Riurau d’Arnauda Markets Bring Tradition and Local Flavour Back to Xàbia
A new monthly event blends crafts, antiques, and community spirit in a celebration of authenticity and sustainable local commerce.
Xàbia Council has unveiled more details of the Mercats del Riurau d’Arnauda, a new initiative rooted in a clear commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and support for the local economic fabric. Present at the announcement were the councillor for Economic Development, Juanlu Cardona (PP), alongside Lourdes Ortuño, the activity’s coordinator, and José Pacheco, coordinator of the antiques market.
The project revives the essence of traditional markets, conceived not merely as places to shop but as spaces to meet, stroll, and enjoy. It aims to highlight local identity and celebrate what is homegrown.
The Mercats del Riurau d’Arnauda will take place on the last weekend of each month in this emblematic venue, with a two-day structure:
- Saturday: Mercat d’Origen, focused on crafts and locally sourced products.
- Sunday: Mercat d’Antiguitats i Vintage, dedicated to pieces with history, collectibles, and unique finds.
As outlined in the official poster, winter hours will run from 9.30am to 2.00pm, while in summer the market will shift to an evening schedule.
Councillor Juanlu Cardona highlighted that the initiative “offers an opportunity to give visibility to local artisans and producers while encouraging more conscious consumption.” Beyond its commercial activity, the project is designed to become a key monthly event in the region, enriched by a parallel program that brings additional life to the Riurau space.
For this first edition, Saturday will feature family-friendly activities such as face painting, a dance session by La Marina Lindy Hop open to all audiences, and a llata weaving demonstration showcasing traditional craftsmanship.
On Sunday, alongside the Mercat d’Antiguitats i Vintage and a performance by local band Oxigen, a llata workshop with limited places will offer participants the chance to learn this craft firsthand.
Organizers emphasized their goal of turning the Riurau into “a living space, where people can spend the morning unhurriedly, where children can play, artisans can grow, and tradition meets the present” and, with this initiative, the Mercats del Riurau d’Arnauda position themselves as a new gathering point for the community, a boost to the local economy, and a forward-looking project deeply rooted in tradition.
