Vélez-Málaga Council, which is heavily in debt, is aiming to reduce expenditure on this year’s Feria de San Miguel by 15%, the traditional fireworks display being one of the items scheduled to go.
The Feria takes place from September 28th to October 2nd and is one of the most popular festivals on the local calendar.
The traditional firework display on the first day of the Feria is the first casualty of the event, saving the Council around €4,000. In addition, there will be no separate marquees for the Seniors and Infant activities, these now taking place in the Official Municipal Marquee (Caseta Municipal). This will save another €15,000 apparently.
As the programme of events for the Feria is developed it is expected that further cuts will be made. Last year’s Feria had a budget of €295,000, so a further €24,000 reduction in costs is still required.