The Santa Cruz Rastro will vacate its current site, adjacent to the Nuestra Señora de África Market, to permanently relocate from February 2. The 412 stalls that constitute the popular Sunday market will return to the esplanade on Marítima Avenue, facing the Treasury Delegation, where it was originally established when Covid emerged. Although another future location is not entirely ruled out, it has been confirmed that “it will no longer return next to the Recova,” as stated by the councillor for Public Services, Carlos Tarife (PP).
The councillor, who plans to convene with the Rastro traders’ association tomorrow to discuss the forthcoming transfer of this activity, specified that, “even though the closure was mandated in the aforementioned location last December, it was ultimately decided to extend it for another month for the Christmas campaign. However, reports from the Local Police and the Self-Protection Plan, pertaining to December and January, continue to verify that the municipal ordinance is not being adhered to.”
In this context, Tarife reminded that, “once again, the sale of counterfeit goods has been identified; stalls operating without visible permits; traders not occupying the designated areas on the location map; vehicles still accessing the premises or the established hours being disregarded, which, with the change of location, will be set from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Sunday market’s new venue in the Marítima Avenue parking area will enable the Santa Cruz City Council to regulate and monitor merchants with a municipal licence while preventing the issues observed thus far. “This will enhance its operation through controlled access and ensure the safety of the site itself,” remarked the councillor, as it will hinder uncontrolled vehicle access for loading and unloading goods, thus minimising risks for both vendors and pedestrians.
Tarife indicated that this decision would also usher in further enhancements for the Rastro, as in the Public Services budget for 2025, which totals nearly 13 million euros, a provision (exceeding 50,000 euros) will be allocated to install new tents after the summer, in white and blue, where the 412 stalls will be situated, aiming to elevate its appearance and dignify commercial activities. Moreover, “the regulatory ordinance will be amended, including the extended closing hours requested by vendors, and a Market Table will be established to discuss matters regarding its development,” emphasized the councillor.
On November 6, the city council enforced the suspension of the Rastro in its traditional setting, following reports that alerted to vandalism, the sale of illegal products, irregular occupation of stalls, and lack of respect, coercion, or threats to vendors or the management staff. This closure sparked protests from merchants who, after discussions with the mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, and councillor Carlos Tarife, agreed to prolong the activity until January.
