The Cabanyal-Canyamelar Neighborhood Association has organized another “dinner al fresco” following the success of the previous one to champion the identity of the coastal neighborhoods and advocate for a model that prioritizes residents over tourists. The gathering will take place today, Friday, September 25, at 9:00 p.m., and will feature live music, folk dancing, and songs by the dawn singers.
The location chosen this time is not the boardwalk, but the passageway between Lluís Despuig and Sant Pere streets, across from the Cabanyal-Canyamelar Civic Center. This space, renamed “Salvem el Cabanyal Square, ” is where residents will gather tonight with their chairs, folding tables, and sandwiches (or Tupperware containers—whatever they prefer).
On this occasion, the “ ” protest is not related to the controversy between restaurant owners and residents over al fresco dining—quite the opposite, in fact. The restaurant owners of Malvarrosa have reached an agreement with the associations to defend both models as “cultural elements” unique to the city. This “alliance” proposes as a solution the renovation of the boardwalk to transform it into a space adapted to the needs of both residents and restaurants.
This petition is closely linked to tonight’s event, which calls for “reclaiming” public space and promoting local businesses and traditional housing in an area that, although not officially designated as a “high-tension zone,” is suffering particularly from the ravages of mass touristification and the proliferation of vacation rentals.
