Getxo City Council Reduces Aixerrota Paella Contest Area for Environmental Reasons

The council and citizens will collaborate to ensure more sustainable festivities, protecting a natural habitat.

Generic image: Coastal habitat near Aixerrota beach in Getxo, with protection zones and signage.
IA

Generic image: Coastal habitat near Aixerrota beach in Getxo, with protection zones and signage.

The Getxo City Council has reduced the official area for the Aixerrota Paella Contest to protect a 2.4-hectare coastal natural habitat.

According to the council, the new area affects a priority habitat of Atlantic dry coastal heathland, recognized as a natural asset by the European Union's Habitats Directive. Consequently, it will be cordoned off for the event and supervised by the Local Police, while also maintaining the existing boundaries within the pine forest area.
Mayor Amaia Aguirre stated, "We must combine the enjoyment of a festival so deeply rooted in Getxo with respect for the environment. It is a particularly fragile area that needs care and protection. We must all get involved, both institutions and citizens, to continue enjoying this celebration in a more sustainable way."
These measures will particularly affect groups celebrating outside the official area. Getxo Kultur, in collaboration with the City Council, will act as an intermediary to enhance safety, minimize risks, and promote respect for the environment and cleanliness. Informative posters will be displayed indicating waste separation points, evacuation routes, fire protection resources, the 'punto morado' (safe space for gender violence victims), and the ambulance location.
The establishment of boundaries will also have practical implications: the reserved parking for people with reduced mobility will need to be relocated a few meters, and the new area will be clearly signposted. The Council emphasized that measures implemented over the years to reduce the festival's impact and raise awareness will be maintained.