The Fauna of the Esplanade, Endangered

The biodiversity peeks around every corner of the Esplanade promenade in Alicante. Numerous species flourish on the tiles, offering a unique view of the promenade—rebuilt over the old breakwater—as well as attractions for locals and visitors. However, some are at risk of extinction.

The only ones that will remain long-term on the Alicante promenade are the plants and trees, like the iconic palm trees that cover its kilometer length, providing relief during the summer, in addition to a dance spectacle in their branches when gusts cross the Esplanade.

Meanwhile, the historic craft market, popularly known as the 'hippies', has closed its doors. The City Council's moratorium to find a new space and relocate their stalls ended this Wednesday, leading to the shuttering and dismantling of booths before January 31.

Once the activity ceased in this section, from La Concha to Canalejas, life continues on the Esplanade promenade. Just a stroll along the Esplanade of Alicante on any morning or afternoon reveals the numerous attractions offered on the tiles.

The show begins at number 1 of the Esplanade, from the bollards separating the promenade from the Plaza del Mar. It is here that seats are improvised with views of the fountain, the promenade, and two iconic buildings, Casa Carbonell and the old Palas hotel. The ambiance is set by an accordion that enlivens the afternoon, moving from terrace to terrace, seeking applause and coins.

It is when the step begins that Peret serves horchatas at his bar, with the terrace deserted. In front of the establishment, caricature stalls appear where couples sit to immortalize their visit with their best expressions. Behind this, another table filled with fans, magnets, and oils depicting various corners of the province and the city of Alicante. Here, tourists rest their gaze, momentarily setting aside their mobile phones and photographs.

Culture also covers the Esplanade with a stall selling bookmarks, adjacent to tarps displaying various branded bags, belts, and football shirts. These are the imitations of the 'top manta', which also include personalized bracelets. Visitors pause at those stalls that remain open—others close due to lack of success—and turn the promenade into an impromptu fitting room with Mbappé and Lamine Yamal jerseys.

The next attraction on the promenade, heading towards Canalejas and before reaching the intersection with the Rambla, goes beyond the mundane space. It is a mime dressed in silver paint to bring to life, whenever a coin is tossed, an alien riding a bicycle. In the purest E.T. style, but with an innovative touch.

Throughout this section, citizens and visitors enjoy ice creams on benches and evening menus on terraces, all filled to the brim. Many keep their eyes on another element of the fauna. "Yes! It's from 'Monsters, Inc.'," a child shouts upon seeing a giant plush toy shaped like James P. "Sulley" Sullivan, the Disney Pixar character who also asks for photos while offering hugs.

The disappearance of the chairs, as well as their removal at night, does not deter a stop at the Esplanade. Alicante residents and visitors take advantage of the new facilities, following the refurbishment of the cul-de-sac, to take a break with views of the new fountains. The water offers a spectacle of shapes accompanied by light, leading to the best snapshots to share on social media, while some brave souls venture into them.

The second section of the Esplanade features some withdrawals. Artists pack up their stalls to return home before a new day of painting and selling on the promenade. The lights of the craft market, the 'hippies', turned off since this Wednesday, have mesmerized walkers who gazed at their creations and souvenirs.

In front of the stalls—now with the shutters down—more artists. Among them, two photographers from another century who gift a snapshot that adorns the cover of a fictional period newspaper to offer an iconic image of the visit to Alicante. With a tripod camera, they capture the steps of the crowd in front of others who admire the scene from the terrace of a pub with a beer in hand. It is here that different languages also coexist.

Another wave of 'hippies' stalls greets passersby, until a few days ago with Alicante aprons in their displays. In front of them, more art, with paintings of the city's monuments and other items. It is upon reaching near Canalejas that several shutters of the craft market are already down. On them, various demands are displayed to survive on the Esplanade. Turning around, waiters from different restaurants offer a table and a menu to digest the safari.