The meeting has established itself as the main annual event for proximity commerce in the region, bringing together representatives from the 19 trade associations that make up FACENORD, along with traders, entrepreneurs, mayors, councilors, and technical trade staff from 13 municipalities in L'Horta Nord.
The institutional inauguration was attended by the mayor of Godella, José Musoles, the president of FACENORD, Gonzalo Alcácer, and the president of Pactem Nord and mayor of Alboraia, Miguel Chavarría, who highlighted the contribution of local trade to social cohesion, job creation, and economic revitalization.
During the morning, a panel of experiences titled “L'Horta Nord Trade: Success Stories” took place, featuring Paula Segarra and Raquel Aguilar (Boda Art Studio, Tavernes Blanques), Lluís Vicent Ferrando (Dekategoria, Godella), and Estela Dionisio and Mar Ferrer (Camina Conmigo and Etternity Peluquería, Paterna), who shared their business trajectories and innovation experiences.
One of the most significant moments was the presentation of the Local Trade Awards 2026, recognizing the work of commercial and service establishments in L'Horta Nord. 59 candidacies from 39 businesses were submitted.
In the Generational Succession category, the award went to Horno del Rosario - La Casa del Cachap (Paterna), a family business with nearly two centuries of history. The award was presented by Lucas Jódar, councilor for trade in Paterna.
In Professional Trajectory, the recognized businesses were Bar Central (Godella), awarded by Mayor José Musoles; Centro Óptico Almàssera, with an award from councilor Teresa Gómez-Lobo; CEI El Niu (Alboraia), awarded by Mayor Miguel Chavarría and councilor Conxa Villena; and Ferretería Dols (Puçol), awarded by Mayoress Paz Carceller.
The Commercial Association category awarded Ares Arnau (Almàssera), with an award from councilor Teresa Gómez-Lobo; Camina Conmigo y Etternity Peluquería (Paterna), awarded by Lucas Jódar; Herbolario La Rosa de Jericó (Rocafort), awarded by councilor Jorge Ortega; and Perruqueria Encarna i Nuria (Meliana), awarded by Mayoress Trini Montañana and councilor Mayka Raga.
In Responsible Commerce, Dekategoria (Godella), awarded by councilor Juanma Álmamo, and Herboglory (Bonrepòs i Mirambell and Almàssera), awarded by Mayoress Raquel Ramiro, were recognized for their social responsibility and sustainability initiatives.
The Commercial Entrepreneurship category recognized Boda Art Studio (Tavernes Blanques), awarded by councilor Yolanda Sánchez; Centro Médico Estético Unimodel (Paterna), awarded by councilor Lucas Jódar; and Tarara Roba Menuda (Foios), awarded by councilor Ferran Bartual. Special mentions were also given to fourteen entrepreneurial initiatives.
In the Innovative Commerce category, the awardees were Fet a Mà (Rafelbunyol), awarded by Mayor Fran López; Moncarca (Paterna); and Pepiteria La Santi (Museros), awarded by deputy mayor Vicente Pérez.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of the INTERFIRES 2026 Awards, an initiative by FACENORD and Pactem Nord with the collaboration of Caixa Popular, aimed at promoting purchases and commercial mobility among the region's municipalities.
The organization positively assessed the high participation and commitment shown. The VII Meeting reaffirmed the strength of proximity commerce as an economic driver and a factor of social cohesion in L'Horta Nord, although continued work is needed to improve its positioning.
