This XXXIV edition of the Torrellano Cup continues its voyage through July 16, 2019, reclaiming its international aura and expanding its reach once again. The event brings together about 1,100 athletes from various nations this year, including Algeria, Bulgaria, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Israel, Portugal and Taiwan, alongside teams from Spain.
The Elche region now stands as a global hub for grassroots handball and sports tourism. We can see the impact in the way hotels fill up and neighboring towns like Santa Pola or Alicante sometimes receive teams redirected to accommodate the influx. In total, 112 participating groups contribute to a vibrant, action-packed schedule.
The handball elite returns: Torrellano Cup will run from 12-16 July
JR Corners
municipal support
The Torrellano Cup ranks among the most important and visible events on both the national and international calendars. It is a championship that elevates Elche on the map and strengthens the Torrellano region. Sports officials highlight the event as a magnet for fans of handball and broader sports, encouraging widespread participation.
The official opening last night took place at the Isabel Fernández sports center, on the municipal football field, where the parade of all participants unfolded. The closing ceremony will crown the tournament with trophy presentations on the Fan Zone stage on Sunday, the 16th. Over four days there will be dozens of international matches, scheduled from early morning until noon and again from late afternoon, to dodge the peak heat hours.
This year’s tournament is returning to pre-pandemic participation levels, with considerable interest for the next edition already emerging. International participation has become a permanent feature again, and there is strong institutional support from both the City Council and the Elche City Council. The municipal staff’s dedication remains a standout factor in the event’s success.
7 to 40 years
The competition spans a wide age range, from prebenjamin players at seven years old to seasoned adults, with more than 40 players taking part in the senior categories for men and women. The club president notes a striking shift: the event began as a women’s championship, and today the number of male participants matches that of female participants, a development he describes as excellent news.
In addition to the contests on the court, the event includes leisure activities and food offerings for players and supporters alike. The schedule features performances by the Esade Dance School and concerts by the Elche rock school. A Torrellano Cup Market with food trucks, fan-zone programming, concerts and children’s activities runs across the five days, capped by a giant paella at 14:00 on the 15th.