Benitachell Town Hall takeover

There was a temporary change of government at Benitachell’s Town Hall not long ago.

For one day as the annual Fiestas de la Rosa drew to a close, Benitachell had two mayors: Eloi Buigues and Ana Maria Vidal.

They were the Alcaldes de San Pancracio – St Pancras to English speakers – whose feast day in May always falls during the fiestas.

A usurping mayor has always been part of the fun, but the town broke with tradition this year by electing two.

They were presented to the public on the town hall balcony, wielding their wooden staves of office.