Fiestas in Torrevieja, Alicante
- Travel tip: If you haven't found a home yet and want to witness the fiesta's, it's best to book your accommodation well in advance.
- Fact: Midnight on New Year’s Eve is often celebrated in Spain by eating a grape for every chime of the countdown clock.
Holidays are not just honoured in Spain, they are CELEBRATED!
January
Early January sees impressive floats wind through Torrevieja during the Parade of the Three Wise Men.
February
Carnival is an exciting time to be in Torrevieja. Just the announcement of its start is a call for celebrations. The festivities are spread over three weeks and range from street musicians taking part in the murgas competition to children attending elaborate balls. The two main parades are a sight to behold - usually twenty or so groups spend all year creating their floats in hope of winning the big prize. The night-parade is usually held the week after the daytime procession.
April
Easter is marked with a week of processions in Spain. An atmospheric silent procession on Good Friday and a following procession on Easter Sunday are the main events in Torrevieja.
May
At the beginning of the month, the port hosts the annual May Fair. People garbed in traditional costumes gather at casetas (booths) that have been raised at the port and celebrate by dancing the Sevillanas. There are also horseback and carriage parades and by the end, there's no shortage of drained wine glasses!
On the last Saturday and Sunday of the month, there's a Romería (Pilgrimage) in Honour of the Virgen del Rocío which culminates with an open air mass and the famed race of the ribbons for horsemen.
June
Torrevieja celebrates the Hogueras de San Juan (St John's Bonfires), which is particularly popular throughout eastern Spain. The main fiesta is held in nearby Alicante and should not be missed. The streets are alive with fire and the crowds are simply electric.
June also hosts the Fiestas of the Sacred Heart, which includes live music, fairs and children's fireworks.
July/August
In mid-July is the Fishermen's Fiesta. As part of the celebrations various cultural, religions and sporting events take place in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen.
Between late July and early August, you must attend the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest at the Eras de la Sal on the waterfront. Habaneras are songs brought to Spain via Torrevieja sailors who worked the sailing ships that carried salt to Cuba in the 19th century. It's as fascinating as it is enjoyable. You'll hear some fantastic Spanish and International groups and choirs.
Mid-August witnesses the parade in honour of the Salt Queen.
November
There are several musical festivals during November in the honour of Santa Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians.
December
Highlighted by an evening procession on December 8, the Festivities in Honour of the Immaculate Conception (the patron saint of Torrevieja) are held between the 1st and 17th of the month.
It’s easy to find a room at Fiesta time, when you own one! Find out more about Spanish property.
