Sanlúcar's Ancha Street was the venue this past Friday for the 9th Feria de las Arenas Finas (Fine Sands Fair), a day dedicated to showcasing the local horticultural production and recognizing the daily efforts in the fields. The event gathered cooperatives, markets, associations, and citizens around the products that define the locality's identity and economy.
Mayor Carmen Álvarez presided over the fair, organized by the City Council, the cooperatives Virgen del Rocío and Frusana, Mercado Montilla, and the Association of Women of Bonanza ‘Ager Veneriensis’. In its ninth edition, the fair promoted the quality brands Arenas Finas and Patata de Sanlúcar (Sanlúcar Potato) through 15 recipes offered in tastings to the numerous attendees.
Dolores Rodríguez, president of Ager Veneriensis, and Juan Manuel Rodríguez, president of Frusana, spoke on behalf of the organizing entities. They emphasized the importance of continuing to promote the horticultural sector and recognizing the families, workers, and companies that sustain this essential activity for Sanlúcar.
Carmen Álvarez described the Arenas Finas as “a unique land,” highlighting its historical connection to Sanlúcar and the lifestyle of many Sanlúcar families. The mayor also praised the dedication of farmers, cooperatives, and producers for keeping this tradition alive through generations.
The mayor addressed the current difficulties facing the agricultural sector, exacerbated by recent rains and floods that caused damage to crops and greenhouses, as well as by falling market prices. Carmen Álvarez reaffirmed the City Council's commitment to the sector, stating that “the countryside does not ask for privileges: it asks for equality, respect, and justice”.
In this regard, she recalled municipal measures implemented, such as aid for seed acquisition and projects to improve roads in La Algaida and Los Llanos. She noted that the local government is working to resolve issues affecting agricultural activity and to promote unique local products like the Patata de Sanlúcar.
Carmen Álvarez announced that Sanlúcar will host the national potato competition next year, following the municipality's adhesion to the Association of Potato Producing Towns.
The mayor thanked Ager Veneriensis for its work in recovering traditional Sanlúcar cuisine and for the creativity in presenting the Arenas Finas products. She also acknowledged the involvement of the cooperatives Virgen del Rocío and Frusana, Mercado Montilla, volunteers, and municipal staff.
Finally, Carmen Álvarez invited citizens to prioritize local products and support Sanlúcar farmers with their purchases. “Defending what is ours is also done with the shopping basket,” she affirmed, advocating for the value of the navazos, cooperatives, and the people who keep Sanlúcar's identity alive.
