Outside of Andalucia, the next largest fair of its kind is the four-day event staged in Torrevieja, which this year attracted thousands of tourists and residents. The inauguration was performed by Torrevieja’s Councilor for Culture, Eduardo Dolon followed by the Choir and Orchestra Salinas de Torrevieja “Maestro Ricardo Lafuente”, directed by Manuel Martínez Guirao, a spectacular firework display and entertainment from Local Dance School Agustina Esteve.
Throughout the four days, visitors danced ‘sevillanas’, wined and dined in the ‘casetas’ and were entertained each evening; on Thursday by the flamenco artist El Arrebato and Friday by Grupo de Baile Paya’s Dance School, Lola Morales plus a concert by the choir Coro Alba Rociera.
Saturday was a special occasion due to this also being European Day however afternoon rain curtailed some of the activities but not before a ‘Rociera’ Mass sung by the choir Coro Alba Rociera was performed at the Inmaculada’s Church and the rain stayed off just long enough for visitors to see the horsemanship of the riders and drivers travelling through the streets and within the fairgrounds.
The main attraction on Saturday evening was from Antón Moreno, who blended flamenco with jazz, swing and standards, much to the delight of the thousand or more people in attendance. The fair closed on Sunday with yet another fireworks display and promises of an even bigger and better event for 2010 when the location shall shift to a new location beside the water park.
