The Málaga Local Government Board has given its approval to a modification of the Fair ordinance aimed at streamlining administrative procedures, reinforcing security, and updating various aspects of the current regulation. The text, which awaits municipal council approval, introduces adjustments based on the application of existing rules and is expected to be implemented for the upcoming Fair or the one in 2027.
Among the most significant changes is the mandatory submission of booth applications electronically through the municipal electronic headquarters. Additionally, a clearer separation between award and activity commencement procedures is established to prevent duplication and expedite authorizations.
The reform also includes changes to the fairground's organization. The maximum closing time for all booths is unified to 06:00 AM. Access rules for minors in the Family and Youth zones are updated, and security measures are strengthened. Furthermore, new provisions are introduced to improve animal welfare during the horse parade, including an express prohibition on renting horses and carriages within and in the vicinity of the fairground.
Regarding booth access, the prohibition for minors under 16 years old in the Youth Zone remains, with permit holders able to extend this restriction to under-18s under specific conditions. Permit holders in the Family Zone may request special conditions for accompanied minors under 16. Obligations for private security and admission services are also updated according to Andalusian regulations.
Concerning space and time management, family booths must continue serving food until 01:00 AM and reserve at least 50% of their space for traditional tables and chairs, with the option to remove this furniture from 02:00 AM onwards. Booths will open between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM (until 4:00 PM in the Youth Zone) and close by 06:00 AM at the latest, thus unifying closing times.
Regarding the horse parade, modifications are introduced to enhance animal safety and health, expressly prohibiting the rental of horses or carriages within and around the fairground. The competent authority will have the power to order immediate evacuation of the parade for urgent reasons.
Infractions are reclassified into minor, serious, and very serious categories, adapted to the ordinance's modifications. The power for provisional closure (24-48 hours) for serious offenses such as drug trafficking, selling alcohol to minors, or exceeding capacity is reinforced, and the loss of booth usage rights as a sanction is removed.
The Local Government Board also approved the termination due to term expiration of the public space concessions for the artisanal markets in Plaza de la Merced and Calle Tomás Heredia in Soho, whose initial two-year contracts with possible extensions have legally expired.
Furthermore, patrimonial file 1/2026 was approved for the lease of the access premises to the María Zambrano Municipal Public Library, located at Calle Guadalete, 6. The contract, priced at 4,791.60 euros including VAT for two renewable annual periods, is designated as an easement for access to the municipal building.
Additionally, the framework agreement for works in the Cruz del Humilladero District was modified, increasing its budget by 73,950.44 euros for the comprehensive renovation of Calle Gómez Ocaña, bringing the total investment to 93,875.18 euros due to the detection of an old asbestos-cement water supply network.
Finally, the second modification of the Municipal Strategic Subsidy Plan (PES) for 2026 was noted. This includes an increase of 268,840 euros in exceptional subsidies for vulnerable families (reaching 4.3 million) and 45,000 euros for the Feaga food distribution program. It also incorporates subsidies for the unique television signal of Semana Santa, expanded scholarships for elite athletes, and support for tourism and hospitality congresses and events, among others. With this update, the PES amounts to over 82.5 million euros.
