Faced with uncertainty about what will happen to local festivals in 2021, and in the absence of clear guidelines from the Generalitat (regional government), several Marina Alta municipalities have decided to join forces to present a common front and agree on a roadmap regarding events and festivals this summer. A total of 18 county councillors and mayors in the region have held telematic meetings to contribute positions and know the situation of their neighbours.
The general belief is that for the second year in a row, the festivals will be different from what we were used to before the pandemic. Although it is still a few months away, the current situation means that there will be no uncontrolled mass events such as open-air dances or discos. However, all councillors at last Thursday's meeting agreed that cultural events will carry important weight, including concerts, theatre or outdoor performances, with controlled capacity, interpersonal spacing and compliance with all hygiene and safety measures.
Likewise, the authorisation of bars and "casals" (festival bars) or kàbiles has also been almost certainly ruled out. As for the “festeros” and “quintos”, no general agreement was reached, since each locality has its peculiarities.
"Nobody likes this situation, but we have to adapt and be aware that for the time being the fiestas will not be the same as before", the councillors present agreed. They all want to send a message of unity to the public and show that although each city has its own festivities and peculiarities, COVID-19 has the same impact in each of them.
Similarly, they also stressed that they will work and make decisions day by day, always adapting to the circumstances and current regulations. In any case, they hope for "cooperation and responsibility from citizens when it comes to compliance".
Signatory municipalities:
Alcalalí
Benigembla
Benissa
Calf
El Poble Nou de Benitatxell
El Ràfol d'Almúnia
El Verger
Els Poblets
Gata de Gorgos
Jesús Pobre
La Vall de Gallinera
Ondara
Orba
Pedreguer
Pego
Sagra
Sanet i Negrals
Xaló