Sant Sebastia, Jávea Patron Saint

This month is going to takes place the festivities in honor of Saint Sebastian, patron saint of Javea. To mark this celebration, the town of Jávea has prepared a program of events that includes many new features such as the “bous al carrer” (bulls on the street), after 20 years of banning by animal rights organization. The new mayor has lifted the ban and once again bullfighting related activities are legal in town.

The Javea festival in honor of San Sebastian will take place from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 January 22.

The street bull events will be back in town on Friday 20 January at 17:30 and 22:00 h, Saturday 21 at 12:30, 17:30 and 22:00 h., and Sunday 22 at 12:30 and 17:30 hours. A bullring will be located in the Town Hall Square and the Plaza de Baix and the bull pen will be installed between the church and the Celestino Pons square, all these thanks to the efforts of Javea Bullfighting Association, which is working to bring the bullfighting back to town as it was several decades ago.

On January 20 “Day of St. Sebastian” there will be a drums and flutes parade,  bell tolling and free sweets for everybody following the parade between the two chapels before the mass.

Saturday 21 will bring a magic show for children on Casa de Cultura at 11:00 h. An hour later, at Baix square, Taurine Association will offer bullfighting related activities for children like rides on bogies (trucks with bull horns).

San Antonio, Patron of the animals festival

Jávea -like many towns in the Costa Blanca- will celebrate in the coming days the Festival of San Antonio, patron saint of animals. This time, The Tiraset group of Javea is on charge of the organization of several events for the amusement of all who wish to participate.

The first event for the festival of San Antonio in Jávea takes place on Saturday 14 January in the historic center of town. At 18:30 h. there will be a parade through the downtown streets which ends with the burning of a Pine tree at San Antonio.

On Sunday 15 January at 13:00 hours, all you can take your pets for the traditional blessing of animals in Constitution Square.

The last act of the Fiestas of San Antonio in Jávea will take place on Tuesday 17 January at 12:30 h on the Paseo del Puerto with another Animal blessing ceremony.

We also take this chance to take this opportunity to congratulate all our readers called Antonio or Anthony.

Additionally to the religious festivities, an attractions fair will take place Jávea from 8 to 22 January.

Festival of the San Juan Bonfires in Jávea

 Javea has formally demanded the “Nit dels Focs” (night of the fires) —which takes place every year from midnight of 23 June— to be declared a Festival of Tourist Interest in the Region of Valencia.

The Nit dels Focs (also called San Juan festival) is a very special day in Jávea. The residents pride in it and agree that this important title is a very good way to helping them share this event with the rest of the Region.

For this, the Town Council has prepared a dossier with all the details of this event and has sent it to the Tourism Director of the province of Alicante, so that they start with the legal paperwork.

Together with the dossier, a documentary was provided about the Fiesta. It includes interviews with senior citizens who narrate the beginnings of this celebration in the yesteryears and how it is celebrated today.

The documentary also has testimonies of L’Escaut and El Gerrot club members and the Queen of the Nit dels Focs Bonfires.

Now that the legal proceedings have started, Javea residents have to wait at least 6 months for receiving a decision of the Department of Tourism of Alicante and the Region of Valencia.

Javea already has a fiesta (Jávea’s Living Chess) as declared of National Tourist Interest 10 years ago.

Valencia Region Day

Once again like every year,  the town of Jávea has organized several events to celebrate the Day of the Valencia Region on 9 October, as this day marks the entrance to the city of Valencia by King James I in 1238.

The scheduled events will start on 6 October at 20:00 h, with a Ignaci Mora Lecture in the House of Culture about the Arab-Valencian Poetry.

On 7 October  there are two scheduled events: one at 10:30 h in the C.P. Graüll, starring Scura Splats performing  the play “Monsters”, and  the other  will be the “Musical Arts Center Concert” which will take place at 22:00 pm in the Church of Sant Bertomeu.

Parallel to the events organized to commemorate the Valencia day, the following acts will also take place in Jávea:

Friday 7 October at 18:00: Storytelling in the library of Jávea with the tale “The Princess and the Pea”

Saturday 8 October from 17:00 to 20:00 h: XXIV Miguel Buigues Memorial basketball championship at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes, organized by the Club Básquet Juventud of  Xàbia with sponsorship  of the Sports Council  of Javea.

Sunday 9 October form 9:00 h: Montgò Summit Hiking trail (PR-CV355) departing from the parking lot of the Javea’s shooting range. The route takes about 5 hours and is considered upper-medium difficulty. It is recommended to bring water, lunch, appropriate footwear and camera.

Jávea fiestas by the sea, September 2011

As promised in previous posts, today we bring the rest of the schedule for the fiestas at the Harbour of Jávea 2011, including the full program from Sunday 4 September through last day of the festival, Thursday 8 September.

Sunday 4 September : XX Virgin of Loreto Chess Championship (and XXIII Open Villa de Jávea) at 10:00 h in Severo Ochoa street with the participation of many national and international Masters. Later, at 16:00 h, the II Poker Contest will take place and the same evening -at 22:00 h- the Bradmis orchestra will entertain the Brotherhood Dinner, where organizers will invite drink and dessert.

Monday 5 September at 22:00 h Bradmis orchestra will perform again in the Brotherhood Dinner in the area of ​​Triana.

Tuesday 6 September will be the “Day of the Elderly”. Events organized for that day includes the Offering of Flowers to the Virgin of Loreto at 19:00 h and Serenade night 24:00 h just before the Cuban themed night begins.

Wednesday 7 September: Mass and Solemn Procession to honour “Holy Christ of the Sea” at 19:30 h. Spectacular magazine on the seafront with Noelia Zanon at 23:00 h and street party with music from the 01:00 to 05:00 h at Jaime I Ave.

Thursday 8 September: the last day of the celebrations will be dedicated to the Virgin of Loreto, with loud firecrackers awakening at 8:00 h. Later at 11:00 h will take place a parade and solemn celebration of the Eucharist in honour of the Virgin of Loreto with the attendance of clergy, City Authorities and fishermen council members. After the mass there will be a firecracker show in Via Augusta street. In the afternoon, at 20:00 h, everybody is invited to the procession in honour of Virgin of Loreto on the streets of Duanas. At 22:30 h, the Euphoria band will perform in the dance at the promenade and by midnight the fiestas will end with a beachfront fireworks show.

Traditional Festivals in Jávea’s Harbour 2011

The traditional festival at Jávea’s harbour in Duanes del Mar to honour the Virgin of Loreto starts on 27 August and ends on 8 September.

The festival comes loaded with activities and events for both residents and visitors of one of the most beautiful town in the region.

This is the full calendar of events and activities taking place during the first days of the festival season at Jávea’s harbour. On 30 August, a new post will follow here with the rest of the calendar, to keep you updated with the latest plans, so that you do not miss anything of these fantastic fiestas.

Saturday 27 August: The festival starts with the XXX Jávea’s Peñya La Bufa Cycling Tour at 18:00 h and the presentation of the fiestas with a music show by the Montecarlo Orchestra will come next at 22:30 h.

Sunday 28 August: XXX Penya La Bufa Marathon at 10:00 h. At about 22:00 h, Semifinals of the III Raspall (traditional game) Professional league, “Reds and Blues” at Jávea`s Trinquet (Valencian ball games court). Brotherhood dinner at the Promenade and concert by the Scream orchestra.

From Monday 29 August to Thursday, 1 September, “Bous a la Mar —Bulls thrown to the sea— at the Jávea’s harbour, at 12:00 h, 19:00 and 23:00 h. At night, “Toro Embolado” —run of bulls which horns are set on fire.

Friday 2 September: It’s the last day of Bous a la Mar and there will be bull runs at 12:00 h and 19:00 h. Simultaneous chess games with the master Francisco Sánchez-Guirado on the Severo Ochoa Street at 18:30 h. At night (22:00 h), the V Paella contest will take place at the area next to the sports centre, with music.

Saturday 3 September: The day starts at 09:30 h with the XII Ping Pong Open and at 10:00 h, the XI 3&3 Mare de Deu del Loreto Basketball Tournament will take place. Free chocolate giveaway will follow at Doctor Fleming Street, together with the traditional milkshake and a “water party”. At night, about at 20:00 h, Great cavalcade from the harbour. Later at 23:00 h, Xàbia Rock Academy at the promenade and at 24:00 h, Correfuegos (fireworks war party) and Macrofestival Disco.com music party at the promenade.

To be continued…

Fiestas in Jávea’s Portitxol in August 2011

This month of August 2011, there will be the is the Fiesta at Jávea‘s Portitxol. This popular festival is organized by the residents with the help of the town hall. This traditional fiesta was long forgotten, but now residents are trying to bring it back.

This year, the Jávea’s Portitxol fiesta takes place on 13 and 14 August. It will be held on the esplanade of the fince in front of the Portitxol cross. This is the calendar of events to get you ready for this festival:

Saturday, 13th August 2011:

18:30 h. Parade with Dolçaina i Tabalet to start the festival. It will make a circular route starting and ending in the Portitxol cross. First, it will go through the L’Illa street and will return through the road.

19:30 h: Popular snack time with snowballs and sweet buns with cream (bambas).

20:30 h: “Sarao” and dance accompanied by a group of serenaders, the Portitxol band and the “Colla de dolçainas i tabalets” (a group of musicians playing traditional instruments).

22:00 h: Bring your own dinner picnic (drinks can be bought at the venue).

23:00 h: Dance with the Colors orchestra.

Sunday, 14th August 2011:

9:00 h: Wake-up call with the “Colla de dolçainers i tabaleters del Grupo Portitxol” band.

10:00 h: Popular lunch with sardines barbecue.

11:00 h: Piñatas and traditional games for kids and adults alike.

This is how to arrive to the Portitxol area in Jávea: With a car from Jávea, drive as if going to Cabo La Nao. After about 8 km, take a turn to the left, towards “La Barraca ” restaurant. Park close by. To arrive to Portitxol cove from the restaurant, walk through a nice path with beautiful views that meanders across the residential complex on the hillside. GPS Coordinates:38º45′33.41”N 0º13′21.54”E.

Living chess of Jávea 2010

The facilities of the Jávea harbour will host next Saturday, 30^th July at 22:30 h, the XVI living chess of Jávea. Since 1996, this event has been organized by the Mare de Deu de Loreto Fiestas Commission, always with the collaboration of the Local chess club and Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo (CAM Bank).

The “living chess” is actually a theatre play representing a chess match. For this edition, the play will be an adaptation of the most famous Spanish book in history: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha.

It is interesting to note that, given the complexity of this story, there are not many theatrical adaptations of this masterpiece of universal literature; it is usually worked for TV and film, in the shape of movies —for TV or cinema, miniseries or operas.

This adaptation of Cervante’s work into a theatre play was made by one of the organizers: Dionis Henarejos, who counted on the experience of being part of the group that brought to the theatre play format a poem called “Scachs d’Amor, considered a classic of the Region of Valencia, dating back from XIV century.

Handcrafts fair

The town of Jávea gets ready to celebrate summer in style with one of the most rooted traditions in the Spanish Mediterranean. We are talking about the Moors and Christians festival —Moros y Cristianos— that this time will be heldat the same time of a medieval market with handcrafts and traditional food.

The handcrafts fair will be set in Jávea, at El Caracol multicultural space (former drive-in cinema) and will open nonstop until the 18^th September from 18:00 h to 24:00 h.

This street market will host themed weeks such as the tapas week, beers week, Arab market and Andalusian night.

Then, there will be the Moors and Christians festival. We are sure the people of Jávea will give thir best to make of this traditional festival an event to remember, with complex historical representations, delicious food, impressive fireworks and breathtaking musical and religious shows.

To check the schedule of Moors and Cristians festival in Jávea, click here.

Moors and Christians in Benitachell

Poble Nou de Benitachell celebrates its own Moros y Cristianos —Moors and Christians— fiesta from 8^th to 10^th July 2011. This is the schedule of planned events for this festival:

Friday, 8th July:

23:30 h: The festival starts with a parade led by the standard of the Main Committee —Junta Central. The filaes (groups) will join the parade as it goes by.

00:00 h: Presentation of standards and official opening announcement of the festival.

Afterwards, the Moorish Embassy will show up on Plaza Nueva, followed by the Christian Embassy, while an impressive show of fireworks (fireworks castle) takes place.

The day will end with party at the Kabyles (tents typical of this fiesta).

Saturday, 9 July:

09:00 h: Filaes accompanied by their music bands, firing harquebusses.

12:00 h: Another parade and  visit  of the brotherhood to the Ben-Abiar and Les Pobladores Kabyles.

19:30 h: Flowers offering.

20:00 h: Novena mass to honour Saint Sebastian, patron saint of the festival. Afterwards, awarding of ties —to be placed on the standards— to the music bands at the town hall.

00:00 h: Kabyles night.

Sunday, 10th July:

09:00 h: Filaes accompanied by their music bands, firing harquebuses on a nice visual show.

12:00 h: Parade; then, a brotherhood will visit the Els Trabuquers Kabyle.

19:30 h: Marching bands parade from the town Hall.

20:00 h: Great gala parade of both sides: Moors and Christians.

Moors and Christians Fiestas 2011 in Benissa

The much awaited Moros y Cristianos —Moors and Christians— fiesta is, together with the Purisima Xiqueta patron saint celebration, the most important festival in Benissa, and probably all across the Marina  Alta region.

This is the schedule of events for the Moors and Christians fiesta in Benissa in 2011:
From 16th June to 4th July:

- Exhibition of the drawings taking part in the kid’s contest. Location: Exhibition hall of Casal Jove. Time: from 9:30 h to 13:30 h. The times are subject to modifications.

Thursday, 30 June:
- Meeting of the filaes (groups) in the castle and brotherhoods dinner. Time: 22:00 h.
- Afterwards, music show. Time: 23:30 h.

Friday, 1^st July:
- Proclaiming act of standards in the castle. The standard carriers, captains and ambassadors will join the event. Opening speech of the fiestas, by Raúl Martínez Ivars. Time: 23:00 h.
- Once the speech is finished, the Zeppelin band will play. Location: Jaime I square.

Saturday; 2nd July: First Kids’ “entrà” (entrance) and moor embassy.
- Memorial acts for the dead “festeros” at the town’s cemetery. Time: 13:00 h.
- Parade with all the filaes from Portal Square to the church, carrying the Saint Peter statue. Time: 19:30 h.
- Mass to honour Saint Peter Apostle. Time: 18:30 h. Location: Parish church.
- Kids’ “entrà” and XXI  Junior Squadron Leaders Competition. Time: 20:30 h.
- Attack of the moors from Plaza del Convento square to the square.
- Afterwards, moor embassy and castle takeover. Time: 23:30 h.

Sunday, 3rd July: General “Entrà” day:
- Parade across town and visit to the San Joaquín y Santa Ana elderly residence. Time: 11:00 h.
- Great “Entrà —entrance— from Valencia street to the end of Carrer Nou. Time: 20:00 h.

Monday, 4th July: Christian embassy and end of the fiesta.
- Attack of the Christians from the Portal square. Time: 11:00 h.
- After this,  reconquering of the castle by the Christian embassy. By the end of the festival, the kid’s contest prizes will be handed over.
- Parade with all the bands that took part in the fiestas. Time: 20:00 h.
- Humorous parade “Fin de fiesta” (end of the fiesta). Time: 21:00 h.

San Juan Bonfires 2011 in Jávea

As we told you in a previous post regarding the Bonfires of San Juan in Jávea 2011, here is the second part of the programming information about most expected days in the framework of the San Juan Fiestas:

Monday 20/06/2011: The Fogueres monuments installation starts with the main one ate the Constitution square.
13:30 h: A giant Paella will be made for all the people in the Montaner Park.

23:30 h: Rock Concert in Constitution Square with the performance of La Gossa Sorda and Lax’n Buston.

Tuesday 22/06/2011: great day to walk around Javea and visit one or several monuments and enjoy the colorfull weraths to San Juan in the Church Square
22:30 h: Folk Dance will take place at the Carrer Nou
00:00 h. Mecano Pop Group Tribute at the Constitution Square

Wednesday 23/06/2011: The fire will be the main attraction of the day with the traditional burnings of the” Focs of Sant Joan”,  ”the burning of junk” and  thespectacular correfoc (fireworks street wars) from Baix Raval street to the Constitución square. Then the Grupo.Es orchestra will perform.

Thursday 24/06/2011 San Juan Day .This is the last day of the festival of the Bonfires of San Juan and the most important and emotional one.
12:00 h: Mass celebrated in honor of San Juan, after which will trigger a Special mascletá (firecracker show)
19:00 h: Parade of floats
22:00 h: Children Bonfire at the Convent square
00:00 h: Fireworks and Burn of the main Bonfire in the Constitution Square , finishing the night and this year’s San Juan fiestas with a performance by the Scream orchestra also in the Constitución Square.

San Juan Bonfires 2011 in Jávea

During June in the province of Alicante the word Fiesta is written in capital letters with the celebration of the San Juan bonfires.

Jávea is one of the locations with longer tradition in the celebration of the Bonfires in the entire county, and for that reason the town has prepared an extensive program of events that for sure will be a lot of fun for everyone.

Here, we include complete information about events in the framework of the Bonfires of San Juan 2011 in Jávea from June 10 to 18, 2011. Check the schedule below:

Friday 10/06/2011: kick-off the Bonfires of San Juan in Javea with the Opening of Casales, Blood Donation (17:30 h at  Forn street) and the standing of tents and boxes.

Saturday 11/06/2011:
09:30 h.: IV Ping Pong Open at the Sports hall.
10:30 h.: XV Chess Tournament at Montaner Park.
17:00 h.: XXVII Trophy Bonfires of San Juan in Constitution Square organized by the Cycling Club Jávea,
From 01:00 h.:  Euphoria Orchestra concert at Constitution Square

Sunday 12/06/2011:
09:00 h.: Custom Motorcycle concentration in Palmela Avenue parking lot
11:00 Trinquet match at Xàbia’s trinquet court.
13:00 h.: Paella Contest in the MontanerPark.
22:00 h.: Flamenco night show “Fardiquera” in the Reina Sofia Park
00:00 h.:Funam-bulista and Maldita Nerea concert

Wednesday 15/06/2011:
19:00 h.: Releasing of 4 bulls
20:00 h.: Poker tournament
00:00 h. Bulls exhibition

Thursday 16/06/2011
18:00 h.: Opening of the XVI International Festival
19:00 h.: Cows and bull contest
00:00 h.: Release of cows and heifers.

Friday 17/06/2011
12:00 h.: More bullfighting
00:00 h.: Bull release
Mobile Disco on the premises until 04:00 h.

Saturday 18/06/2011
00:00 h.: “Quintades Day” with the performance of the Montecarlo orchestra in Constitution Square and then discothèque party until 06:30 in the morning.

Over the next few days we will inform about more events and timetable related to the 2011 Bonfires of San Juan in Jávea .

Summaland Festival in Jávea, 29 and 30 July

The Summaland festival is finally confirmed. It will take place in Jávea on 29 and 30 July 2011. The third edition of this techno dance music will take place in the incomparable Arenal Beach, after two successful editions held in Barcelona.

People arriving from all corners of Europe will meet in this event, which will showcase la crème de la crème of dance music right now, under Asere, the acclaimed record compay.

With this event, the youth office is making a big investment to promote Jávea as a venue for huge events and as a focal young touristy point with interesting leisure alternatives in the Costa Blanca north.

With this event, the Mayor office adds up more alternatives for young visitors, residents and neighbours, to complement other type of adult activities such as the Xàbia Jazz Festival or the Música a L’Estiu international music event.

Some of the potential artists making up the lineup of the Summaland 2011 Festival we can count Juan Magan, Javi Mula, los italianos Maurizio Gubellini , Takeshy Kurosab and some surprise features from Ministry of Sound.

Benissa's church

After Holy Week celebrations, many towns across Costa Blanca north continue the fiestas season by honouring their patron saints. This is the case with Teulada and Benissa.

Benissa’s Patron Saint fiestas started on Saturday 16 April with the proclamation of the fiestas and will end on Sunday 8 May. Some of the many activities and events planned to honour the Purissima Xiqueta, patron saint of Benissa, are:

- Flowers offering on Saturday 30 April at 18:30 h. Afterwards, there will be a music show by Código and Vertigo orchestras.

- The events on Sunday 1 May “ Day of the Purissima Xiqueta” are: Mass at 11:30 h. Then, Mascletada —Firecrackers show— by Vicent Caballer pyrotechnics. At 19:00 h, a procession to honour the patron saint and later, at 01:00 h, a concert by El Arrebato.

- From Wednesday 4 to Saturday, 7th May: Release of young bulls, embolado bulls in Benissa and music shows. Entrance of bulls on Wednesday 4 at 18:30 h.

Patron Saint Fiestas in Teulada from 27 April to 8 May: This year, this fiesta happens to coincide with the fiestas of Benissa. The schedule of events fo this fiesta is impressively hectic, with music shows, firecrackers shows, bulls, parades, processions, giant paellas, etc. THe most relevant activities are:

- The Flowers offering on Saturday 30 April, when people walk the streets of Teulada to arrive in the San Vicente Ferrer Hermitage Chapel, located on Las Palmas Avenue.

- The Firecrackers show —mascletada— on Monday 4 May at 14:00 h, and a spectacular fireworks castle on the same day. The castle is fired after the procession to honour San Vicente Ferrer, at around 22:00 h.

- All bull-related events will take place from Wednesday 3 to Saturday 7. These will include the release of young bulls at afternoon and night, fire bulls, contest of different stockbreeders, etc.

- Les Quintaes day will be Saturday 7. This event features a giant paella and everyone wanting to join in is invited to a serving. There will also be music shows and fiestas all across Teulada.

- The last day, Sunday 8, closes with a funny cavalcade throughout town, with carriages and floats handcrafted by the people of Teulada. The cavalcade ends with prizes for the best decorated streets.

Sant Bartomeu church in Javea

From next Thursday, 28^th April through Tuesday 3^rd May, Jávea will celebrate its festivities to honour Jesus of Nazareth (Natzaré).

This fiesta is one of the most important religious and traditional celebrations in Jávea. Every third Sunday of Lent, hundreds of devotees congregate to take the image of Jesus of Nazareth down in procession from the chapel of Calvary to the parish church of Sant Bertomeu in the center of town. Then, on 3^rd May, a new procession accompanies the image up again to its place on Calvary.

For these dates the town of Jávea organizes many events, both religious and pagan, highlighting the release of young bulls through different streets of the town, the mascletás (fire crackers) and fireworks, masses and processions.

One of the most popular activities in this fiesta is the contest Les Creus de Maig (Maypole), to be held on 2^nd and 3^rd May.

This competition consists on manufacturing of flowers made crosses, which are set out in the streets of the town where the organizers of the Nazarene Fiesta live.

Jesus of Nazareth brotherhood

Next 27^th March, the procession to take the image of Jesus of Nazareth from the Hermitage of Saint Christ of the Cavalry to the Saint Bartholomew Church in the historic city centre of Jávea will take place at 19:00 h.

This is, without a doubt, a very moving event for all devotees of Jesus of Nazareth and an interesting opportunity to get acquainted with costumes and important patrimonies of Jávea.

The Hermitage of Saint Christ of the Calvary —Ermita de Santísismo Cristo del Calvario in Jávea is located more specifically by the Jávea-Dénia road. It is a monument dating back from XVIII century, 1770. It is the only standing hermitage owned by the town hall.

The rest is in private hands. It is a very basic, rustic hermitage made of coarse stone, plaster, and whitewashed bricks. It has a large façade that features diverse geometricas shapes. It has a Greek cross layout and is crowned by a down covered with blue glazed roof tiles. It takes in the image of Jesus of Nazareth.

The Sain Bartholomew Curch and Fortress dates back from XIV to XVI century and has undergone renovations and enlargements until X.X: century. The main building is Gothic Isabeline. It was declared a National Artistic Monument in 1931.

It is a Gothic building with an apse and 3 chapels. Later, many areas were added  at both sides of the apse.

Underground, the church holds many crypts and funerary vases still to discover, maybe dating from C. XVI.

Valencia’s Fallas

Valencia’s Fallas is a traditional festival where everything related to fire, sound and traditional arts go hand in hand together for two weeks, but with preparation lasting the whole year.

Burning down the paper sculptures symbolizes cleansing and a new beginning, because the creative process of the following year’s Fallas begins as soon the current year’s edition comes to an end with the cremà.

There is not a better way to honour and admire the Valencians’ efforts than reaching out to this beautiful city from today until closing weekend (Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 March).

This afternoon there will be a Mascletà -firecrackers- under the supervision and design of the Caballer brother at 14:00 h. at the town hall square.

Tonight there will be a Folk Parade that will start at the center of Valencia from 23:00 h and will end with a firework show by Benlloch pyrotechnics.

Calpe’s Fallas 2011

Fallas is not a fiesta exclusive of the city of Valencia. If you want to check it by yourself, just keep an eye on the cultural offers that the city of Calpe brings this March 2011.

Calpe’s Fallas will have the glamorous representation of fallera Beatriz Femenía and junior fallera Adriana Pino, who were proclaimed in a ceremony last January.

Since 1983, Calpe celebrates its own Fallas festivity.

The organization of “Falla del Vell Calp“, chaired by Don Victorio Pino and counting this year with 51 seniors and 24 junior falleros, will proceed to install the huge cardboard statues and then burn them at midnight on 19^th March, St. Joseph’s Day and official beginning day of this spring.

Other favorite activities for children and adults are the “Plantà” (placement of ninots or cardboard figures) and the “Despertà” (Wake up in Valencian language) with fire crackers and popular music

Throughout 19^th March, popular events will be held as a prelude to the great cremà (burn-down) at midnight. Among the events programmed there are: Parades, Giant Paella for everyone and a Mass to honour San Jose (Saint Joseph).

Ninots Exhibition in Valencia 2011

Throughout the year, Falleras (Fallas yesteryear-dressed ladies), fireworks experts and artists prepare non-stop for the two most important weeks of Valencia: Las Fallas.

The Ninot exhibition opened on 5 February and the Fallera Gala was held on 25 February.

These were just some of the prelude events before the official starting shot, which this year was on 27 February with the classic despertá (awakening).

In the despertá, from very early in the morning, Fallas artists’ parades run through the streets of Valencia, waking up neighbors with masclets y tro de bacs (firecrackers). The first mascletá (firecracker show) started at noon with an amazing kind of rhythmic composition with firecrackers. At sunset, the Falllera Mayor (Falla’s Queen) officially opens the celebration when she receives the city’s keys in the Town Hall in a ceremony called the crida (the shout).

The next in this celebration is a month of turmoil, fireworks, tribute and Valencian spirit. From March 1 to 20, there will be daily mascletás; here you can check the fireworks schedule.

This year, from 9 March, the Fallas tents will be installed in the streets of Valencia, and the plantá (statues installation) as every year, will take place on 15 March.

The plantá is a ceremony where commissions install the Fallas (monuments) where they will burn a few days later. If you want to know about the most impressive monuments this year, check this article.

In addition to the offerings to Virgin Mary and the presentation of prizes to best Fallas of the year, other important events are:

La Nit del Foc (the night of fire): A sound and visual show of fireworks that lasts between 15 and 25 minutes. If you had to enjoy only one fireworks show, it would have to be this one. This show will be on 18 of March.

La Nit de la Cremà (night of the burning): The most emotional day. With solemn anthems in the background, 20 meters tall paper monuments will burn, and with them, the efforts of a whole year of hard work. With the cremà at early morning of 20 March, Fallas fiesta ends.

Carnival fiestas 2011 in March

In Spain’s Costa Blanca, February and March are the Carnival months. While most towns have their carnival fiestas in half February, others wait until the first weeks of March. That is the case of Pego, Teulada, Benidorm and Denia, just to mention a few examples.

In Teulada, the carnival fiestas ere dedicated almost exclusively to kids. They start today, with a parade with the participation of students at 15:00 h at Teulada and Moraira tonw centres.

In Denia, carnival is similar but celebrated tomorrow, on 5^th March.

In Benidorm this year, carnivals start tomorrow and last until 8th March. At 11:00 h on Saturday, the kids’ carnival parade will cover the most important street of the city. At 21:00 h, there will be the adults’ `parade.

On 8^th March at 21:30 h, the “entierro de la sardina” —sardine’s burial—takes place at Poniente Beach, and the season ends with a beautiful fireworks show.

Marjal Nature Park, Pego-Oliva

The beauty of the natural areas of the Region of Valencia is unparalleled and public entities know it well. For that reason, the Oliva Tourist Information office organises a guided tour through the trekking paths of the Pego-Oliva Marsh natural park.

This 1248 acre park consists of a dune system that extends south of the Serpis River where a very diverse fauna gathers. The most prominent dwellers of this park are the migratory birds that travel from Europe to northern Africa during winter.

To sign up for the activities to be held on 24^th February and 18^th March, call at the Pego-Oliva Marsh Park offices (+34 966 400 251 / +34 679 195 227) and ask to be included in a group. The number of participants per group is limited to 20 people.

The starting point of the excursion will be the Oliva Tourist Info office at 09:00 h.  The transport has to be done by the own participants’ means to the natural park entrance, where a car parking area is available.

The degree of difficulty of the 3 km hiking route is medium to low and it is recommended to wear mountain boots, a hat, and sunscreen, and take a raincoat with you.

For more information contact the Oliva Tourist Info Office:

Address: Pasaje Lluis Vives. Phone and fax: +34 962 855 528. E-mail: oliva@touristinfo.net.

Celebrate Halloween in Javea

On October 31^st, Lions Club will organize a kids Halloween party with games and other activities at the church’s square in Moraira. You are officially invited to come and have fun from 18:30 to 20:30 h.

In Cabo la Nao, Jaspas Bar will hold a party on Saturday 30^th, too (just like last year). It will have karaoke, a bouncy castle and other activities. For additional details, please visit http://www.jaspas.biz/

For another consecutive year, Javea celebrates this festivity with an open, free party in Plaza del Baix, on October 30th, from 18:00 h. The Xàbia Histórica Association does it again. Horror route, clowns, music and a costumes contest for people of all ages are some of the plans to make of it an as fun as scary a party might be. Surrounding bars and restaurants will also join the party offering t delicious menus.

For those on the wild party mood, Tribe of Frog, a collective of goa and trance from UK is planning “Halloween Nightmare Fiesta From Hell”, a fancy dress party in the Gata de Gorgos tunnels, on Saturday 30^th from 23:30 at night. There will be DJs from UK, Argentina, Belgium/Mozambique and, of course, Spain. There isn’t an admission fee. Just show up there. For further information, please contact  thefrogz@hotmail.com.

Lounge Bar 29, a German owned bar, has also planned a Halloween party for kids for another consecutive year, on Saturday 30^th, from 20:00 h. If you go past Avenida de La Fontana, take the opportunity to pop in and ask.

The Zumba Costa Blanca dancing club has also organized something: There will be a super Halloween choreography with fancy dresses. It will take place on Friday 29^th. Join the party at La Noche, in El Arenal, from 17:00 h. Admission is €7.5 for adults and €5 for kids.

As last year, Benitatxell Arts Centre and the Town Hall have organised a parade with a band. It will start on Friday October 29th at 19:15 h from the Arts Centre. For €4, kids will be able to join the fancy dresses parade, be offered scary food and drink and a visit to the Spook Room. Parents in costumes will be offered a complimentary drink. Call Ann at 680 673 871 or email at info@benitatxellartscentre.info to ensure a spot in the event.

As usual, most bars and night clubs will also celebrate this festivity. In any case, if you decide to put on your fancy dress, you will surely find the right place to party Halloween in Javea.

Beer takes centre stage in Calpe, from October 7th to 17th

For another year, Calpe celebrates the Oktoberfest Calpe 2010 Beer Festival, from October 7^th to 17^th. This is one of the most popular events in the Costa Blanca region, gathering people from all corners of Europe and the province. The festival is organized by the Carnaval Club Calpe Association and the Calpe Town Hall.

The Oktoberfest Calpe 2010 schedule introduces new events, such as the Happy Hour, with reduced prices on beer, sausages, ham hock and other exquisite meals. Another novelty is the Tourist Day, with a paella contests, and a day dedicated to Jazz.

The tent usually allocated to the Oktoberfest will be bigger and relocated in front of the Calpe Silene D’Ifach school.

For additional details on this year’s Oktoberfest in Calpe, visit this link

Moors and Christians Denia

From the 10^th to the 16^th of August Denia will be celebrating the Moors and Christians Festival (Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos), in honour of San Roque. This year the Moors are captained by the Filá Amazigh and the Christians by the Filá Mozárabes.

Highlights of this year´s festivities:

- Wednesday  11^th of August: at 11.00 visit to the Residencia Santa Lucia.

- Thursday 12^th of August: at 21.00 the reception on the captain of the Moors at the “Cábila dela  Filá Amazigh”. At 23.00 the festive entrance of the captain of the Moors.

- Friday 13^th of August: 20.30 The captain of the Moors disembarks in the port of Denia. Followed by street parade to the Plaza de Consell where the Treaty of Truce is signed. Later the Dinner of “Acampada” in the Calle la Vía.

- Saturday 14^th of August: at 19.30 kids parade along the Avenida Marqués del Campo, followed by the street bands.

- Sunday 15 August: Gala Parade at 19:00.rmed battles from the port to the Plaza del Consell and 20:00 procession in honour of San Roque.

- Monday, August 16: Mass at 11:30  in honour of San Roque. At 18:15 a

Bulls in the Sea, fiestas Denia

Fiestas in Denia from the 3rd to the  11th  of July 2010, festivals and “Bous a la Mar” ( Bulls in the Sea); a tradition declared of National Tourist Interest. This is a show that is held in the mobile bullring year after year in the port; every day you can join in or simply watch  in the morning or in the afternoon. The Bous a la Mar is one of the most anticipated events for all visitors and residents of Denia.
Among the events planned in Denia Fiestas 2010  we would like to highlight:

- Bous a la Mar every day at 13:00 and 19:00 hours in the port of Denia from 4 to July 11, declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest.

- Musical Performances: The famous group “Seguridad  Social”,  on Friday July the 9th  at 23:00 and Rosana on Sunday July the 11th  at 22:30.

- “Correfoc”, fireworks and music on Tuesday, July the 6th  at 00:30 am on Calle Marques de Campo.

- Fireworks on  Thursday the 8th of  July at 20:30 along the Calle Marques de Campo and down to La Glorieta.

- Parade of floats,  parades and music with the participation of the Fallas commissions, entities and JLF “Festeros”. An interesting  parade held that has been declared of Touristic  Interest and is being held on Saturday July the 10th  at 19:00.

- A contest , organized by “Arte  Mediterráneo,” in the  Port on Saturday July the 10th  at 23:30.

- Nit de Foc, ( Night of Fireworks), with  fireworks organised by the company Portugues S.L. I n the Port on Sunday July the 11th  after the concert of Rosana.

Festival of the San Juan Bonfires in Jávea

If you are on holiday in the town of Javea, Alicante then you are still in time to celebrate to the festival of  San Juan 2010. A “Fiesta” that includes, of course, the traditional burning of the bonfires and effigies.

Featured Acts 2010 Jávea Bonfires of San Juan:

- Offering of the Flowers on Tuesday the 22nd at 19:00 pm and performance of the famous group El Sueño de Morfeo at 12:00.

- Wednesday, 23rd the  Night of  San Juan with  the traditional burning of old junk on the bonfire and the display in the street calle Raval de Baix.

- Thursday 24th ” Burning of the effigies” at 22:00 hours the fire will the effigies for  the children to watch at the Plaza del Convento. Later at 24:00 hours  pyro-musical fireworks display at the Plaza of the Constitution and then the burning of the Effigies and the performance of the band Euphoria.

International Festival of Jávea

International Festival of Jávea: 17,18,19/06

This year  Jávea-Xàbia holds the International Festival on 17th, 18th and 19th of June, 2010 on  the Avenida Augusta , from 18:00, admission is free.

It is a  consolidated event in Jávea which this year celebrates it´s 25th anniversary thanks to the participation of the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Indonesia, England, Italy, Morocco, Palmera, Peru, Poland, Switzerland, Uruguay. And the following associations:  Jávea Casa de Andalucía, the animal protection society  APASA, the Rotary Club Jávea, Thiviers and  the Red Cross Association.

It is a great opportunity to enjoy cultures from around the globe  in Jávea/Xábia (Alicante). The festival offers exhibits,  music (flamenco, jazz, rock, pop ,..), foods from each participating country, workshops games for children, etc. ..

If you would like more information about the musical performances and special events you can see the full programme at : http://www.festivalinternacionaljavea.com/.

The 3rd Mediterranean Festival

Mediterranean Festival 29/05 to the 30/06 Valencia

The 3rd  Mediterranean Festival  (III Festival Mediterrani) to be held in Valencia from May the 29th  to June the 30th  2010. The  president of the festival is Zubin Mehta; the festival holds a month of opera, concerts, chamber music, recitals, lectures, dramatic reading, cinema and many other activities Valencia.

Amongst  the extensive programme  of the Third Edition of the Festival of Mediterrani, we  highlight:

- Richard Strauss´ opera Salome, musical drama in one act with the accompaniment of the Orchestra of the Valencian Community, a new production of the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, performances on the 10th , 16th , 22nd  and 25th of June in the Main Hall at 20:00.

- Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen, opera in four acts, a production of the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia and Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the representations can be seen on the  18th , 21st , 24th  and 30th  of June at 20:00 hours on the 20th  and 27th of June at 19:00 pm in the Main Hall.

- Concerto for piano, opus 54 by Robert Schumann on May 29th  at 20:00 pm in the Auditorium.

- Concert of works by Richard Strauss Don Quixote, and Ein Heldenleben OP35, OP. 40, on June the  28th  at 20:00 pm in the Auditorium.

- Chamber Music: X12 Albéniz Iberia, interpretation narrated by Iberia de Isaac Albéniz on the  2nd  of June at 20:00 hours at the Teatre Martín i Soler.

See the full programme for the  III Festival Mediterrani  in Valencia and ticket prices, box office hours, general conditions, etc.  at www.lesarts.com .

The Pego Carnivals 2010 Alicante

These are probably  the most renowned Carnivales in the Alicante Province. People travel from all over the area to enjoy these festivities.

The main attractions are of course, the costumes , the music and the general festivities. These will commence on Saturday the 13 of February 2010 in Pego at 23.00h in the “Pla de la Font” ( the square with the fountain). The orchestra “EUFORIA” will be the first to start the entertaining. After which the parade will continue to the Paseo de Michel where the orchestras, “MONTECARLO”and “VERTIGO” will be performing. There will also be DJs and  huge, “Mobile-Discos,” to keep everyone dancing.

The “Sardine´s Funeral,”( ENTIERRO DE LA SARDINA), will take place on Saturday the 20th of February at 23.00h. Everyone is to dress in mourning and to meet at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento ( the Square by the Town Hall). The  mourners will  parade all the way to the Pla de la Font ( the square with the fountain) where they will then light the bonfire.

At 00.30h the, “Corre fuegos,” del Grupo Lésclat will commence. These are pyrotechnics that run through the streets with fireworks and bangers etc.

Probably the best way to enjoy the Pego Carnivals 2010 is to enquire about the bus timetables that will run from the various towns of the area. It is is the most convenient way by which to get there and thereby avoid having to find parking.