The Rock of Ifach in Calpe

It has been some time since the town hall of Calpe and the “Sense Limits” association started organizing the first official open waters swimming competition around the Rock of Ifach, an icon of Calpe and the rest of Costa Blanca north.
The “I Volta al Penyal d’Ifac”, which is the name of the competition, will take place on 4th September. It is the first event of its kind in Calpe and we hope to witness more editions in the future.

This event adds up to other sports competitions in the region, such as the XV Jávea Beach Volleyball Open at Arenal Beach, Jávea.

Even though admissions to enter this competition are open until 31st August, we strongly advise you to sign up as soon as you can if you really want to take part. There is space for only 300 athletes and the organization has declared that people has shown a lot of interest in this competition.

For additional information in how to sign up and more details about how the competition will be, check out this article.

XIV International Jazz Festival of Alicante

Once again, Alicante province leads the international music scene in the region with festivals such as the Low Cost Benidorm 2011. This time, it is the XIV International Jazz Festival of Alicante. The Provincial Council of Alicante and CAM bank are the organizers of this event gathering some of the most relevant jazz artists worldwide for 5 days, at Tossal de Manises (Zeus St. Phone number +34 965 26 24 34). Some of the key figures of contemporary jazz taking part in this event are:

The Blind boys of Alabama, awarded 5 Grammys, and Chucho Valdés, the Cuban musician who decided to return to Costa Blanca after 4 years of absence.

The schedule of the festival is as follows:

Wednesday, 20th July:
The Blind Boys of Alabama
Time: 22:30 h.

Thursday, 21st July
D.I.G. (Check Loeb, Hill Brönner, Harvey Mason, Eric Marientahal, Pat Bianchi)
Time: 22:30 h.

Friday, 22nd July:
Mike Stern Band
Time: 22:30 h.

Saturday, 23rd July:
Ivan Lins & Band
Time: 22:30 h.

Sunday, 24th July:
Chucho Valdés & The Afro-Cuban Messengers
Time: 22:30 h.

The admission fee is from €9 to €18 (day ticket) and from €35 to €70 for multiple day tickets.

Low Cost Festival 2011

Finally, we can confirm the definitive lineup of artists taking part in the Low Cost Benidorm Festival 2011. For 3 days and its nights, national and international artists will meet in Benidorm, the party capital of the Spanish Costa Blanca.

This is a really good lineup for anyone who likes alternative Spanish music and international indie bands.

Thursday, 21st July: Eli “Paperboy” Reed, Lory Meyers, Fangoria, Supersubmarina, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Maika Makovski, Stay, Eic Fuentes, The Bright, Cirilo, Vinila Von Bismark and the Lucky Dados, Fuzzy White Casters and Loo&Plácido.

Friday, 22^nd July: Catpeople, Erol Alkan, Vetusta Morla, Mika, OK Go, Sidonie, Crystal Castles, Cut Copy, FM Belfast, Sex Museum, Delafé y las Flores Azules, Lüger, Dos Bandas y un Destino, Gratis! ThE travessy Band, Frank Bango, Santo&Mr. Chase.

Saturday, 23^rd July: Mando Diao, Shout Out Louds, Mando Diao, Klaxons, Love of Lesbian, Steve Aoki, Sexy Sadie, L.A., Standstill, Goose, Dorian, Cápsula, Dei Suoni, Los Tiki Phantoms, Cosmonauta, Guadalupe Plata, Maga, Eureka, Athom Rumba, Hot 4, KGB DJS.

Get your single day tickets or full passes (3-day) here.

I National Dog Exhibition in Ondara

The Portal de la Marina Shopping Centre, only 17 km from Jávea and 24 km from Cumbre del Sol, is getting ready to welcome everybody to the I National Dog Exhibition in Ondara, to take place next3rd July.

If you wish to attend the event as part of the public, all you have to do is show up on the date of the event.

If, on the other hand, you wish to tale active part with your pet, there are different ways to sign up:

You can visit Dekkan, the pet shop located in the shopping centre, from 10:00 h to 22:00 h, or you can call at +34 965 766 337.

The event is organized by the Canine Federation of Spain, Royal Canin, the Portal de la Marina and the “Allianz Canine Worldwide (AFIC)” International Federation.

This exhibition counts for the Spain’s national championship and the regional in the Region of Valencia.

There will be monographic exhibitions on York Terriers and French bulldogs. Also, there will be a session of dog breed recognition and a popular contest of crossbred dogs.

Summer Courses at Lady Elizabeth School

Specially designed for 4 to 11 years old children, Summer Games is a course which will be carried out from 4 to 29 July in morning time from 9:30 to 12:30.

The main goal of this course is to teach English playing fun games, with crafts, music and swimming activities in the indoor sports facilities located at the Lady Elizabeth Junior School Cumbre del Sol in Poble Nou de Benitachell.

There are several options to participate in these courses; you can enroll your kids in daily or weekly basis or for the entire length of the course. If the kid is going to take one week (or more) of these activities, will receive a free t-shirt. Also, you can get a discount if you have more than one kid enrolled. For more information you can call at +34 671 689 764, e-mail playstations@laudeladyelizabeth.com , or visit the school’s website.

The other educational activity designed by the Lady Elizabeth School is the Language improvement courses “England at Home”, a unique language program for speaking English in daily activities with no need to travel abroad.

“England at Home” encourages the learning of English through games and daily activities done in English. All these activities are organized by Laude Lady Elizabeth School and are held in their seat of Cumbre del Sol (Benitachell) and Lliber. After each school day, learning continues through a living experience with an English family. For more information, visit the Lady Elizabeth Junior School website or contact Inglaterra en Casa.

Carlos Sobera and Mar Regueras, starring the War of the Roses at Teulada-Moraira Auditorium

This is the schedule of events during June 2011 at the Teulada-Moraira Auditorium, recently open:

Friday 3rd June: Ballet show by the Mari Paz local dance school.
Time: 20:00 h.
Admission: Free, subject to capacity of the venue.

Saturday, 4 June: Ramón Lorente directs the Unión Musical de la Nucía —Nucía Music Union—  in the concert called “Recordando a Nino Bravo, cita con la emoción de las canciones del corazón” —Remembering Nino Bravo, a date with the heart songs.
Time: 20:00 h.

Admission: € 5. Single price

Saturday, 11 June: Classic music concert by “Blaze Ensemble”.
Time: 20:00 h.
Admission: €12.

Sunday 12th June: The Música Mestre Berenguer Music Conservatory of Teulada brings a beautiful and educational music show called Toca’m un conte (play me a story).
Time: 18:00 h.
Admission: Free, subject to capacity of the venue.

Saturday, 25 June: Carlos Sobera (the famous presenter of “Who wants to be a Millionaire” in Spain) and Mar Regueras present a funny and ironic play about the differences of a not so happy marreid couple: The War of the Roses, Written by Warren Adler.
Time: 22:00 h.
Admission: €22.

Please note that this schedule is subject to modifications. Another important thing to take in account is that the doors close after the vent has started. You will not be allowed entrance to the event once it has started.

You can get your tickets at:

- The ticket box of the Teulada-Moraira Auditorium: 2 hours before the event or Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 18:00 h to 20:00 h.

- The Town Hall of Teulada: Mondays to Fridays from 09:00 hto 15:00 h.

- Servicam: 24/7.

Pensioners, retired, people 16 or older and students will enjoy a 20% discount on ticket prices as long as the event does not mention that there is a single price.

Diving Party at L’Ampolla Beach in Moraira

It is not the first time Teulada-Moraira celebrates the diving party.

After the success of the last edition, Teulada-Moraira has decided to organise a new diving party that will take place this weekend of May 2011 in two different but equally nice locations in town: Playa L’Ampolla beach and Real Club Náutico de Moraira —Moraira Royal Yacht Club.

The chosen dates are just perfect. It is springtime in Costa Blanca and the weather forecast is favourable: warm enough to jump in the sea; sunny and nice at the same time.

The schedule of events taking place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 are:

- L’Ampolla Beach:

Maiden dives —Discovery scuba diving lessons. Time: From 10:00 h. Lenght: 15 minutes. Price: € 30.

Snorkelling excursions, organised in groups of 6 people. Time: From 10:00 h. Lenght: 15 minutes. Price: € 15 with monitor and equipment.

Real Club Náutico de Moraira —Moraira Royal Yacht Club.

Diving with daylight in Pessebret, Cova de les Rates and Punta de Moraira. Time: 09:30 h, 12:00 h and 16:00 h. Price: € 30 with full equipment included, or € 20 with only oxygen bottle and leads.

Nightly dive. Time: 19:00 h. Price: € 35 with full equipment included, or € 25 with only oxygen bottle and leads.

L’Ampolla beach pergola:

Barbeque (only on Saturday 28 April) Time: 14:00 h.

Video screenings. Time: from 10:00 h to 19:00 h.

Exhibition and sale of diving equipment. Time: from 10:00 h to 19:00 h.

Divulgative area with marine biologists providing information about the flora and fauna of the region. Time: from 10:00 h to 19:00 h.

Sign-up area for activities and tickets purchase. Time: from 10:00 h to 19:00 h.

The official lodging of the event is Pensión Solpark on 2 Lérida Street. Anyone taking part in the Diving Fiesta of Moraira will be able to benefit from a special price: Only €25 for a double room. To make a reservation, please call +34 965 740 947 or send an e-mail to solparktennis@ctv.es.

Medieval Market in Calpe

The Town Hall of Calpe is organising —as it does every year— the traditional Medieval Street Market and Fair from 22^nd to 24^th April.

This event is a small part of the comprehensive calendar of events planned for the Holy Week and Easter season in Calpe.

The Town Hall stated in a press release that the intention of the Medieval Fairs is to leave a testimony of the past and present of the art of handcrafts and traditional products, as well as to educate about how these are made, and the raw materials used for this.

Likewise, the fair looks to bring back some customs and to promote handcrafts sales as well as self-employment.

Besides the fantastic food stalls and the handcrafts on sale, this street market will feature many activities for people of all ages, such as:

• Handcraft workshop exhibitions
• Children’s playground
• Geese walks
• Traditional farm tools showcase
• Carrousel

The medieval fair will be set on the historic city centre of Calpe and there will also be performances, including battles with medieval weapons and music with medieval instruments.

Nearby towns like Jávea are organising similar events, such as the Easter Fair.

"Menejador" dug cellar

Carrascar de la Font Roja is a beautiful nature park located in Ibi and Alcoy, on the Sierra del Menejador mountain, in province of Alicante, Costa Blanca north.

This nice mountain features a great variety of well-preserved Mediterranean flora and fauna. Besides, if you like ethnology, you will surely enjoy this hike: In the XVIII century, this mountain played a key role in the economy of the region, as cellars were dug to store the snow that was later traded.

Besides these cellars, there are unique historic buildings hard to find anywhere else: these are masos, masías or country houses.

For additional information about this mountain, please contact the information centre located in the park.

Its phone number is +34 965 337 620.

North of this mountain, there are other nice nature parks such as Marjal and Montgó.

L'Ampolla beach at Moraira

The weekend of 9^th and 10^th April, Moraira’s L’Ampolla beach will host the “Fiesta del Mar” —Sea party. This sporting event is aimed at the practice and dissemination of water sports with great emphasis on rowing sports.

In this event, all attendees can practice for free sports activities Kayak-related (very popular in the area), Stand Up Paddle (row standing) and even sailing.

Among the activities planned within the framework of this event there are included:

9^th April:
10:00 h: Opening of the festival and “maiden sailing” on a school boat
10:30 h to 12:00 h: Introduction Course to Stand Up Paddle Surf (SUP), family Kayak and Fishing Kayak.
12:30 h to 13:30 h: SUP Competition.
13:30 h to 14:30 h: Kayak Competition.
15:30 h to 17:00 h: Kayak and SUP Paddling rides.
18:00 h: Snack for participants.

10^th April:
10:00 h to 11:30 h: SUP Paddling.
11:30 h to 12:30 h:  SUP Competition.
12:30 h to 13:30 h: Kayak Competition.
14:00 h: Awards.
14:30 h: closing ceremony.

FiraCalp'11 trade fair

The town of Calpe has recently made ​​the announcement to traders, shop owners and all the citizens about the organization of the third edition of FiraCalp (Calp trade fair). This commercial and touristic event is organized by the town of Calpe to promote the local economy, tourism and hospitality industry in this town located near Jávea.

To each participants of the fair, Calpe City Council will make available a 3 x 2 meters stand, a large counter and cleaning and security service (day and night) for the duration of the event. The venue of this event will be, as in previous editions the Plaza Mayor (Main Square).

To participate in FiraCalp’11, all businesses have to be current on all municipal payments and taxes and must hold a trade license, or have already begun the application process for getting that.

The participation fee for merchants is 150 Euros for restaurants and bars and 100 Euros for other shops.

FiraCalp’11 will be held on Thursday, 5^th May from 19:00 h to 02:00 h and Friday 6th, Saturday 7th and Sunday May 8 from 11:00 h in the morning.

Pego Carnival 2011

The carnival fiestas in Pego are usually organised to be held the first two weeks of March. This year, the days will be Saturday 5thand 12 March.

On Saturday 5^th from 22:30 h to 01:30 h, anyone feeling like partying should put on a fancy dress and meet others like you at Pla de la Font square. The Pato Daniel Orchestra will be in charge of putting the music to the event.

The group will parade across the streets of Pego and will eventually reach Paso de Michel, where a mobile macrodiscotheque and 3 music bands —Euforia, Scream, Montecarlo – will get the party strong and going.

Next Saturday 12th at 23:00 h, people dressed in strict mourning black will gather at the Town Hall square and then parade until Pla del Font. Once there, the pinyata or “entierro de la sardina” —piñata or sardine burial— will take place and the remains of the carnival will be burnt in a bonfire. Later, a fireworks and music show called Nit Màgica will be presented by Xarxa Teatre.

One of the many artworks by Chype

From 1^st February, the artist Rosa Maria Costa Delgado, best known in the artistic environment as Chype, exhibits her Aztec-themed creations in the city of Denia.

The work of this local artist (born in Denia in1957) is based on the significance of the ephemeral reflected across subjects as ancient cultures, legends and origin of the human race from the point of view of different ethnic groups.

Chype began his career in 1984 inspired by the career of her father, the Impressionist painter Costa Tur. Since then, she has exhibited his work successfully in both Europe and America.

This exhibition will be open to the public in the AVIM Exhibition hall (16 Temple of Sant Telm Street, Denia) until 28^th February.

For further information, please contact directly to AVIM Exhibition hall at +34 965 787 298 and 630 079 473, or email to avima@avima.com.

This is another addition to the already considerable cultural offer on art exhibitions in Jávea.

Fira i Porrat traditional Fair in Benissa

Here it is, to follow yesterday’s post, the schedule of the last 4 days of the popular Fira i Porrat, Sant Antoni in Benissa.

Thursday 27^th:
16:30 h: Domino contest final the Housewives Association Club.
17:30 h: Presentation of the brisca, Parcheesi and dominoes contest winners at the Housewives Association Club.
17:30 h: “A fum de contes” storytelling for children at the Bernat Capo Public Library.
22:00 h: Film series: “A Streetcar Named Desire” at the Seu Universitària events hall.

Friday 28^th:
18:00 h: Children’s Day, with 1.50 € fair attractions rides.
19.00 h: Opening of the so awaited medieval market.
20.00 h: Inauguration of the medieval market.

Saturday 29^th:
8:00 h: Street Market at Hort de Bordes, Sant Josep and Sant Nicolau Streets.
9:00 h: Opening of the XXIII Cattle Fair, where people can trade and exchange all kinds of animals, at Palmera Street and  D. Joaquin Piera y Dna Mariana Torres roundabout.
9:00 h:  Five-a-side football match between town schools in Palau Sant Pere.
10:00 h: Opening of the medieval market.
10:00 h: Youngsters football school on the football field.
10:30 h: Fira i Porrat de Sant Antoni pilota tournament at Benissa’s trinquete (pilota valenciana court)
10:30 to 14:00 h, 16:30 to 20:00 h: Visit to the Museum of Abargues.
11:00 to 14:00 h, 17:00 to 20:00 h: Information session by University of Alicante in Seu Universitària.
11:00 h and 15:30 h: Kids football school on the football field.
16:00 h: Pigeon sport competition; endurance final near the Selva pine forest.
16:30 h: Amateru singles pilota championship at Benissa’s trinquete.
17.00 h: Table tennis between town schools in Palau Sant Pere.
19:00 h: Senior Basketball match in Palau Sant Pere.
19:00 h and 22:00 h: Session film: “Tres metros sobre el cielo” –Spainsh movie- at the events hall of Centro Cultural.
20:30 h: Rondallas meeting. Organizers: Cultural Rondalla Benissa. Supported by: Department of Culture. Centre  d’Art  Taller d’Ivars.
22:00 h: Session film: “Tres metros sobre el cielo” –Spainsh movie- at the events hall of Centro Cultural.
24:00 h: Closing the first day of medieval market.

Sunday 30^th:
10.00 h: Reopening of the medieval market.
10:00 h: Continuation of the cattle trade fair.
10:00 h: Simultaneous chess exhibition open to everyone at the Plaza Rei Jaume I square.
10:15 h: Parade and cavalry gathering, and display of carriages at D. Joaquin Piera and Ms Mariana Torres roundabout.
10:30 h: Exhibition of antique and vintage vehicles on Nou, Plaza Rei Jaume I, San Pedro and Paseo Dolores Piera Streets.
10:30 h: Guided tour to Abargues House Museum from 10:30 to 14:00 and 16:30 to 20:00, at 7 Desamparados Street.
11:00 h: University of Alicante info stands open from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00 h at Seu Universitària.
11:45 h: Horns and Drums Band parade through,Hort de Bordes Street, Pais Valencia Avenue, Rvdo. Padre Melchor and Vte. Buigues Streets, and Plaza Rei Jaume I square.
12:00 h: Living chess game at the Plaza Rei Jaume I square.
12:00 h: Horses exhibition atD. Joaquin Piera y Da. Mariana Torres roundabout.
13:00 h: Bands concert at the Centre d’Art Taller d’Ivars.
13:00 h: Horns and Drums Band at Plaza Rei Jaume I square.
16:00 h: Sports Pigeon competition –children’s category. Final to be held at the Selva pine forest.
16.30 h. Philatelic and Coin street market at Casal dels Joves.
16:30 h: Pilota match at trinquete.
18:00 h and 21:00 h: Session film: “Tres metros sobre el cielo” –Spainsh movie- at the events hall of Centro Cultural.
20:00 h: Rings competition at D. Joaquin Piera and Da. Mariana Torres roundabout.
22:00 h: End of the medieval market.

Fira i Porrat Benissa is a great opportunity to come closer to Spanish traditions

As promised about a week ago, we will be publishing the two last parts of the Fira I Porrat Sant antoni Benissa fair schedule. With this massive amount of diverse activities, there is no reason to stay at home, bored to death.

Saturday 22:
8:00 h: Street market at Hort de Bordes, Sant Josep and Sant Nicolau St.
9:00 h: Five-a-side football between town schools in Palau Sant Pere. At this time, there will also be a pilota valenciana match in Benissa’s pilota court, or trinquete.
10:30 h: Pilota town schools league at trinquete (Hort de Bordes St.)

10:30 h and 17:00 h: Infantile football school matches at the football field.
17:00 h and 19:00 h: Basketball local matches at Palau Sant Pere.
17:00 h: “Rocódromo”-climbing wall- and “Escalera hasta el Puente Tibetano” -Stairway to the Tibetan Bridge- organised by Grup Muntanya Margalló, at D. Joaquin Piera y Dª Mariana Torres roundabout.
16:30 h: Singles amateur pilota championship at Benissa’s trinquete.
19:00 h: Motor exhibition and market with all kind of vehicles, at Nou, Sant Pere, Fray Humilde Soria, Paseo Dolores Piera and Dr. Vicent Buigues Streets, and Plaza Jaume I.
19:00 h and 22:00 h: “Narnia Chronicles: Voyage of the Dawn Treader“at the events hall of Centro Cultural -culture centre-.
20:30 h: Chorals gathering at Centre d’Art Taller d’Ivars.

Sunday 23:
10:00 h: Motor trade and expo at Nou, Sant Pere, Dr. Vicent Buigues, Paseo Dolores Piera and Fray Humilde Soria Streets, and Plaza Jaume I.
10:00 h: Bicycle day and gathering at D. Joaquin Piera y Dª Mariana Torres roundabout.
10:00 h: Singing birds exhibition at the tracks of C.P. Manuel Bru.
10:00 h: Off-road driving exhibition and courses by T.T. Las Viñas at the terrain behind the former Franciscan Seminary.
10:30 h: “Rocódromo” and “Escalera hasta el Puente Tibetano”, by Grup Muntanya Margalló, set at D. Joaquin Piera y Dª Mariana Torres roundabout.
11:30 h: Bancaja pilota circuit match -2nd phase- at Benissa’s trinquete.
12:00 h: Typical products tasting and gastronomic contest “Spinach and Pollack Paella”, at D. Joaquin Piera y Dª Mariana Torres roundabout.
12:00 h: Five-a-side football match in Palau Sant Pere.
12:00 h: Children’s theatre play “En concert”, by La Tal Cia. De Teatro, at the events hall of Centro Cultural.
12:30 h: Off-road cars exhibition at Palmera and P.Andrés Streets.
13:00 h: “L’Esbart Dansaire” dance company, with dulzaina and tamboril -typical Valencian instruments- at “Placeta Vella”, near the Riberero monument.
18:00 h and 21:00 h: “Narnia Chronicles: Voyage of the Dawn Treader“, at the events hall of Centro Cultural.
18:30 h: Free hot chocolate at Plaza Rei Jaume I square and senior citizens ball at “Bernia” Social Centre.

Tuesday 25:
16:30 h: Brisca contest final at the Housewives Association Club.
17:00 h: Poetry workshop in English: “A monthly workshop for those interested in reading and writing contemporary poetry in Spanish and English” at Saló Noble Seu Universitària.

Wednesday 26:
16:30 h: Parcheesi contest final at the Housewives Association Club.

Tomorrow we will bring the third and last part of this comprehensive schedule for the Fira I Porrat Benissa 2011.

Fira i Porrat traditional Fair in Benissa

Every second fortnight of January, Benissa celebrates the Fira i Porrat de Sant Antoni. In past times, this event was a focal trade point in the region. Now, it has turned into a fair that takes us to the Middle Ages and shows us the utmost rooted traditions of Benissa.

Tomorrow, 15^th January, the 2011 edition starts and brings exhibitions, film screenings, pilota valenciana, cattle trade fairs, a medieval street market and many other activities. This is the calendar of events for the first week of the fair:

Saturday 15th:

9:00 h: Basketball between town schools. Benissa – Pedreguer. Palau Sant Pere.

10:00 h: 11-to-12-year-olds football school between Benissa “B” and La Nucia “B”, in the football field.
10:30 h: Pilota Valenciana town school league in Benissa’s Trinquete –pilota court-.
11:00 h: 9-to-10-year-olds football school between Benissa “B” and La Nucia “A”, in the football field.
15:30 h: 13-to-14-year-olds football between Benissa and  Polop, in the football field.
16:00 h: Female five-a-side soccer between town schools in Palau Sant Pere.
16:30 h: Pilota Valenciana singles amateur league in Benissa’s Trinquete.
17:00 h: Table tennis between Benissa  and B. i V. Informática town schools.
22:00 h: Film screening of the Spanish movie “Entre Lobos” in the town film hall.

Sunday 16th:

10:00 h: 11-to-12-year-olds football school between Benissa “A” and L’Alfàs del Pi, in the football field.
10:30 h: 15-to-16-year-olds female basketball between Benissa and Olímpia Bàsquet Teulada town schools, in Palau Sant Pere.
11:00 h: 9-to-10-year-olds football school between Benissa “A” and L’Alfàs del Pi, in the football field.
11:30 h: Pilota Valenciana’s “Llargues” in Reverendo Padre Melchor street.
12:00 h: 13-to-14-year-olds football between Teulada-Moraira and Ciutat de Benidorm in the football field.
16:30 h: Pilota Valenciana Fair matches. 1st: Amateur. 2nd: Professionals, in the Trinquete.
18:00 h and 21:00 h: Film screening of the Spanish movie “Entre Lobos” in the town film hall.

In addition to these events, today at 20:00 h a new art exhibition will be inaugurated: The paintings and sculpture showcase called Pinturas y Formas –paintings and shapes-, organised by Seu Universitària de la Marina and Dora Diniz. The showcase will be open to the public Mondays to Fridays, from 10:00 h to 13:00 h and from 17:00 h to 21:00 h , in the Seu Universitària exhibition Hall. It will open until 30th January.

Next week, we will publish the second part of the schedule, from Saturday 22nd January to Monday 31^st.

XIV Vintage Toys Fair in Denia

For many decades, the northern area of the Alicante province had a very strong toys industry. Denia is part of a region with a strong toys industry tradition.

This explains why the Amic del Joguet Association of Denia has been organising for over 10 years the Vintage Toy and Paper Collections fair -Feria del Juguete Antiguo y del Coleccionismo de Papel in Spanish, Fira del Jouet Antic i del Collecionisme de paper in Valencian-.

This year, the trade fair & exhibition will take place on December 4th, from 10:00 h to 6:00 h, on the Marqués del Campo street.

Over 30 exhibitors from all corners of Spain will take part in the event. There will also be activities for kids. For the fifth consecutive year, children 6 to 14 will be able to participate in a toys making workshop.

In addition to this, teachers and students from the I.E.S. Chabas school will organise games and collective activities on the street, and everybody is invited to join.

New Top Luxury Blog

Luxury Homes by Vapf is a website dedicated to the custom made luxury villas built and marketed by Grupo VAPF.

Grupo VAPF entered the world of luxury with its specialized site. Now the company is sponsoring Top Luxury Blog, with lifestyle-oriented contents beyond just luxury real estate, and covering every corner of the world -not just Spain.

The blog is written in English, but there are future plans to launch it in Spanish.

Top Luxury Blog is online now and publishes reviews and news about luxury real estate for sale and for rent, exclusive lodgings and luxury cars -rental, bespoke or high-end like Porsche or Ferrari.

To get information about those products reserved to the most demanding and exclusive people, visit the blog. It is updated frequently and on a daily basis. You will probably end up discovering the villa of your dreams, or landing on a paradisiacal destination.

Terracotta Shar Pei. 206 b.C to 8 a.C.

The prehistory museum of Valencia presents the exhibition “Imágenes para la inmortalidad en la dinastía Han (206 aC-220 dC)” -Inmortality Images in the Han Dinasty. The 82 objects that make up the exhibition are part of the private collection by Miguel Ángel Lorente.

The Han dinasty witnessed deep changes in China: The start of the Silk Road, the international trade and the interrelation with different cultures. For China, it was an era of significant philosophical and socioeconomic transformations that had a great influence on the country as we know it today.

The exhibition offers a good insight in the Chinese culture. It is laid out to first provide the visitor with the historic context of China by that time. Then, it narrates important social aspects of the country through the exhibited pieces.

The objects, mainly made of terracotta, are part of the Chinese funerary culture. They allow us to explore the coexistence of death with everyday life during those years.

The exhibition will open to the public until November 21st.
Location: Museo de Prehistòria de Valencia, 36 Corona st.
Phone number: 963 883 565.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 20:00 h. Mondays closed.
Admission: Free.

European residents have now more resources for a smoother relocation

It’s been a long time since European boundaries have blurred. Globalisation, a dynamic labour market and the charms of our province are some of the reasons why Europeans choose to settle in Alicante.

Obstacles to relocate might seem endless and sometimes, discouraging: Legal, bureaucratic, social, idiomatic… even for seasoned travellers and expats, there is no way to foresee all details. That is why the Alicante Provincial Council created the European Residents Department.

This institution aims to lend a hand to anyone going through the process of relocation to the province of Alicante. The publication of basic guides, informative conferences, integrationist activities, web resources, contact lists and a cultural agenda are just some of the strategies used by the Department to reach its goals.

The idea behind these efforts is to provide Europeans with the tools needed for a smooth settlement process in Alicante. This will speed up their social integration and will result in a positive feedback for both Europeans and locals alike.

San Juan Alicante Bonfires

Alicante has become the Spanish province with the most fiestas nationally and officially recognized as “of International tourist interest”. The last celebration to join the list is the Holy Week in Orihuela.

This traditional fiesta dates back from the XVI century. It stands out for its historical background and the devotion of the people taking part in it–especially the locals. With this inclusion, there are 7 officially declared international tourist events in Alicante:

-  Moors and Christians fiesta in Alcoy: Celebrated every year in April, coinciding with Saint George day.

-  San Juan Alicante Bonfires: This is regarded as the official Alicante day and takes place every june 24^th.

-  The Palm Sunday procession in Elche: Is held in April or May and is the starting point for the Holy Week of Catholic Christians.

-  Misteri de Elche: What we would call in English “Elche’s Mistery” takes place in the Saint Mary Basilica, every 14^th and 15^th of August.

-  International Habaneras and in Torrevieja: Worldwide known event that gathers choruses from all over the world. It is held in Eras de la Sal –a historical spot- every July.

- Polyphony Contest of Torrevieja Also held in Eras de la Sal, Torrevieja.

- Moors and Christians fiesta in Villajoyosa This traditional celebration also pays homage to Saint Martha. July 24^th to 31^st.

Marta Sanchez in Alicante

Once again Alicante is holding the Lucentum Festival and although the theatrical part of the programme is over there are still many things to look forward to , such as concerts, dance and zarzuela ( which is free entry). The performances are being held at the Yacimiento del Tossal de Manises at 22.30.

Tickets are available from the box offices or by calling Servicam on 902 44 43 00 or by accessing their website at : www.servicam.com or at Fnac.  http://www.ticktackticket.com/fnac/fnac.html

Summer Festival 2010 Programme Lucentum Alicante:

- Concerts:    August the 6^th : Tamara

August the 7^th : Marta Sánchez

August the 8^th : Bertín Osbourne

- Dance:         August the 12^th : Victor Ullate.

Ballet of the Comunidad de Madrid.

August the 13^th :  Rafael Amargo,

August  the 15^th : Aida Gomez Company.

- Zarzuela:  August the 18^th : “La Dolorosa,” Performed by the  Musical Lyric Theatre Company.

August the 19^th : “Luisa Fernanda” by Coral Crevillentina.

August the 20^th : “Katyusha” by Coral Ilicitana,.

August  the 21^st : ” El cantar del arriero “  By Peña Lírica of  Alicante.

August the 22^nd : “The Jewish boy” By Centro Excursionista Eldense.

Free Organized Walks this summer in Javea

Another great option for leisure time this summer in Jávea besides enjoying all it´s beaches and coves, are the walks free of charge organized by the tourism council of the municipality. There are routes planned for all and we found low and medium difficulty walks  for beginners and high difficulty for experts.

Walking Tour scheduled Jávea July 2010:

- Tuesday, July 13: A walking route to discover the beauty of  Cala Tango (PR-CV-355). Meeting point is at 19:00 from the Municipal Archaeological Museum Soler Blasco. The walk is estimated to  last 1 hour and 30 minutes and is considered a low-difficulty path. They recommend you  bring water, walking shoes, camera and swimsuit.

- Sunday July 18: This hiking route takes us across the  Granadella bay, Castell and  Cala  Variant Teuleria  (CV PR-354). Setting off at  9 am from the parking area in Granadella Cove, you must bring lunch, water, be equipped with good walking shoes, swimsuit and of course camera to capture the wonderful sea views.

- Tuesday, July 20: Hiking route  that takes us around the Cala Barraca SL CV 97. Setting off  from the Mirador Portitxol at 19:00, lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes and is considered of low difficulty, as in all  hiking trips it is recommended that you  bring water, proper footwear, swimwear and camera.

Palau Altea

Altea Music Hall 12,14,15,22,28/05/2010

The Palau de Altea ( Altea Music Hall) has a great entertainment programme of show and concerts lined up for all tastes during the month of May 2010.

- Wednesday, the 12th opening of the exhibition of OUKA LELE; this exhibition will be open until the  6th of June.

- Friday the 14th , the  final of “A 3″ from the Interpretation Contest organized by the Conservatory of Denia, Jávea and Altea,. Starts at 18:00. Free entrance limited to hall capacity.

- Saturday 15th,  RON LALÁ presents his latest show “Mundo Final”, (“ Final World”). The show stars at 21:00; tickets cost 15 euros.

- Saturday May 22nd concert by the Berlin Mendelssohn Trio and Traian Ionescu, the price of admission is 10 euros.

- Friday the 28th ;  Albert Giner y Joan Miquel Reig  will put on the play “YAYOS” by Joan Carles Simó at 19:30, admission is 6 euros

Hiking Tours Vall de Ebo

Hiking Tours “Via Verde”

Hiking Tours Vall de Ebo

For nature lovers and walkers,we are including here some information on free guided walking trails for Spring 2010. These trails have  been prepared by the Conjcejalía de Medio Ambiente de Teulada, Alicante. (Department of Environment.)

The first route “Via Verde del Río Serpis: Lorxa-Villalonga” will take place on  April the 24th, 2010. This trail is  a route classified as being of medium difficulty and with a distance of 15km.

On May the 22nd  2010, they have organized a new route through the  Vall D’Ebo to the Vall d’Alcala. However,  this time it is a route of medium-high difficulty and requires a little more physical preparation that the previous trail. This route is approximately  14 km long.

To join in on either of the trails, the meeting point is at the Teulada Town Hall Square. The departure time is at 08.30  and the return time is estimated to be at 16.30. It is important to   bring  appropriate footwear, sports equipment, water and food.

To register for the free hikes organized by the Town Hall of Teulada ; put your name down by phoning  on  965 740 158 or 966 490 976 . It is advisable to put your name down to be guaranteed a place as they are limited to 50 people.

Festival Teulada

Teulada festival: Com. and Athletics Club

Teulada festival:Circus Psicario

If you are on the Northern part of the Costa Blanca this April 2010 then don´t miss the festivities taking place in the town of Teulada. Here is the programme of activities.
- From  the 7 to April 18, 2010 the festivities are held in honour of San Vicente Ferrer the Patron Saint of  Teulada. This year is especially important as it  coincides with the 600th anniversary of the arrival of the Saint to the village.

- From 15 to April 16, 2010 they are holding the 9th Great Exhibition of Spanish Wines in the Tennis Club Solpark (Moraira). Wine tasting and free entry.

- Café Theatre on Thursday April 22, 2010, with a performance from”Tres i no res” with “Amb lo fácil que sería portar una vida normal” ( how easy it would  be to live a normal life,) at 20:30, free entrance.

- On Saturday April 24 at the Town Hall square and adjoining streets,  they have programmed a race beginning at 16:00 hours, and organized by the Festival  Commission and Athletics Club “Corremundos”.

- Also on  Saturday April 24 2010  you can join in the hiking route of Vía Verde del Río Serpis: Lorza-Villalonga, , organized by the Environmental Department.

- The Great Circus of the Saxophone and Clarinet show is to be held at the Town Hall Square on Friday, April 30, 2010, Nanotram activity by the group “Circo Psicario”

The Town of Denia Celebrate the Fallas

In the town of Denia (Alicante) Fallas are a tradition, from the 16th  to the  19th  of  March a total of 11 committees plus the Local Fallera Board will  fill the town with monuments.

One of the most spectacular parts of the Fallas  in Denia are the  firework displays and the mascletaes , although one of the most popular events is the offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados, many visitors who come are fascinated by the typical costumes.

Another positive point of the Denia Fallas is that you can comfortably walk around all the Fallas monuments, and the atmosphere on the streets makes it very pleasant.

Currently there are 12 Fallas in Denia; there is the Centre one,   Les Roques,  Mar Baix, Oeste, Port-Rotes, Saladar, Diana, Paris-Pedrera, Darrere del Castell, Campaments, Camp Roig and the Falla of the Local Falla Board.

If you have not ever been to the “fallas”, you have the opportunity to do so these holidays in Denia.

Be sure not to miss the most spectacular event of all , which involves the burning of these huge monuments  on the eve of March 19th  2010 at 24.00.

Slow Food Marina Alta

Next Saturday, February 20 th the Town of Jávea is  presenting the, “Moviemiento Slow Food Marina Alta,” ( Slow Food Event on the North of the Costa Balnca), at 17:30h  in the, “Casa de Cultura,” (the House of Culture) in Javea.

This event will teach us what the concept of, “Slow Food” is all about.

It  is a worldwide event that takes a lot of  it´s  influence from the Marina Alta  ( Northen part of the Costa Blanca) and defends a philosophy of life linked to the pleasure of enjoying the flavours  from the local produce in a responsible manner. This idea closely follows the  proposal  by the Town of Jávea to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

Slow Food Program presentation of the Marina Alta.

*17:30 h: Opening ceremony of the event by the Mayor Eduardo Monfort Jávea.
*17:45: Presentation of the Marina Alta Slow Food Movement by Vincent Martin.
*18:45 pm: Discussion panel  on “Experiences related to traditional food” with:

- Kristian Lataud, chef and culinary consultant.
- Andreu Costa, organic farmer and manager of Biserot.
- Oscar Dutto, organic farmer.
*19:45 pm: Presentation of the project “ Huertos Urbanos en Jávea,” ( Urban Kitchen gardens of Jávea).

Then dinner organized by Slow Food Slow Food Movement Marina Alta will consist of an extensive  menu prepared by chef Kristian Lataud. I f you would like more information  about the dinner, visit  http://marinaalta.slowfood.es/contactar.

The hiking route PR CV 354 Javea

For the 14th of February 2010, the Town Hall of Jávea are organizing a hiking tour of the PR CV 354 of Jávea ( Alicante). The route will cover the Cala Granadella-Castell-Variante Gurugú.

It will take approximately 3 hours and is thought to be of medium difficulty.

There is no need to have previously enrolled, just be at the Granadella beach parking lot on the 14th of February  2010 at 09.00h, which is the set off point.

It is advised to wear sensible shoes and clothing and to water and something to eat. Also, recommended to bring a camera so as to take home some photographs of the magnificent views  out to sea.

The route runs along the forest reserve of the Granadella PR CV 354 which borders the Urbanization of the Cumbre del Sol found within the municipality of Benitachell in the Province of Alicante. It is an area that stretches down to the Mediterranean Sea  and is considered of great environmental importance and of scenic and cultural interest.

The beauty of this route lies in the combination of the sea and the mountains with magnificent views of the cliffs, the Montgó , the valley and the bay of Jávea. The route encompasses the Granadella, Castell Granadella and the Granadella and Levante view points, it is considered to be a hike of medium difficulty.

Hiking Tour Sierra Maigmo (Tibi)

On the 12th of February the Town Hall of Teulada are organizing  a  guided hiking tour  within their environmental  programme free of charge. The tour will encompass the PRV-84 Sierra del Maigmó ( Tibi) and is considered to be a medium to hard  hike  of 12 km. The hike will set off from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Teulada ( The Town Hall Square)  at 08.30h  and will end at approximately 17.30h.

The Vía Verde, Sant Vicent del Raspeig-Alcoy, the Reservoir at Tibi, L´estret, the Cold Cave, the Peaks of Maigmó ( 1,296m) and the Despenyador ( 1,261m) are some of the places regarded as being of most interest  on the hiking routes of PRV-84 Sierra de Maigmó ( Tibi).

The entire hike would cover a distance of 21.9km, however the route proposed by the Town Hall of Teulada intends to cover 12km by taking a short cut through Tibi.

If you are a nature lover then you may be interested in attending the meeting being held on the 11th of February  2010 at 20.00h about the  birds that are native to the area. The conference,”Las Aves del Municipio de Teulada” presented by Elías Gomis Martín ( SEO-Alicante), is to be held in the assembly hall ( salón de actos)  at the Casa Municipal de Cultura  de Teulada.

If you require more information please call the Town Hall of Teulada on : 965740158.