The Festival Committee once again fills Elche Park with traditional products for the 9th of October Fair

The Fair of Typical Local Products (*Fira de Productes Típics de la Terra*) opened this afternoon in Elche Park to mark the October 9th festivities—Valencian Community Day. Organized by the Major Patron Saint Festivities Commission, the initiative once again transforms this space into a showcase for traditional products, handicrafts, and local specialties.

Prior to the opening ceremony, the festival queens—Laura Ivars and Carmen Guillem—accompanied by their courts of honor, performed the traditional "Ball del peuet" dance to the music of the *xirimita* (shawm) and *tabalet* (drum). This performance, which drew a crowd of residents and visitors, took place following the conclusion of the official commemorative plenary session for October 9th at the Castle.

Next came the fair's official opening, attended by Mayor Toni Pérez, Councillor for Festivities Mariló Cebreros, and other municipal representatives, as well as Senator Gerardo Camps and the presidents of the Commission and the *Associació de Penyes Verges del Sofratge* (Association of *Verges del Sofratge* Festival Clubs), Ramón Cano and Diego Carrasco. Afterward, the official party toured the various stalls set up within the venue.

At Elche Park, visitors can find a wide variety of products, including wickerwork and basketry, cured fish, baked goods and pastries, ceramics, sweet wines, and chocolates, among other offerings. Also available for purchase are *rodabalcons* (balcony banners) featuring images of the *Mare de Déu del Sofratge* and Saint James (*Sant Jaume*). Additionally, the Festival Commission’s *mayorales* (organisers) are running a refreshment stand with affordable prices. The fair will remain open until Monday—the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar—and aims to raise funds to help organize Benidorm's upcoming *Festes Majors Patronals* (Main Patron Saint Festivities), which will take place from November 7 to 11.