Most beach bar owners in Cartagena agree they will not be ready for Holy Week, which starts this Friday, April eleventh. The delays in issuing new contracts mean that holidaymakers will have to go without drinks, snacks, and even bathrooms at the beach. Despite the council’s assurances, contracts have not been signed off in time for the bars to set up before Easter.

The Department of Coastal Affairs attributes the delays to the Ministry of Tourism, MITECO, while the ministry claims that paperwork from the City Council did not arrive until March, thus delaying the contract approval process. With a large number of beach bars awaiting the green light, the possibility of them opening in time for the busy holiday weekend looks slim.

One manager from La Manga’s well-known chiringuitos noted that even with immediate permits, setting up a beach bar involves considerable effort and is not feasible with so little time left. Meanwhile, Councillor for the Coast, Gonzalo López, suggests that if contractors are prepared, they could potentially be operational, although most managers find this unlikely.

As the days count down to Easter, many look towards the shoreline for signs of activity, hoping against the odds that chiringuitos may somehow be ready to offer refreshments and facilities for the influx of visitors expected to arrive soon.