Valencia News – Some 500 police officers are to hit the streets of Valencia tonight to prevent New Year’s Eve – ‘Nochevieja’ – ‘botellones’ and to disperse large concentrations of young drinkers. Daniel Hazelhoff reports…
As New Year’s Eve spirits peak, police officers prepare for the onslaught of festive drinkers. So, in the prevention of the age-old tradition of El Botellón, 500 police officers are bracing for an expected explosion of festive fun.
With Omicron on the rise, and restrictions increasing in their intensity, officials are preparing measures for large groups of people, and subsequent botellones. However, the streets of Valencia are still likely to flood with party people. “We intend to prevent and react” to the situation, says Aarón Cano, councillor for civil protection. “We will act” in areas of high concentration, especially in public roads, adds Cano.
No street drinking this year
The Generalitat intends to keep all New Year’s Eve plans in line with restrictions and safety measures already imposed. The local and national police will “make sure that the new year develops smoothly and in accordance with the Generalitat’s imposed health and safety protocols,” says Cano.
The Plaza Del Ayuntamiento will close from 23:00. Only residents will have access to the area, but only to enter and exit their homes. Those that work in the area will also be able to move throughout the plaza.
Police will enforce safety measures and ensure safety distances are maintained. And also that all civilians are wearing their masks. The public consumption of alcohol on public streets and areas will remain prohibited during the celebration.
A high police presence will be located in busy areas, and areas popular for botellones. Places such as the beach, the Marina, Benimaclet, La Plaza De Honduras, El Cedro and Blasco Ibañez will see a stronger police presence, Levante- EMV reports. The police will be using a “dynamic” system of control, creating flexibility within zones, allocating officers where needed.
“We are trying to create an effective and agile response to the situation,” says Cano.
Patraix and New Year’s Eve
The neighbourhood of Patraix will install a fenced perimeter around La Hoguera (a bonfire) that was planted last Wednesday in honour of the 150th anniversary of Patraix’s annexation of what was El Pueblo a Valencia.
“We’re not going to do anything different to what will be going on in Calle Colón,” says Toni Pla, president of the Asociación Colectivo Vecinal (AVV).
In addition, Patraix has cancelled the children’s afternoon sounding of the church’s bells. As well as the evening celebration of New Year’s Eve. The AVV asks all residents to celebrate the new year from their balconies, and not in the Plaza.
At 0:15 La Hoguera will light up and all other activities will end.
“We advise citizens to stay home to avoid mixing with many other people,” says Pla.
“It is for this very reason we have cancelled public distribution of grapes and cava,” says Pla. No music will be heard in Patraix tonight, either.
With hopes of an easier year, many are asking 2022 to “please be gentle.” Residents of Valencia, city and Comunidad have had it rather rough these past two years.
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