Spanish 
Dutch 
French 
German 
Norwegian Bokmål 
Polish 
Swedish
Last weekend’s Orihuela Costa Carnival has ignited tensions, with the local Pedáneo (appointed mayoral representative), of Campoamor, Raúl Fernández, dismissing a neighbourhood parade group as a “mockery” and an “embarrassment.” In response, residents claim they are facing “repression of dissent,” citing increased police pressure, censorship, harassment, and misinformation campaigns.
The controversy centres around the parade group Los Bombones de la Costa, a 50-member ensemble from the neighbourhood association Unidos por la Costa. Their costumes and satirical recitals highlighted longstanding neglect of the coastal area. Their creativity even won them an award, but their critique of local governance did not sit well with authorities.
Fernández, who is also a PP party advisor, publicly criticized the group on social media, dismissing their representation of the community. This sparked a strong response from the association, which claims its 1000 members from 39 nationalities and 10,000 Facebook followers give it legitimate community backing. They argue that their activism has led to growing repression, including police pressure, censorship, and a lack of transparency from local officials.
In a statement on it’s WhatsApp group the association said of Fernández that they were, “not really surprised by his disrespectful comments made against the association and the brilliant residents of Orihuela Costa for arranging the fantastic event on Saturday as a supposedly paid pedaneo and advisor for Orihuela Costa.
If the budgets were more evenly distributed for fiestas, Xmas lights, Halloween etc there would be no need for residents to take it upon themselves to arrange such festivities out of their own pockets. You are paid to represent the people but you seem to do very little for the coast. We need the association to speak up and to keep fighting for the rights of the coast which should be your job.”
The association also criticized the political structure, pointing out that Fernández, as a pedáneo, was directly chosen and appointed by Orihuela’s mayor and is said to be paid approximately 40k per annum, with public funds. They questioned whether other local representatives would continue being “puppets” in the current political landscape.
Additionally, they accused Vox, which controls the Coastal Affairs Department, of attempting to take credit for any community improvements, sometimes even hindering progress to maintain political leverage.
Describing the current situation as driven by “arrogance, ignorance, and fear of exposure,” the association vowed to continue voicing concerns to push for better public services, investments, and living conditions in the area.
For his part, Fernández defended his comments, insisting they were personal opinions rather than an official stance. He argued that the Carnival should remain an apolitical event for children’s enjoyment and emphasized his deep connection to Orihuela Costa, where he has lived his entire life.
Photo credit: Unidos por la Costa
Spanish Dutch French German Norwegian Bokmål Polish Swedish
