Mundi Fiesta Store in Luceros Closes Due to Retirement

Christmas will be bittersweet in a little corner of Luceros Square. The iconic costume, toy, and trinket store Mundi Fiesta, located opposite the Levante fountain by Bañuls, will close its doors due to retirement in the first quarter of 2025.

It will be after the Carnival festivities when Pedro Ángel Uriarte and his wife Carmen González lower the shutters of an establishment that opened in 1962, having spent nearly 63 years bringing joy to the homes and streets of Alicante through their products.

In these weeks leading up to Christmas, Uriarte has hung the sign announcing, with equal parts joy and sadness, this new chapter. On one hand, he is happy to retire after a lifetime of effort and work; but on the other, he is saddened to see another traditional business in Alicante close.

Another factor contributing to the closure of this historic costume shop is the rising rent of the premises they face at the beginning of 2025. Sales have dwindled in recent years due to the internet giant, Uriarte laments.

It is during different seasons when the business picks up, but for most of the year—beyond Carnival, Halloween, and Christmas—it becomes a struggle. In fact, a few years ago, he was forced to let go of an employee to balance the books, and since then, only the couple has run this Alicante costume shop.

Pedro Ángel Uriarte still gets emotional when talking about the beginnings of Mundi Fiesta. It was back in 1962 when his parents opened this store in Luceros Square under the name Magesbi, which corresponds to the initials of his mother, Magdalena Estarellas Bibiloni.

This was not their first store, as they were previously located on San Vicente Street, near 'Buen Gusto', and also near the old bus station, now Séneca Square. They also settled in the Altozano neighborhood, where his nephew still runs the legendary Magesbi.

Before all that, Uriarte recounts that his mother Magdalena was a traveling merchant. She visited numerous markets where she sold her products before settling in stores and shops with Magesbi. "Little by little they prospered," he proudly shares.

He also recalls the family entrepreneurship story. His parents began their careers in the 'La Caramela' factory of nougat and sweets in Altozano. It was there, in an old convent converted into a workplace and home, where they made products like 'Tortas Jurado y Uriarte'.

These were the products they took to markets before establishing the iconic Magesbi, transformed into Mundi Fiesta by Pedro and Carmen. Many locals know them for being behind the counter during various festivities, waiting to find the best costume. However, this Christmas and Carnival will be the last times they enjoy their advice and good salesmanship.