Announcement of the Málaga Fair: access to the booths is free

The countdown to the Málaga Fair has begun, and as every year, the announcement is published reminding what can and cannot be done. One thing the mayor always likes to remind is the access to youth booths, which will end their daily activities at 7:00 AM. The document notes that entry to the family and youth area will be free and unrestricted. Also, individuals under 18 will not be allowed to enter or remain in booths in the commercial or youth zone that offer programming similar to nightclubs or party halls. Meanwhile, those located in the Feria del Centro will end their activities at 6:00 PM on the 23rd, and those in the Fairgrounds at 7:00 AM on August 24.

De la Torre asserts that the city "will become a meeting place within a festive and multicultural environment," and calls for individual responsibility to avoid the spread of false information, which "can cause alarm and even serious security issues." To this end, he has asked the public to "be thorough when sharing information and to rely on official sources and media outlets that verify their information with these sources."

He also pleads for "safeguarding the right of citizens to move around the city without having to endure annoying or disturbing situations" by adhering to the conduct rules outlined in the ordinance.

Regarding security, it is reminded that the Málaga Local Police will be able to perform necessary checks to prevent the carrying or use of weapons, pyrotechnic devices, or any other item that could be used for assault, proceeding with their confiscation and reporting.

Additionally, officers may intervene for security and civic coexistence reasons to confiscate any type of containers and drink bottles carried in public areas during the Fair, if it is presumed they could be used to commit any prohibited behaviors outlined in the ordinance. They will also monitor the sale of alcoholic beverages or bulk cocktails in unauthorized containers.

It is also reminded that raffles, attractions, and authorized street vendors are prohibited from offering as prizes, distributing, or selling simulated firearms, knives, bows, crossbows, arrows, or other sharp objects, as well as megaphones that include sounds mimicking emergency services. Non-compliance with this provision will result in intervention and confiscation.

On another note, Málaga's Civil Protection will deploy during the Fair both in the Real area and in the Center the Volunteer Group which, in coordination with the Local Police, will ensure safety.

Thus, they will have fixed posts both in the Real, in the safety area in front of the entrance, and in the Feria del Centro, at the Plaza de la Marina. At these fixed points, in addition to providing usual assistance, QR-coded wristbands for minors and dependent individuals with orientation issues can be requested.

Civil Protection has DEA defibrillators, available at both the mentioned fixed points and in Civil Protection vehicles, thus ensuring a cardioprotected Fair. For the Fair in the city center, this year there will also be signage in areas expected to have high concentrations of people, indicating evacuation routes.

The Royal Fire Corps also has the usual security details planned, both at the Feria del Centro and at the Real, and on the night of the fireworks; the medical arrangements are also indicated.

Regarding schedules, noise levels, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages and food, both at the Feria del centro histórico and at the Real Fairgrounds, the announcement reminds of the due compliance with the regulations. In particular, it refers to the prohibition of sale or dispensing of alcoholic beverages by hospitality or entertainment establishments for consumption outside the establishment and adjacent areas duly authorized.

Thus, the Fair in the historic center will start at 12:00 PM and end at 6:00 PM in all its streets and squares, ceasing music at that time, which will only be allowed inside licensed hospitality establishments within authorized levels. Regarding the booths at the Real Fairgrounds, they must start opening from 2:00 PM, ending their daily activity at 6:00 AM except on holidays and holiday eves, when they can extend their hours until 7:00 AM.

For transportation to both the center and the Fairgrounds, the use of public transport is recommended. The EMT will extend its schedules and services during the Fair days. Also, they remind of the F line, which will connect the center with the Real; taxi stops, as well as that VTC vehicles will have a designated area for picking up and dropping off passengers.

Regarding the access control system to the historic center, it will operate in accordance with the announcement, meaning access to the interior of the historic center will not be allowed except in cases of emergencies. Once normalcy is restored in the area and following indications from the Local Police, the system will operate normally giving access to residents and authorized individuals.

Regarding the Horse Parade at the Real, compliance will also be according to the Municipal Fair Ordinance and the indications of the Local Police. As for the Urban Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of La Victoria, attendees are reminded to maintain a minimum safety distance from harnesses and animals, among others. Once concluded, the harnesses and horsemen may not remain in the center and adjacent streets, being able to head to the Real. Only horses and mules will be allowed for riding and harnessing, with the use of donkeys, ponies, or other types of animals being prohibited.

The riding of ponies by minors for walks and exhibitions is excepted, always accompanied by an adult and having authorization from their parents or guardians. In the interest of the welfare and protection of equines, it must be ensured that they are kept in good hygienic-sanitary conditions.

On another note, the announcement also emphasizes cleaning and waste collection. Thus, in addition to the provisions of the municipal regulations, particularities such as that the disposal of household waste in the center will be carried out at the usual times, always within the containers.

Hospitality establishments, booths, and shops will dispose of waste in sealed bags within the containers. At the Real Fairgrounds, the generated waste must be disposed of, separated by fractions, in sealed bags and remain inside the booth until the time of collection, which will be in two daily shifts.

Cleaning services will be working in the streets of the historic center 24 hours a day, and starting at 7:00 PM, cleaning and washing operations will begin, so he has asked for "the maximum cooperation from all citizens and business owners for a quick and effective cleaning."