The popular Costa Blanca coastal town Calpe is set to kick off its patron saint festivities in honour of the Virgen de las Nieves, organised by the 2024 Festival Commission and Calpe Town Council. The celebrations will run for fifteen consecutive days, starting today.
The festivities begin on Wednesday, 31 July, with an aerial firework display and bell ringing. In the afternoon, participants will gather at the Plaza del Arco Iris for the Entrada de la Murta, parading through the old town to Plaza Miguel Roselló. Here, the festival queens and king will deliver the “Crida a la Festa” from the Town Hall balcony, followed by the lighting of the festival lights. The evening will conclude with a performance by the orchestra “La Fiesta” in Plaza Mayor.
Change of command
Thursday, 1 August, is “Día del Fadrí”. Here young festival-goers will take over the Town Hall, with the 2006 festival group symbolically governing the town for a day. At midday, a balloon display will take place on Calle Llibertat, followed by children’s games in Carrer de Fora. The evening will feature water games and a foam party for children in Parc de la Creativitat, and the night will see a performance by the orchestra “Carnavalia” in Plaza Mayor.
Children’s day
Friday, 2 August, marks “Día del Niño,” with various activities for children, including a morning wake-up call, water games in Parc de la Creativitat, and musical performances in Plaza Mayor. The children’s show “La rosa encantada” will be at 7.00 pm, followed by “Los 40 principales” at 10.45 pm, and a DJ night at 1.00 am in Plaza Mayor.
Commission day
Saturday, 3 August, is “Día de las Comisiones” with a mini-disco in Plaza del Mosquit, games, and a brass band in Carrer de Fora in the morning. A giant paella will be served on Calle Conde de Altea, followed by a water party in Plaza Mayor in the afternoon, and a performance by the orchestra “Seven Crashers” in the evening.
Flower offering
On Sunday, 4 August, the eve of the main festival day, there will be a procession to gather the queens and Festival Commission members for the Flower Offering to the Virgen de las Nieves at the Parish Church. The night will end with a large nocturnal mascletà by Pirotecnia Caballer and a performance by the Montecarlo Orchestra in Plaza Mayor.
Main day: Aerial-water fireworks
Monday, 5 August, the day of the Virgen de las Nieves, will start with an aerial firework display and a procession by the Festival Commission. A mascletà will be set off in Plaza Mayor at 1pm.00 . The main mass in honour of the patron saint will be at 7.30 pm, followed by a procession through the old town streets and the famed Castell a la Mar, an aerial-water fireworks display at Arenal-Bol beach. The day will conclude with a performance by the orchestra “La Tribu” in Plaza Mayor at 12.30 am.
Pilgrimage to the hermitage
On Tuesday, 6 August, the Day of San Salvador, there will be a children’s wake-up call and a traditional Valencian pilota game on Calle García Ortiz. In the afternoon, festival-goers and authorities will visit the Hermitage of San Salvador for a traditional mass and a public aperitif.
Bull Running
From 6 to 12 August, the traditional “Bous al carrer” (bull running) will take place on Calle Conde de Altea. Tourists who don’t like this form of animal abuse should avoid this street in the afternoons and evenings during the fiestas.
Free concerts
The festivities will culminate with free concerts on 14 and 15 August at the Calpe Pop Festival. On 14 August, starting at 9.00 pm, there will be a “night remember” featuring DJ Kofy, DJ Raúl Platero, Double Visión, DJ Chimo Bayo, and DJ Vicente Buitrón. On 15 August, from 9.00 pm, performances by DJ Sifo, Mikel Erentxun, Los Rebeldes, and DJ Joan K-Zu will take place. These concerts, held in Parc de la Creativitat, are free of charge.
Why tourists love Calpe
Calpe, located on Spain’s popular holiday coast Costa Blanca, is renowned for its stunning 13 kilometres of coastline. Visitors find beautiful sandy beaches like Playa de la Fossa and Playa Arenal-Bol. The striking Peñón de Ifach, a massive limestone outcrop, is a natural park offering hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Furthermore tourists can chose from a wide range of modern amenities and accommodation options.
Calpe’s rich history and cultural offer attract numerous visitors each year. The old town, with its narrow streets, colourful houses, and historic landmarks like the Torreó de la Peça and the Forat de la Mar, offers a glimpse into the town’s past. The local museums, such as the Museo del Coleccionismo, showcase the area’s cultural and historical significance. The culinary scene in Calpe is another major draw for international tourists. The town is famous for its seafood, especially dishes like paella and arroz a banda. The fish market, where fresh catches are sold daily, and numerous restaurants offering traditional Mediterranean cuisine, provide a delightful gastronomic experience for visitors.
Also read: Spanish coastal town of Calpe fines ‘towel reservers’ 250 euros