The City of Cartagena, in the southeastern autonomic region of Murcia, Spain, will create a “Vegan Tapas Route”. In September 2022 the Cartagena Councill approved the proposal of Aroha Nicolás, Councillor for Unidas Podemos IU-Verdes, and had the support of all municipal groups — except Movimiento Ciudadano, which abstained.
Tapas routes have become one of the biggest attractions in many cities throughout Spain, some of them with a long tradition. When councillor Nicolás first proposed the idea, she said, “Locals and visitors who make a pilgrimage during the days of the celebration participate in them to taste the gastronomic delights of the locals who participate in these events… With this initiative, we intend to promote another type of route, a vegan tapas route. An initiative that has already been carried out in different municipalities such as Valencia, Madrid or Murcia, obtaining very good results both in terms of citizen participation and collection for the participating establishments… it is an ideal option to promote the vegan businesses that are increasingly in demand by citizens and that can make a recognized niche in the regional gastronomic calendar and for the promotion of healthy and balanced diets that also contribute to environmental sustainability.”
The motion also proposed the promotion of responsible diets as far as the environment and animal welfare are concerned, offering the opportunity to collaborate with animal protectors and animal protection organisations that work in the area. The plenary has also approved the creation of a dog park in the area of Vallejo Alberola park and on the “pipican” area located on Muralla de Tierra street. These parks will have fountains adapted for dogs and humans, bins and bag dispensers, a large recreational space, abundant vegetation, benches to rest and good lighting.
