Popular parade cancelled after train tragedy « Euro Weekly News

Torrevieja’s popular Halloween parade has been cancelled following a deadly train tragedy in Spain, leaving families and residents facing a last-minute change to their half-term plans.

The Costa Blanca town has suspended all council-organised events from Thursday, October 29, until Saturday, October 31, as a mark of respect for those affected by the railway accident in Urda, Toledo.

The decision means the Halloween procession, which was due to fill the streets with music, dancing and spooky characters this Saturday, October 31, will no longer take place.

The cancellations coincide with three days of official national mourning declared by the Spanish government following the rail disaster.

Halloween parade called off

The parade had been scheduled to begin at the Centro Cultural Virgen del Carmen before making its way through the town to Plaza de la Constitución, where special Halloween decorations were planned.

The event was expected to be a popular attraction for families looking to celebrate Halloween in Torrevieja, with music, dancing and frightening characters bringing a festive atmosphere to the streets.

However, the town hall has confirmed that the procession will not go ahead as planned, as the municipality joins the rest of Spain in mourning the victims of the tragedy.

Residents and visitors planning to attend should therefore be aware that the council-organised parade has been cancelled.

Other Torrevieja events affected

The suspension extends beyond Halloween celebrations, affecting several other municipal activities scheduled during the official mourning period.

The fourth annual Meeting of Associations, known as the Encuentro de Asociaciones, has been postponed. The event was due to bring local organisations together, but a new date has yet to be announced.

The Health Fair, which was scheduled to take place at the International Auditorium on Thursday, October 29, has also been cancelled.

The council has said that replacement dates for the postponed activities will be communicated through its official channels.

As part of the mourning measures, flags outside municipal buildings will fly at half-mast throughout the three-day period, from midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday.

Torrevieja pays tribute to victims

Torrevieja’s mayor, Eduardo Dolón, signed the decree suspending the municipality’s public events in solidarity with the victims, their families and everyone affected by the railway accident.

A minute’s silence was also held beside the town hall at 8pm on Wednesday, October 28. Most members of the municipal corporation joined numerous local residents to pay their respects.

The council has expressed its condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected, stressing the importance of showing solidarity during the period of national mourning.

The railway tragedy has prompted changes to public programmes beyond Torrevieja, with municipalities across Spain responding to the national mourning period by reviewing or cancelling planned events.

For residents and holidaymakers hoping to enjoy Halloween on the Costa Blanca, the key change is clear: Torrevieja’s municipal parade on Saturday will not take place, and anyone planning to attend other activities should check with organisers for the latest updates.