TORREVIEJA’S SUMMER CULTURAL PROGRAM AN INSULT TO THE INTELLIGENCE

Not everyone was overly impressed by this summer's cultural offerings in Torrevieja. One of those voicing his displeasure was local opposition politician Javier Manzanares who said that the 2010 events were a waste of money and that the cultural events offered were an insult to the people of Torrevieja and visitors to the city.

Manzanares pointed out that of the 245 activities, many of them where an “insult to the intelligence' and said that Torrevieja's Councillor for Culture, Eduardo Dolon was out of touch with the needs and wants of the local population and really only interested in getting his photo into the paper! He mentioned a number of activities such as bingo, blood donations, classes and courses that were of interest to only a few of the hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors to the city this summer. He added that the 200,000-euro budget was not used to attract any major artists this year that this summer's program was a waste of time and resources.

And while he may have more than a valid point or two, Torrevieja did have a couple of festivals for the city's youth along with the popular Habaneras competition along with other activities but nothing major of note. In today's economy, most local promoters have been cautious about bringing major acts to town due to the expense and risk involved at attracting enough of a crowd to break even on the event.

However 2011 looks like being more positive on the cultural and entertainment scene. Although it's expected that Spain shall still be in the doldrums, one major entertainment and sports promoter is visiting the city next month to look at the logistics and costs of bringing bigger names and varied entertainment packages to the city. While this initiative is not one from Snr. Dolon, the council has a mandate to spend its budget wisely and although 2010 had nothing special to offer, hopes are high that 2011 will offer something a lot more rewarding and interesting.