I have already told you about the importance of salt in Torrevieja, how the industry is closely related to the history of the town and how all of it is documented in the lovely museum of the salt and sea.
Another keyword defining Torrevieja is music, more precisely Las Habaneras. They are songs the theme of which is the life, comings and goings of the seamen who departed from Torrevieja to lands as far away as the Caribbean. A local composer, Ricardo Lafuente, is responsible for the creation of countless songs, as well as the formation of an orchestra and choir performing his works in concerts and competitions which reach international level.
From 19th to 25th July, we are in for a special treat. During this week, the choir takes to the beach, Playa del Cura and performs nightly in the sand with the sea as a more than suitable background.
Born in Torrevieja, Ricardo Lafuente, who passed away in 2008, is as closely a part of the town’s history as is the salt industry and the casino. His past, apart from writing habaneras, includes a career as a printer and founder of the first choirs.
The old railway station, which, hopefully one day will become operative again, is the venue of El Museo de Las Habaneras, another Torrevieja museum not to be missed. The exhibits not only comprise his musical work and memorabilia but also the printer part.
Small wonder then, that several locations in Torrevieja are named Habaneras. One is a major road, Avenida de Las Habaneras which leads to Playa de los Locos. Another is a quite pretty shopping center.
Older than Zenia Boulevard and a bit difficult to reach on foot, it’s nonetheless convenient with a big Carrefour nearby, a ZARA clothes and home shop and many other outlets and a cinema.
Far less glamorous too and with less activities apart from shopping and a spot of eating, it does have a children’s corner and comfortably wide aisles.
Yes, salt and song certainly pull together in Torrevieja.