Redován unveils the programme for its Patron Saint Festivities in honour of the Virgen de la Salud and Saint Michael

Redován is already gearing up to celebrate its Patron Saint Festivities in honour of the Virgen de la Salud and Saint Michael the Archangel. A programme of festive, cultural and religious events will take place from August 28 to September 30. The mayor and councillor for Festivities, Nely Ruiz Peral, presented all the details of the programme, along with the traditional appointments made each year for the celebration. This year, Antonio Ros Gómez will deliver the opening speech, and Pepe Ruiz Riquelme has been named the Festero de Honor, who will kick off the festivities with the first firecracker. She was accompanied by Adriana Ruiz Gil, a local Art student from Redován and the author of the cover of this year’s festival booklet—the gateway to all the upcoming celebrations.

Rosario Larrosa Avilés has already been proclaimed Queen of the Elderly, while the other titles will be announced during the selection and coronation ceremony of the Queens. The candidates for Children’s Queen are Daniela Martínez Conesa, Paloma Illán Martínez, and Triana Aniorte Moreno. Meanwhile, the young women running to be Queens of the Festivities are Aitana Pérez Muñoz, Elena Bernabeu Miralles, and Inés Jiménez García. Aitana Martínez Martínez, Marco Nájar Ruiz, Carmen Ruiz Martínez, and Ciro Carrizo Marco will participate as pages.

The presentation also included the representatives of the various comparsas and barracas: Ainhoa Garri Sánchez is the 2025 Sultana of the “Sultanas del Rey Ahmed” barraca; María José Plaza Mayans represents the “Al-Khäusil” comparsa as Amira 2025; Ángela Esquiva Hernández is the Templar Standard Bearer of the “Caballeros Templarios” comparsa; Helena Gallud Rufete has been named Pirate Captain 2025 by the “Piratas” comparsa; Adriana Ballester Trigueros will serve as Standard Bearer of the “El Volante” peña; and María Martínez Ferrer is the Moza Mayor 2025 of the “La Gramaera” barraca.

The official start of the festivities will be on Thursday, August 28, with the traditional concert by the Unión Musical de Redován and the 4th Festive Awards Gala, which precedes the selection and coronation of the Queens. The coronation will take place on Friday, August 29, at 10.00 p.m. in Plaza de la Paz. On Saturday morning, August 30, children will enjoy the kids’ chupinazo and a water party, while at 8.00 p.m. the Flower Offering will begin from Plaza Miguel Hernández. One of the most anticipated moments will follow at 9.00 p.m.: the official chupinazo from the Town Hall balcony, marking the festive kickoff with music and a vibrant street atmosphere. On Sunday, August 31, the traditional Grama e Hilado exhibition will be held.

“We’re launching one of the most cherished celebrations for all of us in Redován. These are days in which our town comes alive with excitement, and we’ve prepared a programme with great care to make every neighbour and visitor feel part of this celebration,” stated Nely Ruiz.

On Wednesday, September 3, the barracas will open. The festivities will continue on Thursday, September 4, with the popular tapas pub crawl accompanied by a marching band (charanga), and on Saturday, September 6, the General Parade will take place, preceded by a gathering of bands and festeros in Plaza de la Paz. The parade will start at 9.00 p.m. Another key moment will come on Monday, September 8, with the solemn mass and procession in honour of the Virgen de la Salud, the town’s patron saint, beginning at 8.30 p.m. The traditional vaquilla evenings on September 9, 10, and 11 will once again fill the bullring with excitement and tradition starting at 9.00 p.m.

The second half of September will be marked by music and entertainment. On Friday, September 12, the traditional Dance Gala will take place, organised by the Redován Dance Association, and on Saturday, September 13, the White Party will feature a live concert by Los Happys. Registration for this event will be open from September 2 to 12. The highly anticipated Multicolour Parade, a favourite among peñas and comparsas, will take place on Saturday, September 20, followed by a big DJ party in Plaza Miguel Hernández. The weekend will close with the Classic Motorcycle event by Asociación La Carbonilla on Sunday, September 21.

Redován’s festivities will continue into the following week. On Friday, September 26, the show “Hola Rafaela” will be held in Plaza de la Paz at 10.00 p.m. On Saturday, September 27, live music returns with a concert by La Hornet and DJ Jesús Rodríguez. On Sunday, September 28, the themed concert in honour of Saint Michael by Unión Musical de Redován will take place at 8.30 p.m. also in Plaza de la Paz. Finally, on Monday, September 29, the feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel and the town’s patron saint, religious events will be held in his honour, followed by a fireworks display as the grand finale. The procession will begin at 8.30 p.m.

“We want everyone to find their space in these celebrations, to share joyful moments, and to strengthen our pride in being part of Redován. We encourage everyone to participate with respect, joy, and responsibility,” concluded Nely Ruiz.

The mayor of Redován supports the management of the Councilor for Public Safety.

They assure that the 24-hour Local Police service is operational and describe the news spread by an opposition group as “fake”

The mayor of Redován, Nely Ruiz, and the councilor Marisol Ibáñez appeared today to clarify the information spread by an opposition group in the Town Hall against the management of the Public Safety officer, and, in the case of the mayor, to support the work of Marisol Ibáñez.

The municipal officials wanted to send a message of reassurance to the people of Redován in light of various reports on social media and in the press regarding the alleged suspension of the 24-hour Local Police service in Redován. The councilor clarified that the event in question—which even led the mentioned opposition group to demand her resignation—was “a specific and exceptional situation in the coverage of the Local Police night shift due to a particular circumstance, not a lack of planning.”

Specifically, the reference was to the absence of a night shift, “something exceptional,” the councilor reiterated, “which can never be used as an excuse to spread falsehoods.”

Marisol Ibáñez explained that misinformation had been spread regarding an alleged police intervention that took place last week, involving an incident related to a possible conflict between two individuals. The intervention, she stated, “as outlined by protocol in such cases, was the responsibility of the Civil Guard,” without wishing to add further information “because it is not the role of this council to feed sensationalism or delve into sensitive details.”

Marisol Ibáñez reminded the public that in Redován, as in many other towns in the region, members of the security forces are subject to constant rotation and high mobility. This, she said, should be understood by those calling for her resignation, “since it is part of the functioning of public administration, and neither I nor any other municipal official can prevent an employee from applying for a post in another town or closer to their family, thereby improving their personal or professional conditions.”

The Public Safety councilor stated that the opposition’s criticism is legitimate, “but misinformation is not,” adding that “politics should be based on truth, not opportunism.” She said she appeared before the citizens “to provide the necessary explanations” and to stress that the decision to remain in office “rests solely and exclusively with the mayor of Redován, not with those who try to wear down a political project through falsehoods, headlines, fake news, and noise.”

For her part, the mayor, Nely Ruiz, reaffirmed her support for the councilor’s management and responsibility, accusing those who have tried to politicize the issue of “not knowing—or not wanting to know—the reality of public administration.” Ruiz stated that the resignation demanded by the opposition “not only lacks foundation, but also demonstrates a way of doing politics that directly harms the town of Redován.” She added that these kinds of strategies “create unnecessary alarm, manipulate facts, and play with public safety,” which, she said, “is irresponsible.”

 

Redován launches RedApp, the new official municipal information channel via WhatsApp

Redován Town Council today presented RedApp, a new free messaging service via WhatsApp that will allow all citizens to be informed, in real time, of municipal news: announcements, edicts, cultural agenda, activities, emergencies, power or water cuts, subsidies, grants and much more.

RedApp is configured as a unidirectional channel, that is, only for sending information, avoiding saturation and ensuring an orderly and clear flow of messages. Communications will be carried out via mailing lists – not groups – in compliance with European data protection regulations.

During the presentation, the first deputy mayor and councillor for Transparency and Good Governance, José Najar, stressed that ‘with RedApp we are taking another step forward in our commitment to transparency and good governance. We are committed to an administration that is open, close and connected to its neighbours, that listens and communicates clearly’.

How does RedApp work? The system is very simple: the user saves the number 652 101 700 in their address book, then they send a message via WhatsApp with the word ALTA and once they receive a welcome message, from then on they will start to receive the most relevant information about the municipality).

The communications will be active every day of the week between 8:00 and 22:00 hours, and it should be noted that it will also be a tool for communication in cases of emergency.

The Town Hall guarantees compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (RGPD) and reminds that registration and cancellation of the service can be done easily by sending a message with the word ALTA or BAJA to the same number.

The Redován Town Council Settles Municipal Debt Dating Back to 2011 and Brings the Balance to Zero

The Town Council approves today the 2024 budget settlement, more than one million euros that allows the elimination of the Town Hall’s outstanding debt
Ruiz: “Every euro that used to go to debt repayment will now be used to improve services, infrastructure, and the well-being of all residents”

The Redován Town Council brings the balance to zero today with the approval in a Plenary Session of the positive Treasury surplus for 2024: €1,054,218.69, which allows the full settlement of the Town Hall’s outstanding debt. The Councillor for Finance, José Nájar, and the Mayor, Nely Ruiz, announced this “historic” milestone for the municipality at a press conference today, as it puts an end to over 6 million euros of debt that had been accumulating since 2011, when the Popular Party took office.

Nely Ruiz recalled that at that time, “the situation was critical, with unpaid invoices, unfulfilled commitments with associations, debts with consortiums and even with the Generalitat”. That is why, the mayor added, “we began implementing a rigorous, responsible management focused on cleaning up public accounts, which has led us to close the 2024 financial year with this positive Treasury surplus and the opportunity to cancel the debt — which, of course, we are going to do”.

The Councillor for Finance, José Nájar, explained that as of last December 31, the debt stood at €914,314.69, corresponding to pending payments to suppliers and a loan from the Economic Boost Fund requested in 2021, which was used to resolve another long-standing issue — a pending expropriation dating back to the 1980s. Nájar emphasized that this operation will be a relief for municipal finances, “but also a guarantee of strength and confidence to face future projects with greater freedom and ambition”.

“Today, Redován leaves behind a historic burden and looks to the future with economic stability,” the mayor stated, explaining that with no debt to pay off, the Town Council will be able to allocate “every euro that previously went to debt repayment to improving services, infrastructure, and the well-being of our residents”. As a result, Redován now enjoys sound finances, taking another step toward becoming a modern, balanced town designed for the people who live in it.

Redován Town Council Presents Budget with Investments in Sports, Healthcare, and Environment

The document balances revenue and expenditure, totaling €6,449,200.71, with a 5.5% increase compared to last year
The Redován Town Council brings the 2025 Municipal Budget to the Plenary Session today. The financial document was presented at a press conference by the Councillor for Finance, José Nájar. The budget balances revenue and expenditure and totals €6,449,200.71. This represents a 5.5% increase over the previous year, and the Council is planning investments in sports, healthcare, and the environment.

As for revenue, direct taxes remain steady at around €2,356,960.75, and indirect taxes at €160,000. Most of the revenue comes from other administrations, amounting to €2,485,096.33. Municipal fees bring in €1,339,143.63, and property income totals €108,000.

One of the most significant investments will be the construction of a covered sports pavilion. “This project has a cost of €1,050,000 and will begin in the coming weeks,” explained Nájar, who added that “there is also a budget allocation to replace the grass on the football field.”

The Town Council has also carried out works under the Edificant Plan, and is now allocating funds to create certified classrooms. “We will invest €44,000 to complete the renovation project and launch these classrooms,” Nájar confirmed. Additionally, the budget includes a €450,000 investment for the construction of a floodable park under the environmental section.

Other important budget items include improvements to the water supply and sewage network. “We are going to invest over €300,000 to improve the water network on Pascual Martínez Street and Camino de Fortuna,” said Nájar, who also noted that “€277,105 is allocated for the implementation of a remote control and sectorization system for the town’s potable water network, as part of a strong commitment to improve the infrastructure.” This project will begin in the coming weeks, according to the Councillor. Moreover, the Town Council has budgeted funds to complete the full paving of Camino de Fortuna.

In the area of healthcare, the Council continues moving forward with plans for a new medical center. “We have created a budget item for drafting the report and preliminary design of the future facility,” said Nájar, who also mentioned, “We will invest €43,927 to renovate the current medical center to improve primary care services, as required by the Regional Health Department. The renovation will begin in the coming weeks, as the contract has already been awarded.”

Regarding Social Services, the Council will increase its contribution to the La Vega Association. “We will go from €150,000 to €274,000 to improve the services that the entity provides to the entire population,” Nájar stated.

The Finance Councillor explained during the press conference that, with the entry into force of fiscal rules — that is, the expenditure rule and financial stability — the treasury surplus, once the 2024 budget is settled (estimated at over €450,000), will be allocated to debt repayment. This will free up nearly €70,000 in loan payments, which will instead be used for investment.

José Nájar affirmed that “Redován continues to make progress in services for its citizens, and our goal is to keep improving the quality of life of our residents.” In this regard, he emphasized that the 2025 budget “allows Redován to move forward and become a prosperous town for everyone.”

Redován Brings ‘Paths of Light’ to FITUR to Promote Family Tourism in the Mountains and Traditional Festivities

The Town Council brings to this major tourism event the annual walk held during the May Crosses celebrations

The municipality of Redován will once again be present at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) with a proposal aimed at promoting family and nature tourism in the area. On Thursday, January 23, in Madrid, the outdoor activity Paths of Light will be presented — an event that takes place during the May Crosses festivities and combines nature with sport. The initiative was introduced by the Councillor for Tourism and the Environment, Adrián Ballesta, who was accompanied by Mayor Nely Ruiz. Ballesta explained that “we are bringing this important tourism event to attract visitors of all ages to our municipality, where we have a mountain range that can be enjoyed by families as well as by athletes who prefer more challenging hiking routes or even adventure through our various climbing routes, including the now-famous via ferrata.”

Mayor Nely Ruiz highlighted that Redován’s natural and sporting wealth has positioned it as a leading destination for active and sustainable tourism in the Vega Baja region: “Redován is more than just a destination. It’s a place where nature, sport, and family come together. Paths of Light reflects how our activities blend sport, tourism, and unforgettable moments for everyone,” the mayor said.

Paths of Light was launched in 2016 as a joint effort by the departments of Sports, Festivities, and Culture. Mayor Nely Ruiz explained that “it began as part of the Cross festivities, held each May, featuring a walk illuminated by the hikers themselves. It starts at the church door and, after passing through the upper part of the town, follows the foothills of the Redován mountains.” The mayor emphasized that Paths of Light promotes sports, family tourism, and the traditions of the Cruz and Rincón neighborhoods, “with growing participation each year, making it a fun experience to join and also a beautiful sight to watch from afar — a snake of lights winding through the mountains.”

Redován’s tourism campaign is also expanding onto the Town Council’s social media platforms, where a series of promotional micro-videos will be released throughout the week. The campaign will culminate on Thursday with the premiere of a promotional spot, almost simultaneously with its official unveiling in Madrid. In one of the videos, Mayor Nely Ruiz states, “we want to showcase this hidden gem that represents a unique asset for our town,” referring to the Redován mountains. The other two feature a member of the Redován Mountain Club and a participant from the latest edition of Paths of Light.

Councillor Adrián Ballesta emphasized the town’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, stating that Paths of Light “is an activity for all ages, designed to combine sport, leisure, and contact with nature, with a focus on family-friendly tourism.” The presentation of this event at FITUR reinforces Redován’s strategy to position its mountain range as a key driver of tourism. This initiative joins others launched in recent years, such as the promotion of the via ferrata, one of the longest in the Valencian Community, which has made Redován a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. With Paths of Light, Redován expands its tourism offering with an accessible, family-oriented experience that complements its appeal as an adventure destination.