a clear commitment from Orihuela’s city government to boost commerce outside conventional marketing by focusing on experiential and community-based events.
What This Means for Orihuela Residents and Businesses
- For local businesses: New opportunities to showcase products during high-visibility events targeting local traffic.
- For families and visitors: Free or low-cost quality entertainment and festive activities throughout the year.
- For vendors and artisans: Prominent sales platform, especially during the Christmas market with preferential treatment for residents.
- For the community: Enhanced city atmosphere, social engagement, and support for Orihuela’s economy.
With this strategy in place, Orihuela looks forward to a vibrant year of commerce, culture, and community connection.
Sources: