The El Fogón market in Guardamar reopened its doors on Sunday, despite facing a closure order from the local town hall and being sealed off by the Police for the third consecutive time. The market, which spans over thirty thousand square metres, saw its largest crowds yet, leading to significant traffic congestion and parking challenges as visitors came from across the region.

The market’s owners have made it clear that they intend to keep operating until a court makes a decision regarding their petition for precautionary measures. Mayor José Luis Sáez has stated that the closure order remains in effect, emphasizing the need to comply with the law while awaiting the court’s ruling.

El Fogón distinguishes itself from other regional markets, offering a diverse range of second-hand goods, from fishing rods to antiques. Approximately one hundred and fifty stalls feature everything from bicycles to household items. The market operates on a cash-only basis, fostering a spontaneous recycling economy where discarded items find new homes at affordable prices.

The closure order, initiated in two thousand fourteen, has faced scrutiny, especially as the town hall missed deadlines for enforcement. The owners suggest urbanisation pressures may be influencing the town’s actions. Currently, there is a plan for more than two thousand new homes to be built on the site, raising concerns about their future and the lack of communication regarding the development process.