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| La Nucia Mayor with the Torrevieja pipes and drums |
I think that even the Mayor Bernabe Cano and Bart Gomans, the Councillor for Foreign Residents and organiser of the event were taken aback by the huge turnout. The local police were certainly kept busy directing the traffic all day. It is estimated that well over five thousand people turned out!
The sound of bagpipes and drums opened the event and led the official delegation onto the stage to welcome everybody. The group had driven up all the way from Torrevieja and certainly made an impact - with the "big drummer" even performing a traditional dance to much cheer.
The United Kingdom was made up of all four countries - and even the Queen made an appearance, complete with crown and royal wave!
Many of the participants had food and drink native to their country on offer, and the delicious smell emanating from the stands permeated the entire sports hall. The Mayor walked around each stand, welcoming and thanking them for making it such a successful event.
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| Royal British Legion |
The Brits had a number of stands - the Royal British Legion - selling poppy related items, the U3A - manning a fantastic traditional English teashop and HELP International, which were all kept very busy.
Throughout the day there was a variety of entertainment - from dancing to singing, including a great high energy performance by the young dancers of the Broadway Academy.
It will certainly take some beating for next years event - which I am sure Bart must already be thinking about. It was a great community event sadly lacking in the UK. For all the talk of integration, nothing like this is ever done. Considering that the population of La Nucia is only 20,000 it most definitely showcased the town at its best.
