Orihuela seeks new traders to fill vacant pitches at weekly markets

Orihuela’s weekly markets could soon welcome new faces behind the stalls as the Town Hall prepares a fresh application process to fill vacant pitches across the municipality.

The Markets Department wants to encourage new traders to join the markets while increasing the variety of products and services available to shoppers.

New traders sought for vacant pitches across Orihuela

Councillor Noelia Grao said the number of sellers attending some weekly markets had fallen in recent years, leaving pitches available.

The new application process will cover markets throughout Orihuela and its outlying districts, opening up opportunities for both existing traders and people interested in starting a market business.

A similar scheme was launched in 2024, but not every vacancy was filled. Some applicants failed to meet the conditions or did not provide all the necessary documentation.

The latest process will provide another opportunity to bring unused pitches back into operation and increase the choice available to people visiting the municipality’s weekly markets.

Successful applicants must meet legal trading requirements

Anyone awarded a pitch must meet the legal requirements for trading, including registration with Social Security and the tax authorities, together with appropriate public liability insurance.

Full details of the conditions will be provided when the new application process is officially published.

The announcement will also confirm which markets are involved, how many vacant pitches are available and the deadlines for submitting applications.

Both established traders looking for new opportunities and people considering starting a market business will be encouraged to apply.

Weekly markets remain important to Orihuela communities

Grao said the markets were not simply places to shop but had been part of everyday life in Orihuela and its communities for decades.

They are particularly important in smaller districts, where weekly markets bring products closer to residents and complement existing local shops and businesses.

Bringing new traders into the markets could therefore help maintain their role within individual neighbourhoods and districts while giving shoppers a wider range of products and services.

The Town Hall hopes the new application process will succeed in filling more of the available spaces following the 2024 scheme.

Full details will be announced once the process is officially published, including the participating markets, number of pitches, requirements and application deadlines.