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Diari Valencià

Summer Festivals: Economic Impact and Neighbor Complaints over Noise and Disturbances

Burriana and Xàbia exemplify the tension between the economic benefits of large events and the concerns of local residents.

Generic image of a music festival with a blurred crowd and stage lights.
IA

Generic image of a music festival with a blurred crowd and stage lights.

Large summer festivals in the Valencian Community generate economic activity, but also lead to neighbor complaints about noise and dirt in municipalities such as Burriana and Xàbia.

The major festivals held during the summer not only boost activity in the capital but also in other municipalities from north to south of the Valencian Community. However, part of the local population in these areas complains about the disturbances associated with these multitudinous events, as is the case in Burriana and Xàbia, where noise, dirt, and the impact on coexistence are the focus of criticism.
In Burriana (Plana Baixa), the beginning of August is marked by the celebration of the Arenal Sound, a festival with over twenty years of history that gathers around 50,000 attendees daily. Despite the festive atmosphere, residents in the port area, where it takes place, claim to suffer direct consequences. They report noise and dirt during the festival days, disturbances that, they explain, recur year after year.
A report by the Universitat Jaume I de Castelló estimates the global economic impact of Arenal Sound at eight million euros in Burriana and twelve million in the Valencian Community. Furthermore, it highlights the positive effect on the municipality's projection, as the so-called sounders share content on social media that enhances its visibility.
Nevertheless, the same study indicates that, once the festival ends, few attendees return to or visit the municipality. This reality is also reflected in local businesses, such as bars and restaurants near the venue, where some owners claim to have noticed lower customer numbers and reduced turnover during the festival days.
In Xàbia (Marina Alta), complaints primarily focus on noise. Residents criticize that the stage for the Festival Mar de Xàbia is set up very close to homes, causing constant disturbances. Additionally, last year, protests from business owners and merchants also arose, as they believe this type of event has a negative impact on coexistence, the tourism model, and mobility in the municipality.
The coincidence of complaints in various localities highlights the management of these festivals, which combine significant economic and promotional impact with growing tensions with residents and the local economic fabric.

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