CalpeNoticias EN

Last week, Calpe Town Council began a new phase in the selection process to recruit new officers to the Local Police Force with the aim of strengthening the workforce and security in the municipality. The physical entrance tests were held from Monday to Wednesday with 340 candidates taking part, of whom 175 successfully passed.

The Council is offering 11 places on a first-come, first-served basis. The Town Council has welcomed the high number of participants in this phase of the process, which is now moving on to the second phase with theoretical and psychometric tests until the competitive examination process is complete.

According to Guillermo Sendra, Councillor for Public Safety, ‘this measure is part of the municipal government's commitment to increasing the human resources of the police force, with the aim of continuing to offer citizens and visitors more effective and closer attention in terms of safety and collaboration. This reinforcement of the workforce goes hand in hand with an increase and improvement in the material resources of this vital professional service’. This call for applications represents another step towards a safer Calpe, in line with the municipality's strategic security and prevention plans.

Calpe has been one of the destinations selected this year to host the ‘Travel Challenge’, an educational event in which 64 Dutch university students from the tourism sector have participated, allowing them to discover the culture, landscape and gastronomy of the municipality. The day was organised by the Foreign Tourist Office in The Hague (Turespaña), the Costa Blanca Tourist Board and Calpe Town Council.

The visit began at the Casa Nova with a working meeting focused on finding innovative solutions to reconcile the challenges of sustainability with tourism promotion. The group then moved on to the old town to enjoy a tasting of typical local dishes and ended the day with a visit to La Cometa.
This visit is part of a training programme that will visit other towns such as Benidorm and Alicante, so that future professionals in the Dutch tourism sector can get to know the Costa Blanca first-hand.

The Dutch market is a strategic market for tourism on the Costa Blanca, as in 2024 alone more than 1.5 million Dutch tourists arrived at Alicante airport, making it the second largest international market in terms of passenger volume.

In addition, Dutch tourists have high purchasing power and make multiple trips throughout the year, making them particularly interesting.

After its stop in Calpe, the “Travel Challenge 2025” will continue its tour until 6 June, visiting other towns with activities focused on innovation and digital promotion of the tourism sector. This year's edition aims to exceed the 1.3 million views on social media achieved by last year's edition in Fuerteventura.
 

Friday, 6th

•    Painting exhibition ‘A flor de piel’ by Noelia Lillo. Ajuntament Vell. Until 29th June.

Saturday, 7th

•    6.30 pm – Guided tour of the old town. Advance booking required at the tourist offices: 96 583 69 20/ 96 583 85 32/ 677912754 or by email at turismo@ajcalp.es

•    Painting exhibition ‘A flor de piel’ by Noelia Lillo. Ajuntament Vell. Until 29 June.

•    7 pm - Table tennis tournament. Youth Club (Punt Jove - Plaça de la Constitució).

•    7 pm - Graduation concert in string instruments by Cristian Vázquez Such. Casa Nova auditorium.

•    8 pm – Show ‘Rememorando’ by Solera Artística. Auditorium.

Sunday, 8:

•    5pm - Board games. Youth Club (Punt Jove - Plaça de la Constitució).

•    From 5.30pm to 8pm: Arenal-Bol beach clean-up day to mark World Oceans Day. Open Activity everyone with prior registration.

The SEPE (State Public Employment Service) has published the unemployment figures for April 2025, which in Calpe stand at 948 people, representing 8.34% of a population of 26,637. This figure is the lowest unemployment rate recorded in the municipality in recent years.

Of the total number of unemployed, 436 are men and 512 are women. The age groups most affected by unemployment for both men and women are those aged 45 and over. By sector, there are 5 unemployed in the agricultural sector, 28 in the industrial sector, 126 in the construction sector, 714 in services and 75 people who were previously unemployed.

The positive reading is that the downward trend in unemployment in Calpe continues, as in 2024 unemployment stood at 8.97%, i.e. 1,003 people, in 2023 at 9.19%, 995 people, in 2022 at 11.16%, with 1,125 unemployed, in 2021 with 15.15% unemployment with 1,509 people out of work, and in 2020 (the year of the pandemic) when an unemployment rate of 20.95% was recorded, equivalent to 2,093 people out of work in a population of 23,326.

The highest unemployment figure in the last 20 years was recorded in 2014, when the unemployment rate reached 23.28% with 2,055 unemployed out of a total population of 22,437.

The highest unemployment figure in the last 20 years was recorded in 2014, when the unemployment rate reached 23.28%, with 2,055 unemployed out of a total population of 22,437.

Calpe Town Council has awarded the contract for lifeguard services, first aid transport and supervised bathing assistance on beaches and the coastline to EULEN S.A. for €3,146,185. Following the signing of the contract, the service will begin on Monday 9 June.

The company will ensure the safety of bathers on Calpe's beaches for the next four years. Its tasks will consist of preventing possible incidents and rescuing those who find themselves in danger. To this end, it will carry out surveillance by land and sea, either on foot on the beach or from proximity chairs or from boats covering the 13 kilometres of the municipality's coastline.

The contract divides the service into low, medium and high seasons, with different resources at each time. The lifeguard and first aid service covers Cala de la Calalga, Playa de la Fossa, Cala del Racó del Port, Playa de Cantal Roig, Cala del Morelló, Playa del Arenal-Bol and Playa de Puerto Blanco. The boats and medical transport must cover the entire coastline. Supervised bathing will take place in the accessible beach areas of La Fossa and Arenal-Bol.

It is precisely in supervised bathing that new features are being introduced with the new contract, as a transfer service is now offered for people with disabilities or mobility problems to the adapted beach. To take advantage of this service, all you need to do is request it by telephone.

The service and staff are adapted to the needs of each season, so the number of lifeguards, beach managers, ambulance drivers, boat skippers, etc. varies depending on the season, reaching 32 people in high season. In this regard, EULEN's provision of a greater number of lifeguards with additional staff to those established in the specifications has been valued.

The ambulance service must be provided at all times, and the rescue boat must operate during the high season.

Calpe Town Council, through its Tourism Department, has launched a social media campaign to raise awareness of local companies that have been awarded the SICTED (Integrated System for Tourist Quality in Destinations) seal of quality.

This initiative, which was presented at the last meeting of the Tourism Council held on 26 March, has been endorsed by all its members, who welcomed its contribution to improving the image of the destination and recognising the efforts of the local tourism sector.

The SICTED seal, promoted by the Secretary of State for Tourism with the support of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), certifies the commitment of establishments to the continuous improvement of their services.

The distinguished companies have passed a demanding process that includes training, external evaluations and the implementation of good practices aimed at excellence in visitor service.

This year, seven companies have been awarded this distinction, bringing the total number of businesses in Calpe with this recognition to 45.

The campaign has a dual objective: on the one hand, to recognise and raise awareness of the work of companies that have already been awarded this seal of quality; and on the other, to encourage other companies in the local tourism sector to join the SICTED programme and benefit from its advantages.

Active participation in the SICTED project is one of the essential requirements for Calpe to be recognised as a Tourist Municipality of the Valencian Community, a necessary condition for accessing the Municipal Cooperation Fund for Tourist Municipalities, an important source of funding managed by the Valencian Regional Government.

The campaign will be carried out through the official social media channels of the Tourism Department with scheduled posts highlighting the value of the SICTED distinction, as well as the profile, track record and good practices of the companies that have been awarded it.

The Calpe Town Council thus reaffirms its commitment to quality and competitiveness in tourism, promoting initiatives that reinforce the excellence of the destination and recognise the joint efforts of the local business sector.

From Thursday to Sunday, Casa Nova is hosting the Civil Protection Water Rescue Conference, part of the training programme organised by the National Civil Protection School and the National Association of Civil Protection Groups (ANAV).

Around thirty Civil Protection volunteers from across the Valencian Community are taking part in these eminently practical sessions. The conference was opened by José Oltra, ANAV's provincial delegate for Alicante and head of Civil Protection in El Verger, and Guillermo Sendra, Calpee's councillor for Public Safety, Civil Protection and Emergencies.

The aim of the conference is to improve the preparation of volunteers to act effectively and safely in aquatic environments, especially during the summer season. To this end, participants in the conference will take part in practical sessions in the swimming pool and on Arenal beach.

The head of the Calpe Civil Protection Group, Juan Carlos Rubio, highlighted the value of these training sessions, which will result in volunteers being better prepared to deal with extreme situations.

Friday, 30th:

• • • 8pm - 2nd Calp Piano Festival with performances by Natalia Kucháeva and Jorge Lechado. Auditorium. Free admission.
    • End-of-year exhibition by ADA (Friends of Art) students. Exhibition Hall at the Casa de Cultura. Until 30 May.
    • FIRACALP, in the Plaza Mayor. Programme for 30 May:
    • 12:00-13:00
    • Muscat wine toast with the Alicante Wine Route
    • 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monologue. Sponsored by La Puerta Falsa
    • 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Muscatel toast with the Alicante Wine Route
    • 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Flamenco class
    • 6:00 p.m. Foreign language reading workshop
    • 7:00 p.m. World line dancing
    • 8:00 p.m. Theatre show for children aged 5 to 12
    • 9:00 p.m. Face painting workshop. By Szianna, painter and tattoo artist.
    • 10:30 p.m. Performance by the La Metro orchestra

Saturday, 31

• • • 5pm - Introduction to the job market workshop. At El Punt Jove. Organised by the Youth Club.
    • 8pm - Concert by the artist ABRIL, in the Auditorium. Free admission.
    • FIRACALP, in the Plaza Mayor. Programme for 31 May:
    • 11am-12pm - Exercise class by SaluFit
    • 12:00-1:00 Wine tasting sponsored by Restaurante Safrá
    • 1:00-2:00 Hip Hop dance
    • 3:00-3:45 Book presentation: ‘Lucía siente empatía’ (Lucía feels empathy). A book that helps us reflect on the importance of empathy.
    • 4:00-4:45Natural Smoothie Health Workshop sponsored by Tango
    • 5:00-5:45 ZUMBA KIDS with Alba Pérez
    • 6:00-7:00 Musical entertainment for children aged 5 to 12
    • 7:00-7:45 Presentation: Motivating children to write and illustrate with the book ‘Peque Detectives un fin de semana en la escuela’ (Little Detectives: A Weekend at School).
    • 7:45-9:00 Face painting workshop. By Szianna, painter and tattoo artist.
    • 9:00-10:00Batucada
    • 10:30-1:00 Performance by Orquesta Mondragón and local DJs

Sunday, 1:

• • • FIRACALP, in the Plaza Mayor. Programme for 1 June:
• 11:00-13:00 Solidarity Court
• 12:00-13:00 Magic show for children aged 5-12 years old.
• 13:00-14: Competition: The best tapa at FiraCalp 2025.

---------2:00pm-9:00pm--------------

-----------AFTERNOON--------------

• 2:00pm Cocktail show sponsored by Rest. Chiringuito
• 2:30pm Calpe Salsea by Domi Montalvo
• 3:15 p.m. Youth band from the Unió Musical music association
• 4:15 p.m. Local DJ
• 6:15 p.m. ZUMBA with Alba Pérez (Plaza Fitness)

Calpe aspires to position itself as an accessible tourist destination and, for this reason, has launched a promotional campaign to encourage visitors with functional diversity and highlight the improvements made in terms of accessibility on beaches, in public spaces and tourist resources.

This initiative is part of the Strategic Plan for Accessible Tourism, approved in 2022, and is also part of the Tourism Sustainability Plan (PSTD) with the support of the Regional Ministry of Tourism of the Valencian Community - Turisme Comunitat Valenciana - and the State Secretariat for Tourism within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR) financed by the European Union - Next Generation.

The publicity campaign will be carried out on social media, as well as in both general and tourism-related online and offline media, to promote the town as an accessible holiday destination.

It will be held in Calpe's main tourist markets, both nationally and internationally. This is the case of the Valencian Community and the autonomous communities of Madrid, Castilla La Mancha, Castilla y León, Aragón, Navarra, La Rioja and the Basque Country. Abroad, the campaign will target France, Germany, Benelux and the Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland), which also have low-cost connections to Alicante and Valencia airports.

The campaign will also include inclusive events and activities, and associations and people with disabilities will be invited to discover and try out different accessible experiences in Calpe. In this regard, the Exploratory Walk was held this week, an event in which users of the Maite Boronat Occupational Centre and members of the Calpe Association of People with Disabilities took part and had the opportunity to try out the new adapted vehicles acquired by the Department of Tourism - an initiative that is also part of the PSTD financed with Next Generation funds -: an all-terrain Joëlette chair for travelling to places that are inaccessible with conventional wheelchairs; an OPair electric bicycle, a bicycle with a built-in wheelchair, and two tandem bicycles that allow a person with reduced mobility or visual impairment to share the experience of cycling with a companion.

This promotional campaign joins other initiatives aimed at consolidating inclusive tourism included in the PSTD. Talks and training courses are being held to raise awareness among local tourism companies and citizens of the importance of the town being an accessible tourist destination adapted to people with all kinds of functional diversity, in addition to the acquisition of adapted vehicles.

This week, Calpe Town Council has begun removing street furniture and other items from Las Salinas in compliance with the High Court ruling on the appeal lodged by the company Deborja S.A.

The company had previously lodged an appeal against the occupation of land in the Las Salinas area with the installation of elements such as signposts with explanatory signs, litter bins, benches, walkways and wooden screens to allow bird watching.

The ruling stated that the Town Council had to remove these items as they were installed on privately owned rural land, although it also rejected the claim that the Town Council had to pay Deborja S.A. €61,651,947 in compensation, as requested by the company.

The ruling considered in 2024 that there was occupation by the Calpe City Council of a wooden screen that hides birdwatchers from the lagoon, a vertical signpost, an explanatory sign, a litter bin, a bench and a hiding element, and a wooden walkway. It ordered the City Council to cease this activity and remove these elements. Now that the ruling is final, the City Council has proceeded to remove all the elements.

At the same time, the ruling dismissed the company's exorbitant claims for compensation and considered that there were no other types of occupation of the plots as claimed by Deborja, S.A.

This week, Calpe Town Council has begun removing street furniture and other items from Las Salinas in compliance with the High Court ruling on the appeal lodged by the company Deborja S.A.

The company had previously lodged an appeal against the occupation of land in the Las Salinas area with the installation of elements such as signposts with explanatory signs, litter bins, benches, walkways and wooden screens to allow bird watching.

The ruling stated that the Town Council had to remove these items as they were installed on privately owned rural land, although it also rejected the claim that the Town Council had to pay Deborja S.A. €61,651,947 in compensation, as requested by the company.

The ruling considered in 2024 that there was occupation by the Calpe City Council of a wooden screen that hides birdwatchers from the lagoon, a vertical signpost, an explanatory sign, a litter bin, a bench and a hiding element, and a wooden walkway. It ordered the City Council to cease this activity and remove these elements. Now that the ruling is final, the City Council has proceeded to remove all the elements.

At the same time, the ruling dismissed the company's exorbitant claims for compensation and considered that there were no other types of occupation of the plots as claimed by Deborja, S.A.

Calpe Town Council is completing the award of the contract for lifeguard services, first aid transport and supervised bathing assistance on beaches and the coast. The contract proposal has been formalised, and the service is expected to start shortly.

The successful bidder will be responsible for ensuring safety on Calpe's beaches for the next four years. Their tasks will consist of preventing possible incidents and rescuing anyone in danger. To this end, they will carry out surveillance by land and sea, either on foot on the beach, from proximity chairs or from boats covering the 13 kilometres of Calpe's coastline.

The new contract, with a tender price of €3,155,000 for four years, divides the service into low, medium and high seasons, with different resources allocated at each time. The rescue and first aid service cover Cala de la Calalga, Playa de la Fossa, Cala del Racó del Port, Playa de Cantal Roig, Cala del Morelló, Playa del Arenal-Bol and Playa de Puerto Blanco.

The boats and medical transport must cover the entire coastline. Supervised swimming will take place in the accessible beach areas of La Fossa and Arenal-Bol.

Four periods have been established for the service throughout the year: Easter Week, Mid Season (1 to 31 May and 1 to 15 October), High Season 1 (1 to 30 June and 1 to 30 September) and High Season 2 (1 July to 31 August).

The service and staff are adapted to the needs of each season, so the number of lifeguards, beach supervisors, ambulance drivers, boat skippers, etc. varies depending on the season, reaching 32 people in high season. The ambulance service must be provided at all times and the rescue boat will operate during high season. The timetable will be set by the Town Council.

The material resources, from the basic first aid kit to transmission and public address equipment, amphibious chairs and crutches, defibrillators, cervical collars, immobilization splints, oxygen therapy equipment, etc., will be provided by the successful bidder.

All personnel hired must have at least a lifeguard qualification and be of legal age. Lifeguards working on the accessible beaches of La Fossa and Arenal-Bol will be trained to assist people with reduced mobility and will have at least one year's experience. Before the start of the annual service, the successful bidder will provide a complete list of lifeguards who will be providing the service, including their personal details and qualifications.

To mark the 30th anniversary of the creation of CREAMA (Consortium for Economic Recovery and Activity in the Marina Alta), institutional representatives held a press conference yesterday to commemorate three decades of joint work for the economic and social development of the region.

The mayoress of Calpe, Ana Sala, highlighted that this year her municipality is the capital of CREAMA, as well as hosting the commemorative events. ‘We are celebrating 30 years since that historic 8th of November 1994, when the agreement that gave life to CREAMA was signed in Dénia, a pioneering project born to unite efforts and strengthen our region,’ she said.
Sala recalled how Calpe joined the consortium in 1998, joining an initiative originally promoted by Benissa, Pego, the INEM and the Alicante Provincial Council, and how over the years other municipalities such as Xàbia, Pedreguer, Teulada, Gata de Gorgos, and now El Verger have joined. ‘Creama has managed to establish itself as a national and European benchmark in local development,’ he stressed, recalling the recognition received from the European Union and the University of Valencia.

The mayor of Gata de Gorgos, Josep Francesc Signes i Costa, recalled that his municipality joined CREAMA in 2005 and highlighted the plurality of the consortium as one of its greatest values. ‘Creama has managed to weave unity out of diversity, generating a sense of region, of shared belonging, of common interests that go beyond administrative boundaries,’ he said. Signes stressed that CREAMA not only underpins the territory through technical management, but also through a ‘sense of community, solidarity and a common project’.
For his part, the mayor of Pego, Enrique Moll, recalled the beginnings of the project in 1994, which was promoted with funding from the European Social Fund, and pointed out the tangible impact of the nearly 20 European projects managed by CREAMA, which have benefited more than 2,500 people in the region. ‘This consortium has not been built on imposition, but on alliance and mutual trust. CREAMA is a tool for regional cohesion that shows that together we are stronger,’ he said.

The three representatives agreed on the importance of the collective effort of all the people and institutions that have made it possible for CREAMA to continue for three decades. ‘Today we pay tribute to the commitment, networking and willingness to build a region,’ they concluded.

For his part, the president of CREAMA and provincial deputy for Economic Development and European Projects, Carlos Pastor Ventura, took stock of the three decades of history with some significant figures: more than 700,000 people served, 73 million euros managed —more than 5 million from European funds—, 85 regional projects developed and an active network of local agencies that once again has nine offices following the reincorporation of El Verger. ‘Creama is one of the best examples of territorial cooperation, institutional efficiency and dedication to public service that we have in the province,’ said Pastor.

He also announced that the institutional ceremony to commemorate the anniversary will be held on 3 July in Calp, with the participation of former officials, technicians, suppliers and collaborators of the consortium. ‘We will continue to work together, as a region, as a province, as a shared project,’ she concluded.
The event served as a prelude to the consortium's General Assembly, where the reincorporation of El Verger into the network of municipalities that make up CREAMA was announced.
In its 30-year history, CREAMA has responded to 706,234 requests, promoted the creation of 5,256 companies in the region and carried out 100,451 employment guidance actions. Another highlight of the report is the raising of 73,209,681 euros to carry out its economic revitalisation actions.

Friday, 23rd:

• • 8 pm - II Calp Piano Festival with a performance by Rubén Talón. Saló Blau. Free admission.
  • End-of-Year Exhibition by ADA (Friends of Art) students. Exhibition Hall of the Casa de Cultura. Until 30th May.
  • Exhibition ‘Personajes’ by the Frax Foundation. Exhibition Hall of the Ajuntament Vell. Until 29 May.

Saturday, 24

• • 9.30 am - Guided tour of the Calalga-Bassetes Blue Trail. Meeting point: La Calalga car park. Recommendations: Wear comfortable clothing, sunscreen, bring lunch and water. More information: info@ecosilvo.es. Pre-registration: https://forms.gle/AquQFgWLfVnSoyyq9
  • 5pm - Youth Challenge. New challenges. Youth Club (Punt Jove - Plaza de la Constitución).
  • 7.30pm - Spring Concert by the Unió Musical Calp Ifac. Auditorium.
  • 9pm - ‘Pop Legends’ concert by Alejandro Canals - part of the Cultural Week at the Civic Centre. Plaza Mayor
  • 11 pm - Remember Party in aid of the Capitanía Mora 2025. Parc de la Creativitat. Tickets on sale at Bar Nou Mejías, Frutas Calpe, Peluquería Tyffani's or from any member of the filà: 685081032 · 695985720 · 635814499
  • End-of-year exhibition by ADA (Friends of Art) students. Exhibition Hall of the Casa de Cultura. Until 30 May.
  • Exhibition ‘Personajes’ by the Frax Foundation. Exhibition Hall of the Ajuntament Vell. Until 29 May.

Sunday, 25

• • From 10.30 am to 2 pm - Games day, organised by the Youth Club. Parc de la Creativitat.
  • Solidarity flower offering, organised by the Casa de Andalucia de Calpe in aid of those affected by the DANA flood:
  • 11 am - Rociera Mass in the parish church of Ntra. Sra. de las Nieves with the Sentimiento Andaluz choir
  • 12 noon - Collection of donations and offering of carnations to decorate the Cross, as well as performances by dance groups
  • 2pm - Gastronomic day at the Almogávares kábila (C/ de l'Ermita, 18)

A new edition of FiraCalp, the gastronomy and trade fair of the city of Peñón, is back. It will be held from 29 May to 1 June in the Plaza Mayor, organised by the Town Council in collaboration with the Calpe Business Association.

The fair, now in its fifteenth year, will feature 17 restaurant stands, 3 cafés and 5 cocktail bars, and will also strengthen its commercial aspect with the participation of 6 shops showcasing their products.

The restaurateurs will offer four tapas and a dessert per stall, which will be available at affordable prices. The gastronomic offer is very varied, ranging from traditional and renowned Calpe rice dishes and fried fish to exquisite gourmet dishes, all marinated with a selection of wines suggested by each restaurateur.

The 2025 Festival Committee will also participate in FiraCalp to sell drinks: beer, soft drinks and water; the profits will go towards organising this year's patron saint festivities.

Alongside all this, there will be daily activities such as musical and dance performances, book presentations, flamenco classes, reading workshops, children's theatre, face painting workshops, wine tastings, gymnastics classes, natural smoothie workshops, magic for children, salsa exhibitions, Zumba and batucada, etc.

The Orquesta Mondragón with Javier Gurruchaga is scheduled to perform in Calp with ‘Rock&Roll Circus’ on Saturday at 10:30 p.m. In addition, on Sunday at 9 p.m., there will be a musical performance entitled ‘Tribute to Sabina. 500 Nights’. Throughout the four days of the fair, there will also be performances by the Gran Babylon and La Metro orchestras, the Casa de Andalucia flamenco school, Alba Pérez, Calpe Salsea, the Unió Musical de Calp Youth Band and various local DJs.

This year's fair will once again feature a charity haircut event. On Sunday 1 June, starting at 11 a.m., a large group of local hairdressers will cut hair to raise money for an NGO. This year will also see the return of the competition for the best tapa of the fair.

The fair will open its doors on Thursday 29 May at 7pm and will continue until Sunday. In previous years, this event has attracted 12,000 people over its four days. This is a fair where visitors have the opportunity to sample, in small dishes, or tapas, the culinary skills of Calpe's restaurateurs, have a drink, an ice cream... and discover some of the commercial offerings available in the town. Fira Calp is a well-established fair, a great showcase for the dissemination and promotion of two of the town's great assets: its hospitality and commerce.

The mayoress, Ana Sala, pointed out that ‘Firacalp is growing every year thanks to the efforts of the Department of Economic Development and AMECO. I would like to highlight the financial and human effort that goes into making the fair better every year and ensuring that it serves as a showcase for local businesses and restaurants. This year, the Town Council is allocating €90,000 to Firacalp to support Calpe's business community’.

The Councillor for Economic Development, Paqui Solivelles, pointed out that ‘these are four days packed with activities. Highlights include the performance by the Orquesta Mondragón and the Tribute to Sabina, but there are also endless activities for all audiences’.

Santi Ferrer, president of AEMCO, thanked the Town Council for its efforts in preparing the fair and invited everyone to attend and participate.

The Administrative Court of Alicante has ruled in favour of Calp Town Council after declaring the expiry of the licence it granted in December 2017 to the company Sol de Calpe for the construction of a 35-storey twin-tower hotel on a plot of land located on Avenida Juan Carlos I, near the salt flats. It therefore dismisses the appeal lodged by the company and considers the Calp Town Council's decision to be ‘in accordance with the law’.

The Calp Town Council declared the licence expired after verifying that the deadline for its execution had passed without work having begun and following the approval of amendment D14 to the Calp General Urban Development Plan, which included new urban planning regulations with which the building licence granted did not comply.

Sol de Calpe argues in its appeal that the licence should not have expired because it considers that since it was granted, a series of circumstances have prevented the start of the works. In this regard, reference is made to the contentious-administrative appeal filed by the Valencian Regional Government in 2018, which led to the suspension of the licence, which was finally dismissed, as was the subsequent appeal, by a ruling of the High Court of Justice, which became final on 10 September 2021.

The company also argues that it has repeatedly stated, in various letters submitted to the City Council, its intention to start the works and that, therefore, there is no ‘conduct of abandonment or withdrawal of its intention to build’.

However, the Administrative Court states in its ruling that: ‘The plaintiff merely states that it wants to carry out the works, but this is nothing more than an empty statement. Since the ruling of the Chamber was declared final on 10 December 2021, it has not taken any material action to carry out the works’.

Likewise, the ruling refers to the fact that the company did not have the financing to carry out the work, as well as to the modification of the planning to which this project did not comply. ‘As case law indicates, the licence guarantees the right to build, but not the immutability of the urban planning regime,’ it highlights.

This is a first instance ruling, which means that it can be appealed.

Calpe sets the standard in climate adaptation with the certification of its Climate Change Adaptation Plan in accordance with the UNE-ISO 14092:2021 standard

The municipality of Calpe has today taken a firm step forward in its commitment to sustainability and climate resilience by officially receiving the certificate for the verification of its Climate Change Adaptation Plan in accordance with the international standard UNE-ISO 14092:2021. This standard establishes the requirements for local authorities to effectively plan their response to the effects of climate change.

The presentation took place during the 4th #goCalpee Conference, organised by the Calpe Observatory for Resilient and Sustainable Cities, at the iconic Casa Nova. The event brought together experts in urban planning, sustainability, coastal management and climate innovation to discuss the challenges facing cities in a context of increasing environmental vulnerability.

During the event, Mayor Ana Sala emphasised that ‘we at the Town Council are very proud to be part of this initiative and to promote forums where measures that can contribute to improving the resilience of our cities to climate change are discussed’. She also expressed her satisfaction with the certification received by Calpe's Climate Change Adaptation Plan.

The technical development of the plan was carried out by GO2, a strategic consultancy firm belonging to the Global Omnium group. Its director, Juan Luis Pozo, highlighted during the event that ‘Calpe is the first European municipality to obtain certification, which endorses the quality and robustness of its climate planning’. He added that these plans have become ‘a necessary tool to prepare municipalities for the challenges of climate change’.

The certificate was awarded by Bureau Veritas, an international reference entity in inspection, conformity verification and certification services, among others, which has validated that Calpe's plan complies with all the standards established in the ISO 14092 standard.

Calpe's Climate Change Adaptation Plan analyses the specific climate risks affecting the municipality, such as rising extreme temperatures, torrential rainfall, droughts and coastal erosion, and proposes concrete measures to reduce its vulnerability. It includes actions on urban planning, the water cycle, energy, natural spaces and local governance.

The IV #goCalpee Conference featured speakers such as Juan Manuel del Pino (First Deputy Mayor of Calpe Town Council), Jorge Olcina (Professor at the University of Alicante), Celsa Monrós (Climate Innovation Specialist - Climate KIC), Marc García (Director General of Coasts, Ports and Airports - Valencian Regional Government) and Nathalie Gidrón (Architect and Landscape Designer at SingularGreen). Participants discussed how to adapt coastal cities, the need to redesign urban infrastructure inherited from the 20th century and the value of collaboration between public administrations and the private sector.

One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of the report ‘The state of CO₂ emissions in the world. Year 2023’, by Elvira Carles, director of the Business and Climate Foundation.

This internationally recognised document provides an updated diagnosis of the evolution of greenhouse gas emissions at global, regional and national levels. Carles pointed out that ‘the global trend remains negative, unlike in the EU, where emission levels have fallen’. She highlighted the figures for the Valencian Community, where there are 103 industrial facilities — including cement factories, tile factories, paper mills and power plants — subject to the European Emissions Trading Directive, which requires them to calculate and reduce their emissions. These represent 15.9% of all those included in the system in Spain and yet only generate 7.3% of the country's total emissions.

The conference concluded with the official presentation of the ISO 14092 certificate to Calpe Town Council, reinforcing its position as a leading municipality in climate planning within the Mediterranean arc.

The event closed with a common idea: resilience begins at the local level, and Calpe has proven itself equal to the challenge.

Calp creates the Municipal Sports Council to promote participation in municipal sports management

Yesterday, Calp Town Council initially approved the regulations for the Municipal Sports Council, which aims to become a participatory body for all actions to be carried out by the Town Council in relation to sport. The Municipal Sports Council is established as a complementary body for consultation, management and collaboration with the Town Council on sports matters.

To carry out these functions, it is necessary to establish a regulatory framework that allows for active participation and collaboration between the different entities and actors involved in the management and promotion of sport at the local level.

Hence yesterday's approval in plenary session of the regulations establishing that the Council will have the functions of advising the municipal government on matters relating to sport and physical activity, proposing initiatives to the City Council in the field of sport, promoting and facilitating the practice of sport by the population in all areas; amateur, popular, school and federated sports, promoting and supporting sports associations and organisations in the municipality with the aim of stimulating sporting activity and achieving a varied offer for citizens, promoting local sports and encouraging citizen participation in sporting events.

Other functions of the Council include promoting participation in activities organised by the Marina Alta Sports Network; Mini Jocs Esportius de la Marina Alta, Tradijocs de la Marina Alta and competitions organised by the Network. It also promotes coordination between public and private initiatives in the field of sport, coordinates and participates in the annual sports programme and participates in the preparation of the Bases de Ayudas a la Promoción al Deporte (Sports Promotion Grant Guidelines).

The Council is composed of a president, who is the mayor or a councillor delegated by the mayor, and a plenary session made up of the president, the secretary, who is a municipal official, and representatives of local sports organisations registered in the Calp Town Council's Register of Associations. It will also include four members representing the families of local athletes (chosen by public lottery), one representative from each political group and a technician or representative from the Sports Department.

The election of representatives shall take place each time the Municipal Corporation is constituted. The Plenary Session of the Council shall meet at least twice a year, once every six months, and on an extraordinary basis when convened by the President or at the request of at least one third of the members. The headquarters of the Municipal Sports Council shall be the Domingo Crespo Sports Pavilion.

Through the Sports Council, the different groups related to the sports sector in the municipality will have a forum to channel their opinions, suggestions, needs, problems and proposals so that these can be taken into account when municipal decisions are made.

The Councillor for Sports, Ximo Perles, said yesterday in the plenary session that ‘we must create this Council to try to give a voice to the clubs and parents of children in sports schools, to modify sports subsidies so that they are increasingly better and to monitor their implementation, while at the same time creating a feedback mechanism for needs’

What to do in Calpe this weekend, 16, 17 and 18 May

Friday, 16:

• • From 2 pm - 25th anniversary of IES Ifac. Music, games and lots of fun. Plaza Mayor.
  • 5 pm. Blood donation. Local Red Cross Assembly. Calle María Jorro, 1 (local 1).
  • 8 pm - 2nd Calp Piano Festival with a performance by István I. Székely. Saló Blau. Free admission.
  • End-of-year exhibition by ADA (Friends of Art) students. Exhibition Hall of the Casa de Cultura. Until 30 May.
  • Exhibition ‘Personajes’ by the Frax Foundation. Exhibition Hall of the Ajuntament Vell. Until 29 May.

Saturday, 17:

• • Event ‘Tarjeta de Embarque Berberiscos’ (Berberiscos Boarding Pass). Purchase tickets from members of the filà. In aid of Alférez Moro 2025. Plaza Mayor:
  • 2.30 pm – Lunch
  • 5 pm – Afternoon concert with Xaranga
  • 9 pm – Performance by DJ Incógnito
  • 5 pm. Gardening workshop. Youth Club (Punt Jove - Plaza de la Constitución).
  • 6.30 pm – Guided tours of the old town. Registration required on 965836920 / 965838532 / 677912754 / turismo@ajcalp.es. Maximum 25 people per group. Meeting point: Casa de Cultura.
  • End-of-year exhibition by ADA (Friends of Art) students. Exhibition Hall at the Casa de Cultura. Until 30 May.
  • Exhibition ‘Personajes’ by the Frax Foundation. Exhibition Hall at the Ajuntament Vell. Until 29 May.

Sunday, 18:

·       5pm – Table football tournament. Youth Club (Punt Jove – Plaza de la Constitución).

The Town Council puts out to tender the pruning service for the next four years for €612,040

Calpe Town Council is putting out to tender the pruning and maintenance service for the central reservation in the municipal area for a period of four years, until December 2028, with a total tender price of €612,040.

The contract is divided into four lots: 1) old town and urban expansion, 2) southern area (Avenidas Masnou and Valencia and residential areas), 3) beach area (Avenidas Ejércitos Españoles and Juan Carlos I and beaches) and 4) northern area (access roads, school and sports areas and residential areas).

The purpose of this contract is to prune the trees on public roads and green areas in Calpe, including the comprehensive maintenance of the vegetation on the central reservations of various avenues and streets in the municipality.

The document details the content of each lot: work to be carried out, spatial scope (parks, green areas and roads contained in each lot) and tree species. The specifications also include plans detailing the areas of action.

The specifications also specify the types of pruning allowed, the pruning seasons, the specific requirements for the removal of plant debris to authorised landfills, etc. It also establishes that the comprehensive maintenance of the shrub species on the central reservations of the avenues will be carried out four times a year and that this action will include pruning, weed control and maintenance of the irrigation network.

In addition, the successful bidder will provide the City Council with a series of GIS layers showing the location of trees and hedges on the central reservations, along with their location, pruning date, code and name, etc.