The revamped Paseo hosts Almería’s Feria for the first time since its €11.2m transformation

After a year of work, Almería's main promenade, Paseo de Almería, is now open as a pedestrian-only area with the city's Feria taking place for the first time since its €11.2 million transformation. The €11.2 million project, part of the city's 'Ciudad de Plazas' initiative, removed 9,700 square meters of asphalt, planted over 320 trees, and reduced the promenade to just 3,600 square meters of restricted lane for residents, public transport, and emergency vehicles.

The promenade was out of commission during the transformation, but this year, the council has restored its historic role as a festival hub, with a miniature fair entrance, seven ambigú stalls, and a photocall area. During the nine-day fair from August 21 to August 29, the restricted lane will be closed from Puerta de Purchena to the junction with Calle Lachambre and Calle Rueda López, with only two crossing points open for residents and public transport.

From 6pm to 6am, the fairground itself will be closed to general traffic, only allowing public transport and residents with a permit through checkpoints. In addition to the Feria, the city council has added eight special bus lines, labelled F1 to F8, connecting neighbourhoods directly to the fairground, running from 8pm to 7am with a flat fare of €1.30.

The special routes are designed to give residents comfortable and accessible travel to and from the fair. Security for this year's fair involves over 300 officers and staff, including Policía Local, Policía Nacional, Guardia Civil, Bomberos de Almería, Protección Civil, private security firms, medical teams, and a new aerial drone system for live video coverage.

Mayor María del Mar Vázquez urged residents to enjoy the fair responsibly and with civility. The Feria will include 21 casetas (marquees), three bullfights, and a closing procession for the Virgen del Mar on August 30.