The mayor of Albacete, Manuel Serrano, has highlighted the «organizational success and high participation» that once again have been achieved by the various activities organized by the City Council for children, youth, and adults in different venues around the city on the occasion of Jueves Lardero, noting that around 17,000 people are enjoying them.
The most popular activities, as reported by Manuel Serrano, have been the popular bullfights at the Plaza de Toros, with 9,000 participants; at the Fiesta del Árbol, with 5,500 attendees; or at the Pincho de la Feria, with over 2,000 people. Additionally, this year more than 2,500 «monas» have been distributed among the Pincho de la Feria, the Fiesta del Árbol, and the Centro Joven, as reported by the Albacete City Council in a press release.
The mayor has praised the «varied and high-quality» program that the Government team has offered this year to citizens so they can enjoy a tradition as rooted as ‘Día de la Mona’ during his visit to the activities organized at different locations in the city such as the park of the Fiesta del Árbol, the Water Tank, the Plaza de Toros, the Pincho, the Ejidos, and the Pabellón de la Feria, accompanied by the Councilor of Culture, Elena Serrallé, and the councilors of the Government team Francisco Navarro, Carlos Calero, Rosa González de la Aleja, Gala de la Calzada, and Francisco Villaescusa.
Manuel Serrano has expressed his gratitude to all the municipal services workers involved in the Jueves Lardero programming for the «important and committed work» they have carried out once again to ensure that the ‘Día de la Mona’ continues to be a meeting point for all Albacete residents, especially for families and young people, promoting activities based on healthy leisure.
The mayor also extended his thanks to the Local Police, the Civil Protection volunteers, and the Red Cross for their exemplary work so that we can enjoy this day without having to worry about anything.
In conclusion, a program «for all tastes and all ages» that, as Manuel Serrano has pointed out, once again becomes the prelude to Carnival, which begins this Friday with the proclamation in the Altozano square, at 8:00 p.m., by the Albacete actress Pepa Cortijo, accompanied by the Manchego comedian Agustín Durán.
THE ACTIVITIES
The scheduled activities took place at the Fiesta del Árbol park, where 1,000 «monas» were distributed. A space where the youngest members of the family enjoyed workshops, inflatable castles, inclusive games, and the children’s show ‘A Bailar’ by the company La Caja de Música.
The Pincho de la Feria area was the stage for performances by L.A.S. Djs, who have performed at festivals such as MadCool, FIB, and the San Isidro festivities; Canto Moderno from the EMMA; Marmi; the independent group W.O.N., specializing in K-Pop covers; Mar Lucas, one of Spain’s most popular influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram; and the urban music artist DBoss, originally from Senegal and residing in Albacete.
A space where 1,500 «monas» were distributed, and where attendees could enjoy a 360 machine, a photo booth, a makeup stand, a tent to customize the «monas,» a special program by Emisora Novaonda, a Purple Point, and, as a novelty, two facilitators to teach urban dances.
Sports were also part of the Jueves Lardero program, with 3×3 Basketball tournaments organized by the Club Bueno Arenas Albacete Basket and athletics by the Club de Atletismo Albacete at the Ejidos de la Feria, as well as a 4×4 volleyball tournament at the Pabellón de la Feria organized by the Club Albarena.
At the Water Interpretation Center of Albacete, the sensory experience ‘Live a sensory experience with Aguas de Albacete’ was offered, with activities to promote sustainable habits and the presence of ‘The Monster of Wipes.’
The Albacete Youth Center, where «monas» were distributed to the first attendees, hosted the Videogame Party, with video games from PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch organized by the Nexus Outsiders Association.
There was also space for outdoor activities lovers, with scavenger hunts, guided tours, exhibitions, and activities in the laboratory of the Nature Classroom at Parque de La Pulgosa.
The Plaza de Toros once again hosted the traditional release of bulls, while the Museum of Cutlery offered a cutlery crafts workshop and a magic show by Juanma García; and at the film library, two screenings of the movie ‘The 15:17 to Paris’ directed by Clint Eastwood, in the original version subtitled in Spanish (VOSE) could be enjoyed.