Viva la fiesta on Costa Blanca
From the outside, it may seem that there is a celebration every other day in Spain. There are more than two dozen public holidays each year; some are only celebrated in certain regions, while others are countrywide. Cities, towns, villages and parishes enthusiastically celebrate their patron saints, local historical events, or regional phenomena. Celebrations are typically religious, accompanied by impressive fireworks, elaborate decorations and costumes, bullfights, processions, parades and excellent concerts!
The holiday season offers the most partying opportunities. In June and July, you can dance your way from the epicentre of one festival to the next. Some celebration dates even overlap. If you're planning on moving or spending time in Spain regularly, familiarise yourself with the calendar of state and local fiestas! That way, you can choose the most aesthetically pleasing and indulge in the joyful celebrations on your terms, so the lively fun in the streets doesn’t interfere with an intense work period or become overwhelming for sensory-sensitive children.
In this article, I'll describe the most popular festivals and events in the Valencia Region (with a special focus on the Costa Blanca). Next week, I'll introduce you to Murcia's (Costa Calida) party calendar!
§ The calendar year begins with the Cabalgata de Reyes Magos. Epiphany is a major holiday in Spain that marks the end of the Christmas season. Kids get more presents than under the Christmas tree. On the eve of the holiday (January 5th), parades (Gabalgatas de los Reyes Magos) are held all over Spain. On the night of Epiphany, January 6th, the Three Kings arrive on their camels laden with gifts. They throw sweets and treats to the thousands of children gathered along the parade route. Experiencing this deeply rooted Spanish tradition is an absolute must. The oldest parade in Spain is organised in the town of Alcoy in the Valencia region!
§ On January 17th - Saint Anthony's Day - thousands of animals run through the streets of Valencia. From domestic pets (such as dogs, cats and even horses) to exotic species: turtles, parrots, chameleons and snakes in terrariums. San Antonio Abad is better known in the city as Sant Antoni del "porquet" (little pig). In the parish of San Antonio Abad, the long and much-anticipated blessing of the animals takes place at 11 am. In the evening, you can also enjoy a huge bonfire in honour of the saint and the traditional market, which opens on the weekend before the holiday. The city also holds a traditional pig raffle.
Where do pigs come from? Legend has it that St. Anthony was responsible for numerous animal-related miracles, including curing piglets of blindness. This led to his numerous depictions with pigs at his feet.
In Torrevieja, the San Anton Festival is a three-day event that includes a series of events for both children and adults. The religious element is followed by a family-oriented entertainment portion that includes music, dancing, fireworks, and many street events such as the San Anton Street Festival.
§ Carnival is most associated with South America but is widely celebrated throughout Latin culture, including the Costa Blanca. In Benidorm, where the largest parade is held, thousands of people come to watch the giant decorations and dance to the beat of the music.
This year Torrevieja celebrated its carnival from January 27th to February 26th. Two street parades and several competitions are held during the two weeks. A large number of visitors gather thanks to numerous attractions, such as the presentation of queens, a carnival murgas contest, a drag queen contest, dances for children and the elderly, a parade contest and a night parade. Dozens of comparsas (groups of dancers) pass through the heart of Torrevieja during the celebration. During the first parade, they dance and compete for cash prizes. The second (nighttime) takes place on the last day of the carnival. The event is informal, and anyone can participate.
§ March 1st – 19th - Fallas of Valencia - Festival of Fire
A festival recognised as an "intangible cultural heritage" by UNESCO. It is Valencia's most famous, world-renowned event.
Las Fallas derives from an old tradition of carpenters. They celebrated the arrival of spring on March 19th by burning pieces of wood (parots) used to hold lamps during the winter. Other old things and rags were gradually added to the bonfire to make the wooden structure look human.
It is said that the first fallas were celebrated in the 18th century to honour St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. Even then, it had a certain burlesque touch. As a prelude to the arrival of Spring, embarrassing neighbourhood situations were publicly revealed, followed by the burning of the figures symbolising them. Valencia's sense of humour quickly gave this a characteristically satirical touch that is preserved to this day.
Valencia prepares for this festival all year long! The centrepiece is sculptures (now created from cardboard, slices, wax and wood and made according to the designs of professional visual artists). Each group of sculptures is accompanied by a smaller one made by the neighbourhood's children called "ninots." The figures are now temporary works of art, which can cost millions of euros! They continue to be a mocking expression of public opinion on current local and political issues.
On March 16th, there is a march through the city and a selection of the prettiest statue in the adult and children's categories. There is a cabalgata in the evening – a march of local orchestras, and horseback riding demonstrations, followed by an all-night party. During Las Fallas starting March 1st, La Mascleta; a five-minute fireworks display; is held daily at 2 pm in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The entire celebration lasts until March 19th, when all the fallas are burned at night.
§ Easter in Valencia has its own character!
The region turns to the sea. In the coastal districts of the city capital (such as Cabanyal, Canyamelar and Grao), you will find the most unique celebrations of Maritime Holy Week. These old fishing villages really come alive at Easter with a mix of piety and carnival atmosphere.
For fishermen, the sea means life and death. They come to the beaches on Easter to pray for those who have died at sea and for peace around the world. In moving scenes, locals throw wreaths and flowers on the sea.
§ In May, Torrevieja hosts the Sevillanas Fair, an annual Andalusian-inspired fiesta. This year the Sevillanas Fair was held between May 11th and 14th: the fair featured flamenco groups, horse parades and traditional Spanish music and food. The festival is always a hit with locals and tourists alike.
§ On the second Sunday in May, Valencia celebrates Our Lady of the Abandoned - La Geperudeta - the patron saint of València.
The cult of the patron saint of Valencia date back to a sermon by Brother Juan Gilabert Jofré (a friend of Saint Vicente Ferrer), delivered in 1409. While walking to church, he noticed some boys laughing at a parishioner suffering from mental illness. In his sermon, the friar called on all the faithful to help the abandoned, the poor and the sick. Among the congregation was Lorenzo Salmon, the artisan who started the project to build Folls e Orats - an institution considered the world's first psychiatric hospital!
Even more interesting is the legend of the authors of the highly revered painting. It is said that in 1414, three young men dressed as pilgrims came to the brotherhood to care for the hospital. The brother who lived there had a blind wife. The young men offered to create an image of the Virgin Mary in exchange for four days of food and lodgings. After four days, the door was opened, but there was no sign of the young men. However, there was a finished painting, and the brother's wife regained her sight. For the brotherhood, this was a sign that the young men were angels sent from heaven.
On the night before the second Sunday in May, events are held in the city centre, known as the Barrio del Carmen, in honour of the patron saint. Our Lady of the Abandoned is the only statue with its own means of transportation to get around town! The "mare mòbil" license plate is V-0075-GP (from La Geperudeta).
§ June 24th - Fires of San Juan (Fuegos de Sant Juan)
The fires of San Juan in Alicante, which coincide with the summer solstice, are undoubtedly the most well-known festival held in the city. They have been declared a "Festival of International Tourist Interest" for good reason; each year, they attract thousands of people from around the world.
On June 20th, each district builds a huge bonfire and another smaller one for children participating in a competition. Musical groups perform the night before the event; all musicians usually dress in traditional farmers' costumes. On the following days, June 21st and 22nd, numerous flower offerings are made to Alicante's patron saint. The festivities continue on the 23rd with the International Folklore Parade.
Finally, on the longest night of the year, June 24th (St. John the Baptist), some 90 bonfires are lit throughout the city. Nowadays, these bonfires are true works of art, with interesting and eye-catching "ninots," satirical human figures made of flammable materials at their base. Some are pardoned and thus saved from the fire by popular vote. In the afternoon, everyone heads to the beach for a picnic. About 70 barracas (streets closed to traffic and occupied by bars, stages, a great atmosphere and plenty of food and drink) are set up in all neighbourhoods, where residents dance to the beat of great music.
The festive atmosphere remains strong throughout the night. At midnight, in keeping with a tradition dating back to 1932, fireworks are set off, and papier-mâché figurines are burned on the nearby Benacantil mountain - known thanks to the Castle of Saint Barbara, which sits atop it - in a ceremony called Cremá de la Hoguera. The customary midnight bath follows to wash away bad luck and bring good fortune.
§ June 22nd – 25th - Feast of l'Arbret in Altea
The Fornet de Altea district welcomes hundreds of young people each year to participate in one of the most traditional and anticipated events in honour of the summer solstice. The event takes place during the Festival of Saint John and is known as the "Plantà de l´Arbret”. Members of the Amics de l'Arbret association select a poplar tree from the village of Benilloba. They cut it down and move it to the square in front of the church in Altea. It will be visible throughout the municipality until the end of summer.
It's a ceremony that the young people repeat year after year in tribute to the Celtic tradition of worshipping the fruits of the earth. The tree is sometimes as long as 20 meters and quite heavy. During the march, local neighbours hurl buckets of water from their homes and balconies to protect the young people from heatstroke. In the square, the young people's shirts are tied to the top of the tree as a trophy. The festivities continue for several more days, with fireworks displays, bonfires and processions in honour of St. John.
§ June 29th - July 1st - Jávea International Cultural Festival
On the last weekend of June, the beautiful city of Jávea hosts the International Festival. This is a mix of culture, gastronomy, music and world-class dance, with booths representing 22 countries where visitors can sample typical products. The Jávea International Cultural Festival has become a symbol of multiculturalism and integration. Last year's festival boasted booths from countries such as England, Belgium, Venezuela, Uruguay, Brazil, Morocco, Colombia, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Germany, France, Ecuador, Peru, Indonesia, the Philippines, Italy and Argentina.
§ July 1st - August 10th - Feria de Artesanía in Altea
Altea's old city centre is the stage for a handicraft fair. It takes place every year in the square in front of Alicante’s church. This fair differs from others in bringing together real artisans. To reserve a booth at the fair, artisans must show they have made everything they intend to sell themselves.
§ July 7th – 16th "Bous a la mar"
In July, Dénia celebrates its patron saint when the famous "Bous a la Mar" is held for several days on the port grounds. The event has been held for over 100 years, and local youths create a real spectacle. The boys try their best to get the bulls onto the boat (they are not allowed to push or touch them) and put them away in a ring set up in the harbour. This is a very traditional festival not to be missed if you are on holiday in Dénia.
§ July 8th – 30th Low Festival in Benidorm
One of the most anticipated summer festivals takes place in Benidorm. It brings together some of the best-known modern groups on the national and international scene.
§ July 13th – 23rd Feast of the patron saint Moraira
On July 6th and 22nd, Moraira holds its biggest celebration to honour the Virgen de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Defenceless). Street parties, processions, concerts, flower offerings or mascletás (firecrackers) fill this beloved holiday with colour and fun. The joyous celebration recalls the importance of fishing in Moraira's history with the sea procession, which (along with the flower procession on July 15th) is the culmination and theme of the holiday.
§ July 16th - Dia de la Virgen del Carmen in Torrevieja
Virgen del Carmen is the patron saint of fishermen and Torrevieja. The fishermen's association (Cofradia de Pescadores) organises various events and activities in her honour every year.
The day begins with the diana, a parade with traditional music through the city streets. The statue of Virgen del Carmen is paraded through the city and out to sea on a fishing boat. After the procession, a Mass for all fishermen is celebrated at the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Church. A Parade of Flowers follows this in honour of the Patroness of the Sea. The festival continues with the traditional cucana dance. It concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. Celebrations honouring the Virgin of Mount Carmel are also held on the 10th (in El Campello, Moraira, Algorfa, Altea, Calpe, Javae and many other cities and towns).
§ July 13th – 29th FIJAZZ Festival in Alicante
In mid-July, Alicante fills up with avant-garde jazz during the Fijazz Festival. Both native and international musicians gather to present their best compositions.
§ The Moorish-Christian Festival commemorates the reconquest of Spain in 1492 by the Catholic monarchy after 700 years of Muslim rule. The Reconquista is celebrated annually throughout Spain, but Valencia has a powerful connection to the tradition. Moorish and Christian festivals recreate an era that combined bloody battles and peaceful coexistence. All the colours, displays and ostentation of these festivities are an attempt to overcome seven long centuries of war. Locals dress up as Moors or Christians for the occasion and reenact the battles. The two groups fight each other in the streets, watched by thousands of spectators. On the other hand, in mid-August (13th – 16th), Dénia celebrates the Moorish-Christian festival, a tribute to the coexistence of cultures, highlighting the virtues of tolerance and multiculturalism.
§ July 14th – 22nd Moors and Christians in Javea
The townspeople organise a few festivals themselves in Spain without big sponsors, and even fewer are as colourful and spectacular as this one. In Jávea, the celebration features impressive parades of Moorish and Christian women, a Muslim landing on the beach, a Christian storming of the castle, and the surrender of the Moors.
§ 24th - 31st July Moors and Christians at Villajoyosa: a naval battle at dawn.
Would you like to experience the naval battle and the landing of the Moors on the beach? Well, make a note in your calendar of the Festival of Moors and Christians in Villajoyosa, declared a festival of international tourist importance. There are more than 250 years of history behind it. The festival recreates a battle in 1538 when Berber pirates landed on the beach and attacked the town. Within hours, the brave residents managed to repel the invasion. The townspeople attributed the victory to the intercession of Saint Martha: a flood destroyed the enemy ships as they waited anchored at the mouth of the river.
What makes the Villajoyosa festival particularly special is the naval battle and beach landing, or "Desembarco." Just before dawn on the 28th, some 30 Moorish ships gather off the town's coast; a land battle ensues in which the Moors abandon their ships and push the Christians off the coast back to the castle walls, which the invaders then capture. On the afternoon of the 28th, the Christians attempt to retake the castle. After negotiations break down, another major battle ensues, resulting in the Moorish troops retreating. It culminates in a beach landing at dawn on July 28th. Spectators begin to gather on the beach around 5 am.
When you're not in the heat of battle, you can enjoy other events, including concerts, dances, cooking contests and fireworks displays.
§ Great Valencia Fair
In July, the city prepares for the traditional Great Valencia Fair.
It's a month of attractions, filling the streets with colour, outdoor concerts and fireworks displays along the waterfront. The Viveros gardens are transformed into a huge outdoor concert hall, with the best Spanish and international bands performing. There is also time for culture, with a night of museums and the spectacular Battle of Flowers as a grand finale.
The Battle of Flowers was established in 1891. On the last Sunday in July, a bloodless flower battle occurs between young girls on floats and the waiting crowds below. Thousands of marigolds fly through the air for nearly an hour, leaving a beautiful multi-coloured carpet on the ground. This is a unique and highly recommended event.
§ August 30th La tomatina de Buñol
Since 1945, on the last Wednesday of August in Buñol, a short-lived but very intense battle erupts. Ripe tomatoes replace bullets, there are no armies and no prisoners are taken, and the sign of a hit is uncontrollable fits of laughter. The festival has been designated a National Tourist Festival, attracting up to 22,000 people annually. Interest is so great that some 110 TV producers and stations from Europe, Australia, North America, Malaysia and Turkey receive media accreditation every year.
Nowadays, due to the huge influx of visitors, you must buy a ticket several weeks in advance. Part of the proceeds are donated to an Indian NGO that works with women at risk of social exclusion. You can read more about the Battle of the Tomatoes HERE.
§ September 15th – 17th Alternative Fair in Benissa
During this event, you can: take part in Zumba classes; learn about sound therapies; listen to one of the concerts featuring Tibetan bowls or "batucada" (a type of salsa); attend workshops on yoga, belly dance, karate-do, quantum meditation, Pilates or Thai massage; or consult with practitioners of Reiki, regression, Kabbalah or Ayurvedic medicine.
There are also fun activities for children, such as music therapy, laughter therapy, mental development or cooking workshops. One of the main goals of the Benissa Alternative Fair is to help people eat better and promote the consumption of natural and/or agroecological products.
§ 23rd September – October 2nd - Patronal Festivities in Altea
On the fourth weekend of September, Altea celebrates the Most Holy Christ of the Sanctuary (el "Sagrario" in Spanish, a Moorish-Christian celebration) and the Day of Saint Blaise, the town's patron saint. Several festivals for the price of one, with streets teeming with lights, colours and music, lots of music.
As the patron saint's festival takes place at the same time as the Moorish and Christian festivals, an atmosphere full of fun and good cheer is guaranteed, with attractions and events for all ages. There are street parties (known here as "verbenas"), fireworks, parades and musical performances alongside more religious events like the floral offering to the Virgin of Consolation, the re-enactment of Christ's arrival in the city, the "Entrá de la Murtá" (when the streets are covered with branches cut from aromatic plants). One of the most characteristic moments is the entrance of the Moors and Christians in an impressive and colourful parade.
§ September 30th - October 2nd Moors and Christians in Benidorm
§ October 7th – 8th Iberia Music Festival
This festival showcases the best of the country's music scene. It has been very well received by audiences who enjoy reminiscing and singing the greatest hits of recent years in Benidorm's unique atmosphere. Taking place in the bullfighting arena, the event guarantees hours of fun!
§ October 7th – 10th Calpe Oktoberfesters.
Ready for a Spanish-style beer festival? This is one of Calpe's most distinctive and entertaining festivals, lasting eleven days in October. Calpe Oktoberfest is the largest and first event of its kind ever held in Spain. It was initiated in 1988 by a group of German residents. Year after year, they recalled the festivals held in their homeland with great nostalgia and decided to replicate it. Thus, a peculiar tradition of the region was born.
Over 10,000 people enjoy the best German cuisine every year while sipping on beer. During the festival in Calpe, there is live music (especially Bavarian), folklore shows, competitions, and you can taste typical German products.
It may seem like a strange blend of cultures, but the German character of the event has merged with the most important elements of the region’s gastronomic culture. Every year there is a paella competition! If you find yourself craving more after it’s over, you'll be in time for a similar celebration in Moraira (October 14th to October 16th).
§ October 8th Gourmet Regatta in Moraira
In October, the Moraira marina hosts the original regatta that many are licking their fingers at the thought of - the Gourmet Race Week Teulada Moraira. To win the race, sailors don't have to achieve the best times; they just have to man the kitchens of the yachts and surprise the jury with their typically seafaring offerings. The winner is the one who prepares the best and most original dish using the most sophisticated techniques.
The Gourmet Race Moraira is a gastronomic and nautical festival. All kinds of motor or sailing vessels (at least 8 meters long and with a minimum of two crew members on board) can participate. Ships set sail between 9 and 10 a.m. When they return to port, at around 1 p.m., the crews take their prepared dishes to the clubhouse to distribute prizes.
Whether or not you participate in the regatta, you can always visit the marina and enjoy events such as tastings, conferences, music, etc.
§ October 9th celebration of the Valencia Region
This is a historical commemoration of King James I’s official entrance into Valencia in 1238, freeing it from Moorish rule.
§ 14th – 16th October EcoAltea Alternative Fair
This is a gathering place for artisans, visitors and residents to attend lectures, workshops and classes on health, organic farming, ethical banking, bio building, solidarity economy, natural education or nutrition, sustainability and social awareness.
All of this is accompanied by a festive and carefree atmosphere with no shortage of art, music and dance, all free of charge for any age group. The fair provides a breather and a great way to meet new people.
§ October 21st – 23rd Moors and Christians in Calpe
§ November - Feast of the patron saints of Benidorm - a fiesta in honour of the Virgin of Sufragio and St. James
From the second Saturday in November until the following Wednesday, an intense celebration takes place in Benidorm. The highlights are the finding of the Virgin, the offering of flowers, the parade of humour, the parade of rafts and the great fireworks display on the last day of the fiesta. The origins of the fiesta date back to March 1740, when a boat appeared on the Benidorm coast after a violent storm. It was burned to prevent an epidemic; however, local boys found an image of the Virgin Mary in its ruins and took it to the church, where they later built a chapel. The story is played out yearly on Poniente Beach on Saturday around 5 p.m.
This autumn festival has been a key tourist attraction over the years. It is so well known that many Brits book their visit to coincide with the festivities.
As you can see, opportunities for year-round celebration on the Costa Blanca are plentiful! Added to the above are smaller and larger musical events (not explicitly related to the cultural character of the region) and public holidays – such as Spanish Day, All Saints' Day or Christmas and Easter, whose lavish and colourful celebrations get the whole country dancing. There's plenty to choose from, and nothing integrates you better with the local communities than partying together until dawn and celebrating local traditions!
Viva la fiesta!
Edyta
You can also find me:
https://www.facebook.com/DrEdytaTadeusiak
https://www.instagram.com/dr.edyta.tadeusiak/
