The 'hippies' of the Explanada begin to empty their stalls

On Wednesday, the 'hippies' of the Explanada began to remove some of the materials they still kept in the stalls that have filled this famous promenade for more than 40 years. The traders had resisted emptying the stalls of products until now, hoping for an extension that would allow them to continue their activity until an alternative location for the market could be found.

Although signs decorating the stalls read phrases like "We will not give up" or "Mr Mayor, keep your word", they have sadly started to clear out their materials. A decision they postponed as long as possible, hoping to find an alternative or secure a new extension by the 15th of the month, before closing. If nothing changes, in two days they will have to dismantle the stalls, and there is still no other solution on the table.

The Explanada Vendors Association (AVE) continues to claim that they were promised relocation, not suspension, and therefore demand to remain on the Explanada until another city space is found. From the City Council, Councillor Cristina Cutanda explained last Tuesday that the traders still have the area of the Lonja available, which they must request from the Port Authority. This alternative, the last after several failed locations, is not favoured by the traders due to the narrowness of the space.

This Thursday, the traders will again gather in front of the doors of Alicante City Hall, between 10 and 12 o'clock, to demand a solution that allows them to continue their commercial activity at least until December 2026, when the licence they were initially granted on the Explanada expires.

If nothing changes, on the 1st of February, the Explanada of Alicante will wake up for the first time in over 40 years without stalls.

The Explanada traders received the court ruling last Tuesday, which dismissed their request for precautionary measures to prevent the market's closure. In its decision, the judge dismissed the measures, considering that the 2023 plenary agreement revoked the licence granted to the traders and that at that time, the AVE did not file any appeal against this decision by the council. The 'hippies' of the Explanada announced on the same day that they would file an appeal against this court ruling.