The coastal town of Altea has once again showcased the strength of its community with a successful new edition of its annual Associations Fair, bringing together dozens of local groups and attracting a strong turnout from residents and visitors alike.

Held in the heart of the town, the event has firmly established itself as a key date in Altea’s social calendar. It offers a rare opportunity for the public to engage directly with the organisations that help shape daily life in the municipality, from cultural and sporting clubs to charities and volunteer groups.

From early morning, the atmosphere was lively and welcoming, with a steady flow of people exploring the various stands. Around thirty associations took part, each presenting their work, initiatives, and upcoming activities in an open and accessible setting designed to encourage conversation and connection.

A platform for local voices

More than just a community event, the fair serves as an important platform to highlight the often unseen efforts of local associations. Many of these groups operate year-round, providing essential services and fostering social cohesion, yet rarely receive widespread visibility.

Each organisation was given space to showcase its mission, recruit new members, and build relationships with both the public and other associations. This collaborative spirit lies at the heart of the fair’s purpose: strengthening ties across the community while encouraging new partnerships.

This year also introduced an added feature: a printed guide including information on all participating associations. The initiative aims to extend the impact of the event beyond a single day, making it easier for residents to discover and connect with local groups throughout the year.

A day of participation and connection

One of the standout elements of the event was the high level of public engagement. Families, young people, and older residents alike spent time visiting the stands, learning about different initiatives, and finding ways to get involved.

The fair was designed as an interactive experience rather than a commercial one. There were no sales stalls – instead, the focus remained firmly on sharing knowledge, building relationships, and celebrating community values.

Music and small activities added to the festive feel, transforming the event into a vibrant social gathering where people could connect in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Growing year after year

Now in its third edition, Altea’s Associations Fair continues to grow in both scale and significance. The increasing number of participating groups, combined with strong public interest, reflects a thriving and engaged local population.

The event not only recognises the dedication of those involved in community organisations but also encourages wider participation. It acts as a reminder that the town’s identity is shaped not just by its scenic surroundings, but by the people and initiatives that bring it to life.

With another successful edition completed, the Associations Fair has reinforced its role as a cornerstone of community life in Altea – and a celebration of the collective effort that keeps the town connected.

This latest rollout forms part of the municipality’s wider “Respect Plan,” an ongoing strategy designed to enhance the overall condition of the city while strengthening the upkeep of public spaces.

More than just surface cleaning

City officials have emphasised that the campaign goes far beyond routine street sweeping. Alongside deep cleaning of roads, teams are carrying out a wide range of maintenance tasks to deliver a more comprehensive and longer-lasting result.

These include restoring urban furniture, removing graffiti, cleaning bins and streetlights, clearing drains, and maintaining parks and green areas. The aim is to elevate not just cleanliness, but the overall appearance and functionality of the city’s shared spaces.

Coordinated effort with increased resources

According to Sebastián Gálvez, Director General for Urban Quality, Basic Services, Accessibility and Animal Welfare, the programme is part of a coordinated and recurring municipal strategy. Speaking during a visit to Carrer Primer de Maig—one of the streets currently undergoing works, he highlighted that the initiative is carefully planned across departments to maximise efficiency.

To support the scale of the operation, additional staff have been temporarily recruited. This reinforcement allows teams to work more intensively across designated areas and ensures that no part of the process is overlooked.

A significant investment in city maintenance

The clean-up drive is backed by substantial resources. Currently, 356 workers are employed across various municipal service contracts responsible for maintaining the city. Of these, 120 are dedicated specifically to street cleaning, while 107 focus on public building maintenance. The remaining workforce is spread across services such as parks and gardens, road maintenance, sewage systems, lighting and pest control.

Operations are supported by a fleet of 161 specialised vehicles and machines, enabling teams to carry out tasks efficiently and at scale.

This level of service comes with a notable financial commitment, with the city allocating over €20 million annually to essential maintenance and urban care, an investment officials see as critical to preserving Gandia’s standards and liveability.

Tougher stance on anti-social behaviour

Alongside the physical improvements, the council has recently updated its public conduct regulations to introduce stricter penalties for anti-social behaviour. The move is intended to protect shared spaces and discourage actions that undermine the city’s cleanliness and appearance.

Authorities are reinforcing the message that maintaining Gandia is a shared responsibility, calling on residents to play their part in respecting public areas.

A shared vision for a better city

City leaders stress that the “Respect Plan” is more than a one-off campaign—it represents a broader mindset about how Gandia should be cared for and experienced. The initiative reflects a collective ambition to create a cleaner, more attractive and more liveable environment for everyone.

As Gálvez noted, the future of the city depends not only on municipal efforts, but also on the everyday actions of those who live there. With this latest phase underway, Gandia takes another step towards becoming a city that residents can take pride in—cleaner, more cared for, and ultimately, more beautiful.