The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has reached an agreement with the vendors at the city’s flea market, enabling them to suggest alternative viable sites nearby the current area for evaluation by the council, with a deadline set for the week of February 9. If no suitable locations are identified, the market will relocate to Marítima Avenue.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the City Council reaffirmed its “commitment” to preserving the Rastro activity, which they regard as having “substantial economic and cultural significance” for the city, with 400 stalls participating, but necessitating a setting that adheres to “all required safety standards.”
The council reminds that the safety concerns regarding the existing site, situated near the Our Lady of Africa Market, have been flagged multiple times. Consequently, on November 6, the City Council enacted a temporary suspension of the market due to these issues.
Following a meeting held on the same day, the local authority resolved to permit the market to operate until January 6 in order to safeguard Christmas sales while simultaneously seeking a final solution.
The mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, has stated that “the Rastro is a traditional and vital venture for many families in our community,” affirming that the council is “fully committed to ensuring its continuation, but always within a framework that guarantees the safety of all participants.”
In this context, the Councillor for Public Services, Carlos Tarife, emphasised that the City Council is “mindful of the economic and cultural significance of the Rastro for our city, which is why we are dedicated to ensuring its continuation under optimal safety conditions.”
“This year, we will purchase tents to enhance the appearance of the stalls and will amend the regulations to better suit the vendors’ requirements. Moreover, should it relocate to Avenida Marítima, we will do everything possible to maintain its visibility and ensure it attracts the same footfall as every Sunday,” he added.
