The Santa Cruz Rastro will vacate its current site adjacent to the Nuestra Señora de África Market and will relocate permanently starting from February 2. The 412 stalls that constitute the well-known Sunday market will return to the esplanade on Marítima Avenue, in front of the Treasury Delegation, where it was originally set up as a response to Covid. Although another future location is possible, “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 meet with the Rastro merchants association tomorrow to discuss the imminent relocation of this activity, noted that, “although the closure was ordered for that location last December, it was ultimately decided to prolong it for another month for the Christmas campaign. However, reports from the Local Police and the Self-Protection Plan for December and January continue to confirm that the municipal ordinance is not being adhered to.”
In this regard, Tarife reminded that, “once again, the sale of counterfeit goods has been identified; stalls operating without visible licences; vendors not occupying the designated areas on the location map; vehicles entering the premises, or the stipulated hours not being observed. Moreover, with the relocation, the operational hours will now be established from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The new site for the Sunday market, located in the Marítima Avenue car park, will enable the Santa Cruz City Council to regulate and oversee the access of vendors possessing a municipal licence, thereby preventing the issues encountered thus far. “This will enhance its development by controlling access and ensuring the security of the site itself,” said the councillor, as it will prevent uncontrolled vehicle access for the loading and unloading of goods, which poses a risk to both vendors and pedestrians.
Tarife indicated that this decision will also lead to additional improvements for the Rastro. Within the Public Services budget for 2025, amounting to nearly 13 million euros, an allocation exceeding 50,000 euros will be designated for new white and blue tents to be installed post-summer, where the 412 stalls will be situated, aiming to enhance its appearance and dignify the commercial activity. Furthermore, “the regulatory ordinance will be revised to include the extension of closing hours requested by vendors, and a Market Table will be established to discuss its development issues,” the councillor emphasised.
On November 6, the council declared a suspension of the Rastro in its customary location, based on reports that highlighted incidents of vandalism, the sale of illicit products, irregular stall occupancy, or instances of disrespect, coercion, or threats directed towards vendors or the management staff. This suspension resulted in protests from merchants who, after discussions with the mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, and the councillor, Carlos Tarife, agreed to extend the activity until January.
