Exposaldo 09, an annual retail sale, took place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife this year. The event took place in the International Fair and Congress Centre which is located on the coast in the centre of Santa Cruz close to the Tenerife Auditorium and the Parque Maritimo, an outdoor swimming and leisure complex. The Fair and Congress Centre, which opened in 1996, is an impressive architectural building which was designed by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Calatrava also designed the spectacular auditorium nearby which features an amazing arching wing that hangs over the top of the structure. In June the auditorium put on a mix of events including jazz, ballet, classical and dance productions. In July, The Pretenders performed a concert and later in the year, in December, the hit musical Mama Mia comes to town.

The retail fair, which this year took place for the ninth time, welcomed 50,000 visitors over its 5 days. Everything from cars to pieces of fabric was on sale on more than 200 stands. The idea of the promotion is to allow small and medium sized businesses on the island to clear unseasonal and older stock to make way for new goods. Many of the items were be sold at big discounts and represent a great opportunity for purchasers. The goods available included jewellery, footwear, domestic appliances, toys, electronic goods, crockery, clothing and vehicles. A greater focus on used cars was being advertised this year and the organisers expected more than 400 vehicles to be exhibited. Entrance to the fair, which opened daily from 11am until 9pm is 3 Euros and the organisers are provided a play area for smaller children.

Tenerife's International Fair and Congress Centre is a very large building with an open-plan area inside the size of two football pitches, which was perfect for the size of the crowds expected.