Oldest livestock feria is hoping for a return

ALICANTE´S oldest livestock feria dating back to 1272 could be set for a return. After an absence of two years due to the economic climate the Orihuela Livestock Feria  that ran for 737 consecutive years until 2009 could return this October.

Its future this year depends on whether the the event can be organised for €35,000, rather than the €140,000 cost when it was last staged. Various alternatives are being investigated as to how best to organise the fair, with different quotes , according to Los Verdes (The Greens) Councillor Manuel Culiañez.

The exclusion of Andalucian horses, which raises the costs, is being considered, with a return to the more traditional fair which would also generate its own revenue. The fair has in previous times been held in August, but due to monetary issues, there was not enough time to organise it for the same time this summer.

There is no wish to hold it this month as it would clash with Murcia’s Livestock Fair.. Looking ahead, it is hoped that in future Orihuela’s Livestock Feria can once more be held in August, as more people are in the area at that time.

Culianez said that the event was not held last year because the previous governing party had reportedly only “left €30,000 and there was no time to organise it.”