The PSOE will present a motion at the July plenary to create a preferential pass at the August Fair in Antequera aimed at people with ASD, ADHD or hypersensitivity, with the goal of reducing the stress caused by crowds.
Socialist councillor Noemí Escobar has registered a motion for the upcoming July plenary proposing the creation of a preferential pass for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD or hypersensitivity during the August Fair in Antequera. The initiative, which is already in place in other Andalusian municipalities, aims to allow these individuals to enjoy the attractions and events “on equal terms,” avoiding long queues and the noise that causes them stress or anxiety.
A pass to avoid queues and crowds
The measure, as explained by Escobar, would be implemented in coordination with the fairground operators so that pass holders can access the attractions without having to wait in line. The goal is for the system to be ready for the next edition of the fair, which takes place in mid-August. “We want no one to stay at home out of fear of crowds,” the councillor stated.
In addition to the attractions, the proposal includes extending the preferential pass to concerts and other municipal activities with large crowds. The PSOE also proposes a awareness campaign to explain how the measure works and to prevent it from being perceived as a privilege, as well as training for those in charge of the attractions.
Complement to other accessibility measures
This is not the PSOE's first initiative in this area. Last year, they advocated for extending the noise-free hours throughout the fair, a measure that was ultimately not adopted. Now, with this new proposal, they aim to take a further step in accessibility. “It’s not just about noise, but about the entire environment: the lights, the crowds, the waiting,” Escobar explained.
The motion will be debated in the July plenary, and if approved, the Antequera City Council will need to negotiate with the fairground operators and define the details of the pass. Escobar is hopeful that the governing team will support the initiative, as “it is a matter of inclusion and rights.”
For residents of Antequera with ASD, ADHD or hypersensitivity, and their families, the measure would represent significant relief. “Many families simply do not come to the fair because they know it will be a traumatic experience for their children,” lamented the councillor. With this pass, they hope that the August Fair will be a more inclusive space for everyone.
If approved, Antequera would join a growing list of Andalusian municipalities that have already implemented similar systems, such as Málaga and Seville. The intention is that, if successful, it will be expanded to other municipal events throughout the year.
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