This practice, established during Arab rule and formalized by King Jaume I in 1238, has seen its presence diminish to just four active sales points in the city of Valencia. Currently, three of these stalls are located at the Mercado del Cabanyal, operating on Thursdays and Saturday mornings, and one at the Mercado de Mossén Sorell, in the Carmen neighborhood, on Saturday mornings.
The controversy has arisen from the intention of the Department of Commerce and Markets of Valencia City Council to modify market regulations, which would include the elimination of the Tira de Contar. This measure has been rejected by agricultural associations, neighborhood groups, and unions, who believe the decision is being made without consulting those affected and without valuing the symbolic and cultural role of this tradition.
“"They accuse us of unfair competition, but the real rivalry for market stallholders comes from large supermarkets. We don't understand why the focus is being placed on us."
Fermín Comes, one of the representatives of the Tira de Contar at the Mercado del Cabanyal, where the activity has continued uninterrupted since 1958, argues that their activity does not constitute unfair competition for municipal market stallholders. He states that Tira farmers pay their fees and only sell fresh, seasonal products from their own harvest, offering a much more limited variety than large supermarkets.
“"It doesn't employ many people, but it's important to keep all sales channels open, not only because it's a very old tradition that is part of our identity, but also because the situation of farmers is already very complicated and they face many limitations."
Marc Ferri, a member of the Per l'Horta association, emphasizes the importance of preserving the Tira de Contar, not only for its cultural and identity value but also as support for local farmers. Ferri expresses concern that behind this initiative there may be a perception that the image of farmers selling on the street does not align with the city model the current government team wishes to project.
The affected associations have requested a meeting with the Councillor for Commerce and Markets, Santiago Ballester, to discuss the new ordinance, but have not yet received a response. This lack of communication has led to fears that the regulation will be approved without room for negotiation, which prompted a protest two weeks ago to highlight their demands.
