Summary
- Over 150 artisan stalls at Torrevieja’s La Libertad promenade have officially closed.
- The stalls, known as the “hippies,” will be temporarily relocated to the Vía Verde.
- Municipal renovations are expected to conclude by Summer 2026.
- Controversy exists over the management of the relocation and the future of the stalls.
- Local vendors depend heavily on their crafts, contributing significantly to the community.
Closure of Artisan stalls Marks a New Chapter for Torrevieja
In a notable turn of events, the beloved artisan stalls, commonly referred to as the “hippies,” at Torrevieja’s la Libertad promenade have closed their doors as of this Friday. The closure is part of ongoing municipal renovations, leaving both vendors and customers in a state of uncertainty about the future.
Current Status of the Promenade
The Torrevieja city Council has assured that the renovations of the La Libertad promenade will be completed by the summer of 2026, featuring the expansion and pedestrianization of the adjacent avenue. However, the timeline for the completion of other ongoing projects in the area is less optimistic. The redesign of the promenade itself has undergone multiple changes as its initial proposal earlier in 2023 and is yet to receive final approval for contracting the construction work.
Relocation Plans
As part of the restructuring process, around 150 artisan vendors will be temporarily moved to the Vía Verde, specifically the first section of Avenida de la Estación. The vendors began vacating their wooden stalls over the past few days, some recalling their long history of over 40 years in the original location. The first stall to leave was a historic waffle stand, which has been in operation for over four decades.
- New Location: Vía verde, near the first section of Avenida de la Estación.
- Temporary Operations: Vendors are expected to resume operations before Holy Week.
- QR codes: Many stalls are leveraging technology, using QR codes to inform customers about their new location.
Concerns and Controversies
Despite the uneventful nature of the agreement concerning relocation, many vendors express dissatisfaction with the decision, questioning why other potential locations where not considered—like Parque de Doña Sinforosa or municipal lands near the Flamingo roundabout in front of Carrefour. The city government cited that the Feria de Atracciones and the 150 stalls could not share space,causing confusion and frustration among the vendors.
Future of the Stalls
The mayor, Eduardo Dolón, has stated that all 150 stalls will eventually return to the promenade but with a new design. However, there is concern that the number of returning vendors may decrease from the current 170 and that some stalls may be scattered across different areas of the promenade rather than grouped together.
Many vendors depend on their stalls not just for personal income but also contribute to the local economy, showcasing unique artisanal goods. This strong reliance on the market means changes to their operations can significantly impact their livelihoods.
conclusion
As the closures and relocations unfold, the community of Torrevieja stands at a crossroads. The future of La Libertad promenade hinges on the successful execution of renovation projects that strive to balance modernization with the cherished tradition of artisanal craftsmanship.
For more data, you can read the original article from Información.