Torrevieja Information

Fiestas in Spain, are official holidays, which often coincide with religious festivals and can last for several days. Spain has many fiestas for local patron saints and the Virgin Mary, as well as special days for regional communities too. It’s true that not all fiestas are celebrated with a pageant, but most of them include, for example - religious processions, carnivals, bullfights and dancing etc. Spain is very well known for these fiestas and colourful parades, and most of them are a must to see.

Below, you will find details of local holidays and fiestas in Torrevieja, plus details of national holidays and fiestas in Torrevieja. The details for this current year are directly below, but to get to next years, just click on the link below :

Local holidays and fiestas in Torrevieja, plus details of national holidays and fiestas in Torrevieja, next year
 

Fiestas in Torrevieja and local holidays in Torrevieja
The local fiestas in Torrevieja are listed below, not forgetting that, on most local fiestas, everything will probably be shut! Having said that, if you need to buy something urgently, you may consider travelling to a neighbouring town, where this particular fiesta may not be celebrated!

2012

National Fiestas
There's a list of the Spanish National Fiestas, and English translations or the UK equivalent below. In Spain, unlike the UK bank holidays, the whole nation takes the day off for a National Fiesta including supermarkets, banks and most cafes and bars. It makes no difference if the fiesta falls in the middle of the week either (which they often do). Some businesses take extra advantage of fiestas that fall on Tuesdays or Thursdays, as they choose to remain closed for the day before or day after (Monday or Friday). Also when two fiestas fall in the same week separated by 1 day, some businesses also close on the middle day to link them together - both of these scenarios are called 'puente' which literally translates to mean a 'bridge' day.

New Years Day / Año Nuevo
As in the UK, Año Nuevo (New Years Day), is a National Holiday. It is a day of celebration and recovery from the night before!!

Three Kings parade / Epifanía del señor
The Three Kings parade, which features 3 wise men on camels or horses, is held on the 5th of January. It's normally a late afternoon / early evening event and this year (2012) it’s scheduled to begin at 17:30 from the Virgin del Carmen cultural center in Torrevieja. Its traditional route takes it down a street called Ramon Gallud, which is the main shopping street in Torrevieja, and, it travels past the main town square. The Town Hall square, being that it is stepped, can be a good place to stand as you can get a height advantage on other locations, however, everyone else thinks this too, so you may need to get to your position nice and early so as not to be disappointed. If you prefer, you can sit at the very edge of the parade on the chairs that line the street, but the town hall do charge approximately 4 euros for the privilege. Having said all that, things do change, so please keep an eye on this page for any updates on the information.

There's a great party atmosphere in the town and many sweets and other treats are thrown into the crowds. This evening is also known as the 12th night or Epifania del señor (epiphany) or Reyes Magos (Three Wise Men, Three Kings or Three Magicians). The tale of the birth of Jesus says that 3 wise men (Melchior, Casper and Balthazar) took gifts to Jesus, and in celebration of this event, the Spanish, traditionally, also give and receive presents. At the end of the procession, the three wise men hand out gifts to the children. After the parade, families go home to a celebration family meal.

Just as Santa brings the presents on Christmas Eve, the three wise men deliver presents to all the good boys and girls in Spain that night. To show the Three Kings (3 magicians) that they have been good, children polish their shoes till they shine and leave them outside for the three Kings to see. They also leave food and drink for the three wise men and their camels, just as you would for Santa and the reindeer.

Three Kings Day / Reyes Magos
On the 6th of January, the excited children open their presents and eat the sweets that the three wise men have left in their shoes. As you can see, the 5th and 6th of January follow a similar concept to the 24th and 25th of December which is why the British quaintly refer to this fiesta as 'the Spanish Christmas'. It is a national Fiesta on the 6th of January and one of the most important days on the Spanish calendar.

Torrevieja Carnival / Carnaval de Torrevieja
Don't miss the February carnival in Torrevieja! There are two parades in this 'carnaval' that should be noted, the first one is on Sunday the 7th of February and leaves from Calle Patricio Pérez at 16:00. The procession, of more than 30 carnival groups, travels down Calle Ramon Gallud (this is the main shopping street in Torrevieja town center), where almost 4,000 seats line the route and, for more ‘comfortable’ viewing, can be ‘rented’ for approximately 4 euros per chair. This colourful and very entertaining carnival parade comes to an end at the Plaza Maria Asuncion, and later in the evening the judges award the best carnival groups with financial prizes. The second parade ‘Nocturno de Carnaval’ (the night carnival) is on Saturday February the 13th at 22.00, and takes the same route as the previous carnival parade. The carnival processions are good fun and include many eye catching fancy dress costumes: definitely worth a look. 

Fathers day
Día del padre (Father’s day) always falls on the 19th of March, and it is a national fiesta. It is not celebrated by a procession, but everyone has a day off to celebrate the day with their father. The saint for fathers is San José (Saint Joseph), and so all the Spaniards with the name José also celebrate this day as ‘their saint’s day’.

Friday of sorrow / Viernes de dolores
There is normally an evening musical performance to proclaim of the coming of the Easter celebrations in Torrevieja.

Easter / Semana Santa
At Easter there are many processions including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, which illustrate the story of the events leading up to the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection of Jesus. These processions make up an important part of Spanish religious traditions. Music plays an important part of the processions and sets the mood of the tale being told. Everyone takes great pride in playing in their band in the street parades, and the music can be very stirring.
The exact details for Holy week 2012 are not published yet, however, they normally follow the following itinerary pattern.

Easter Sunday / Palm Sunday / Domingo de Ramos
10:00 - Blessing of the palms itinerary: Church of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Sacred Heart of Jesús), Moriones, Caballero de Rodas to the Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.
20:30 - Solemn procession itinerary: Church of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Sacred Heart of Jesús), Zoa, Ramón and Cajal, Avenida de la Libertad, María Parodi, Ramón Gallud (the main shopping street), Clemente Gosálvez, Caballero de Rodas and finishes at the Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción (the church on the town hall square).

March 29th 2012
22:00 - Solumn procession around the streets in Torrevieja finishing at the Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción (the church on the town hall square / Plaza de constitución).

March 30th 2012
22:00 - Solemn procession - Procession itinerary: Plaza de la Constitución, Caballero de Rodas, Patricio Pérez, Ramón Gallud, Azorín, Paseos (squares) Vistalegre and Libertad, María Parodi, Unión Musical Torrevejense, Callle Campoamor, Patricio Pérez, Caballero de Rodas and back to the to the Temple Arciprestal on Plaza de la Constitución.

March 31st 2012
22:00 - Solemn procession – The first part of the procession normally start by leaving the church on the Plaza de la Constitución and moving down Caballero de Rodas and María Parodi until the intersection with Calle Ramón Gallud. The second part of the procession starts at the church ‘Sagrado Corazón de Jesús’ and travels down Zoa, and Ramón Gallud to the intersection with Calle María Parodi. When both processions meet they all participate in the reading of the “Vía Dolorosa” (the way of sorrows).

The continuation of the procession moves down Ramón Gallud, Patricio Pérez, Campoamor, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, Azorín and Caballero de Rodas, and back to the Templo Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción (the big church on the main square).
 
April 1st 2012
Maundy Thursday / Jueves Santo
23:00 – Solemn silent procession - itinerary: Plaza de la Constitución, Caballero de Rodas, María Parodi, Ramón Gallud, Patricio Pérez, Campoamor, Turco, Gabriel Miró, Calle Orihuela and Caballero de Rodas up to the Templo Arciprestal (Plaza Constitución).
24:00 - Solemn procession of the ‘ascent to Calvery’ itinerary: Plaza del Calvario, Santísima Trinidad, San José, María Parodi and Caballero de Rodas until the Temple Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción (church on main square).

April 2nd 2012
Good Friday / Viernes Santo
19:30 – Solemn procession of the ‘holy burial of Christ’ itinerary: Plaza de la Constitución, Caballero de Rodas, Patricio Pérez, Ramón Gallud, Zoa, Ulpiano, Del Mar, Caballero de Rodas, María Parodi, Blasco Ibáñez, Campoamor, Patricio Pérez y Caballero de Rodas until the Temple Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción (on the main Torrevieja square).

April 3rd 2012
22:00 – The end of the solemn resurrection vigil for the parish of the Inmaculada – This is time for jubilation, as Christ has risen from the dead. The bands are there with their drums and everyone is invited to join in the celebration with their own drums. Itinerary: Avenida Habaneras, in front of the bus station, Antonio Machado, Zoa, Ulpiano , (two circuits round the church of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús). The proscesión continues along Moriones, Caballero de Rodas, Joaquín Chapaprieta, La Paz, up to Plaza María Pastor Ramos. Then a parade follows the following route: Clemente Gosalvez, Maldonado, twice round Plaza de la Constitución (main church square), Ramón Gallud, Bazán, Caballero de Rodas, Maldonado, Bazán and Maestro Franciso Vallejos, until la Plaza María Pastor Ramos.

April 4th 2012
Easter Day / Pascua
08:00 – The procession begins at the Templo Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción (large church on the main square) and continues along Caballero de Rodas, Azorín, and Fotógrafos Darblade as far as the intersection with Calle Concepción. A second procession then starts form the Templo Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción (large church on the main square) and follows the same route. After the two parade have met, at the corner of calle Fotógrafos Darblade and Calle Concepción, they return to the church on the main square via calles Concepción, Ramón Gallud, Bazán and Caballero de Rodas.

April 12th 2012
Festival of San Vicente Ferrer.
08:30 – Musical procession starting from the Templo Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción (large church on the main square), and ending with holy mass.

May 1st 2012
Labour day/ Fiesta del Trabajo
This is a national fiesta and is celebrated with a day off work!

May 2nd 2012
Mothers day / Día del Madre
Mother’s day is not a national fiesta, but is always celebrated on the first Sunday in May.

May 5th-9th 2012
May fair
The annual May fair in Torrevieja is a week of Andalusian style festivities, and is an event that attracts thousand of visitors from far and wide.

There are small marquees with bars and a dance floor area (casetas) set up in the area next to the fair ground, within the port area, where people, some in traditional Andalusian costume, dance the famous "Sevillanas". Anyone can join in with the drinking, eating, dancing and general fun of the occasion, or simply sit back and soak up the typical party atmosphere of a Spanish fiesta.

The Torrevieja May Fair usually follows the following program, however the exact details will be available nearer to the time:

Wednesday 5th of May
Inauguration of the May fair
Time: Evening
Place: Fair enclosure near to the port in Torrevieja
Activity: Dancing

Thursday 6th of May
Time: Late evening
Place: Fair enclosure near to the port in Torrevieja
Activity: Performance by chosen artists

Friday 7th of May
Time: Late evening
Place: Fair enclosure near to the port in Torrevieja
Activity: Flamenco dancing

Saturday 8th of May
Time: Morning
Place: Templo Arciprestal
Activity: Mass

Time: Late evening
Place: Fair enclosure near to the port in Torrevieja
Activity: Show followed by dancing

Sunday 9th of May
Place: Fair enclosure near to the port in Torrevieja
Activity: Eating, drinking and dancing at the various stalls.
There is a grand procession of men, women and children (all in traditional costumes) on horseback and in carriages which creates a very proud atmosphere. You may also take the opportunity to taste some of the finest Andalusian wines.

July 16th 2012
Día de Virgen del Carmen
Virgin del Carmen day is celebrated with a day off, but there are no parades or events for this particular fiesta.

July and August 2012
Music festival / Festivo de música
July sees the beginning of the music festival in Torrevieja. A variety of musicians perform during these summer months including small local bands, orchestras, soloists, and choral societies. In recent years Torrevieja has also played host to well known pop artists like Shakira and Duran Duran. Details of the many musical events in Torrevieja will be published nearer to the time, once the timings and locations have been confirmed.

During August, there are other saint celebrations, festivals, and fiestas in Torrevieja, as follows:

August (dates to be advised) 2012
San Emigdio festival
Santa Emigdio is one of the patron saints of Torrevieja. The St Emigdío’s festivities usually take place in the Parque de las Naciones, which is situated as you enter Torrevieja from the north, off the Crevillente road. The celebrations include several different types of events including:

Distribution of free chocolate with a slice of "mona" cake.
Bingo with prizes.
Dance to orchestras.
A special day for children with bouncy castles, games, clowns and snacks.
San Emigdio´s eucharest and town procession, usually following this itinerary : Calle San Polocarpo, Calle Bilbao, Calle Torresal, Calle Patricio Pérez, Calle San Luis, Calle Los Molinis and the plaza del Calvario.
Fireworks display

August 15th 2012
Asunción de la Virgen
This is a religious celebration, which is commemorated in a Holy Mass in the main church in Torrevieja, which is on the town hall square (Plaza de la Constitución).

October 9th 2012
Day of the Valencia region / Día de la Comunidad Valenciana
This is a regional fiesta just for the community of Valencia.

October 12th 2012
Spain day / Día Nacional de España
This a day for the Spanish to celebrate their nationality, and what better way to do it then have a day off!

October 31st 2012
Halloween
Halloween is becoming a bigger event and more widely celebrated each year. Although nothing in particular is arranged by the town hall, you will find some 'trick and treating' going on in the more residential parts of town.

November 1st 2012
All Saints day / Todos santos
This is a national holiday and is celebrated with a day off. It is traditional that all of the Spanish visit the cemetery of their relatives and lay flowers at their grave.

December 6th 2012
Spanish constitution day / Día de la Constitución España
The 6th of December is a national holiday to remember the 6th of December 1978, the day when the Spanish people voted, in a national referendum, to approve the draft constitution, which had been passed by the interim parliament in the October of the same year.

This Spanish constitution was the beginning of the way forward for the creation of a democratic structure in Spain. Few Spaniards participated in the constitution day celebrations at that time, as it was generally a formal occasion, however the majority of them remember the 1978 referendum with passion and look upon their constitution with a great deal of pride.

The day is generally celebrated with a day off, and no official parades.

December 8th 2012
Inmaculada concepción
This is celebrated with holy mass at the main church on Torrevieja main square. The day to celebrate the ‘Immaculate Conception’ is a national holiday in Spain and so everyone has a day off!

December (date to be advised) 2012
International service During December, there is an ‘international service’ at the church of the Inmaculada Concepción in the main square in Torrevieja, which normally starts at about 19:30, and is free entry. The date for 2012 will be published nearer to the time.

December 24th 2012
Christmas Eve / Noche Buena
A Spanish Christmas is celebrated in a slightly different way to the British version. In the Plaza (town square) you will often see a model of Bethlehem and other parts of the Holy Land - this is known as the Belen (meaning Bethlehem) and is well worth a look.

It is tradition, in most Spanish families, to have a family celebration meal on Christmas Eve night (Nochebuena). The meal consists of many courses including meat, cheese, prawns and other shell fish, a fish course, meat (often lamb) etc. and then they would have gateaux and other cakes (postres), coffee and liqueurs, plus chocolates and champagnes (cava) or cider (sidra)etc. As the meal only begins at about 10.30 pm, the food and drink continues until Christmas day arrives and then families often choose to exchange presents.

December 25th 2012
Christmas Day / Natividad del Señor (Birth of Christ)
Christmas day is a national fiesta but not generally celebrated with a family meal like the UK as they have done this the night before. Father Christmas in Spain is called Papa Noel, and, although this is not a real Spanish tradition, modern western influences have bought with them the 'Santa concept' and children expect Papa Noel to deliver them the latest toys etc. on Christmas night, just the same as children in the UK. Christmas day is a quiet day in Spain. It is a national holiday, and so everything is shut (apart from all of the British bars and restaurants that put on some super Christmas day parties).

December 26th 2012
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is not a Spanish tradition and is a special day only to the British, however some businesses may still be closed until after the festive season.

December 31st 2012
New Years Eve / Noche Vieja
On New Years Eve in Torrevieja, at midnight, you will usually find a large crowd of people in the town hall square, in front of the large church. As the church bells strike 12 and the New Year beginnings there is a party atmosphere and the joining of a multitude of nationalities as everyone celebrates the same thing. The mood is buoyant with much hugging and kissing as another year starts. The Spanish 'good luck' tradition at New Year is to eat a grape on every strike of midnight. In the days running up to New Year look out in the local supermarkets for tins of seedless grapes, which makes it much easier than the fresh type, which normally have pips!

Tell others about this page     Add to favorites 

2013

January 1st 2013
New Years Day / Año Nuevo
As in the UK, Año Nuevo is a National Holiday. It is a day of celebration and recovery from the night before!

January 5th 2013
Three Kings parade / Epifanía del señor
The Three Kings parade, which features 3 wise men on camels or horses, is held on the 5th of January. It's normally a late afternoon / early evening event and usually begins at about 17:30 from the Virgin del Carmen cultural center in Torrevieja. Its traditional route takes it down a street called Ramon Gallud, which is the main shopping street in Torrevieja, and, it travels past the main town square. The Town Hall square, being that it is stepped, can be a good place to stand as you can get a height advantage on other locations, however, everyone else thinks this too, so you may need to get to your position nice and early so as not to be disappointed. If you prefer, you can sit at the very edge of the parade on the chairs that line the street, but the town hall do charge approximately 4 euros for the privilege. Having said all that, things do change, so please keep an eye on this page for any updates on the information.

There's a great party atmosphere in the town and many sweets and other treats are thrown into the crowds. This evening is also known as the 12th night or Epifania del señor (epiphany) or Reyes Magos (Three Wise Men, Three Kings or Three Magicians). The tale of the birth of Jesus says that 3 wise men (Melchior, Casper and Balthazar) took gifts to Jesus, and in celebration of this event, the Spanish, traditionally, also give and receive presents. At the end of the procession, the three wise men hand out gifts to the children. After the parade, families go home to a celebration family meal.

Just as Santa brings the presents on Christmas Eve, the three wise men deliver presents to all the good boys and girls in Spain that night. To show the Three Kings (3 magicians) that they have been good, children polish their shoes till they shine and leave them outside for the three Kings to see. They also leave food and drink for the three wise men and their camels, just as you would for Santa and the reindeer.

January 6th 2013
Three Kings Day / Reyes Magos
On the 6th of January, the excited children open their presents and eat the sweets that the three wise men have left in their shoes. As you can see, the 5th and 6th of January follow a similar concept to the 24th and 25th of December which is why the British quaintly refer to this fiesta as 'the Spanish Christmas'. It is a national Fiesta on the 6th of January and one of the most important days on the Spanish calendar.

February (dates to be advised) 2013
Torrevieja Carnival / Carnaval de Torrevieja
Don't miss the February carnival in Torrevieja! There are two parades in this 'carnaval' that should be noted, the first one is normally on a Sunday at 16:00 (dates to be published), and normally starts from the Plaza Maria Asuncion, proceeding south down Calle Ramon Gallud (this is the main shopping street in Torrevieja town center). The second parade is usually on the following Saturday at 21.00 (dates to be confirmed) and generally begins at Calle Patricio Perez, travelling north up Calle Ramon Gallud (the main shopping street). The carnival processions are good fun and include many eye catching fancy dress costumes.

March 19th 2013
Fathers day
Día del padre (Father’s day) always falls on the 19th of March, and it is a national fiesta. It is not celebrated by a procession, but everyone has a day off to be able to celebrate the day with their father. The saint for fathers is San José (Saint Joseph), and so all the Spaniards with the name José also celebrate this day as ‘their saint’s day’.

Tell others about this page     Add to favorites 

April 15th 2013
Friday of sorrow / Viernes de dolores
There is normally an evening musical performance to proclaim of the coming of the Easter celebrations in Torrevieja.

April 17th to 25th 2013
Easter / Semana Santa
At Easter there are many processions including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, which illustrate the story of the events leading up to the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection of Jesus. These processions make up an important part of Spanish religious traditions. Music plays an important part of the processions and sets the mood of the tale being told. Everyone takes great pride in playing in their band in the street parades, and the music can be very stirring.
The exact details for Holy week 2013 are not published yet, however, they normally follow the following itinerary pattern.

April 17th 2013
Palm Sunday / Domingo de Ramos
Morning - Blessing of the palms itinerary: Church of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Sacred Heart of Jesús), Moriones, Caballero de Rodas to the Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.
Evening - Solemn procession itinerary: Church of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Sacred Heart of Jesús), Moriones, Ramón Gallud, Mar, Ramón y Cajal, Avda. Libertad, Joaquín Chapaprieta, Ramón Gallud, Clemente Gosálvez, Caballero de Rodas to the Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

April 18th 2013
Evening - Solemn procession - Procession itinerary: Plaza de la Constitución, Caballero de Rodas, Patricio Pérez, Ramón Gallud, María Parodi, Unión Musical Torrevejense, Patricio Pérez and Caballero de Rodas to the Temple Arciprestal.

April 19th 2013
Evening - Solemn procession - Procession itinerary: Plaza de la Constitución, Caballero de Rodas, Patricio Pérez, Campoamor, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, María Parodi, Ramón Gallud, Patricio Pérez and Caballero de Rodas to the Temple Arciprestal

April 20th 2013
Evening - Solemn procession – The first part of the procession normally start by leaving the church on the Plaza de la Constitución and moving down Caballero de Rodas and María Parodi until the intersection with Calle Ramón Gallud.
The second part of the procession usually travels down Ramón Gallud to the intersection with Calle María Parodi. When both processions meet they all participate in the reading of the “Viía Dolorosa” (the way of sorrows).
The continuation of the procession moves down Ramón Gallud, Patricio Pérez, Campoamor, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, Azorín and Caballero de Rodas and back to the Templo Arciprestal.

April 21st 2013
Maundy Thursday / Jueves Santo
A solemn silent procession normally starts at 23:00 - itinerary: Plaza de la Constitución, Caballero de Rodas, María Parodi, Ramón Gallud, Patricio Pérez, Campoamor, Turco, Gabriel Miró, Orihuela and Caballero de Rodas up to the Templo Arciprestal.
At midnight there is usually a solemn procession of the ‘ascent to Calvery’ itinerary: Plaza del Calvario, Santísima Trinidad, San José, María Parodi and Caballero de Rodas until the Temple Arciprestal.

April 22nd 2013
Good Friday / Viernes Santo
Morning – Solemn procession to symbolise the announcement of death of Jesus itinerary: Plaza de la Constitución, Caballero de Rodas, Patricio Pérez, Ramón Gallud, Apolo, and Caballero de Rodas until the Temple Arciprestal.
Evening – Solemn procession of the ‘holy burial of Christ’ itinerary: Plaza de la Constitución, Caballero de Rodas, Patricio Pérez, Ramón Gallud, Del Mar, Caballero de Rodas, María Parodi, Blasco Ibáñez, Campoamor, Patricio Pérez y Caballero de Rodas until the Temple Arciprestal.

April 23rd 2013
Evening – The end of the solemn resurrection vigil for the parish of the Inmaculada – This is time for jubilation, as Christ has risen from the dead. The bands are there with their drums and everyone is invited to join in the celebration with their own drums. Itinerary: Av. Habaneras, in front of the bus station, Zoa, Pedro Lorca, Moriones, Caballero de Rodas, María Parodi, Paseo Vista Alegre, Joaquín Chapaprieta, La Paz, Plaza María Pastor Ramos, Campoamor, Maldonado, Ramón Gallud and the Plaza de la Constitución.

April 24th 2013
Easter Day / Pascua
Morning - Holy Mass

April 25th 2013
Easter Monday
Morning - Holy Mass

April (date to be advised) 2013
Festival of San Vicente Ferrer.
Solemn procession to receive communion in the parish church of the Inmaculada.

May 1st 2013
Labour day/ Fiesta del Trabajo
This is a national fiesta and is celebrated with a day off work!

May 1st 2013
Mothers day / Día del Madre
Mother’s day is not a national fiesta, but is always celebrated on the first Sunday in May. In 2013 this falls on the 1st of May.

May (dates to be advised) 2013
May fair
The annual May fair in Torrevieja is a week of Andalusian style festivities, and is an event that attracts thousand of visitors from far and wide. The dates for the May fiesta in 2013 are still to be publish and will be updated on this site once they have been officially announced. There are small marquees with bars and a dance floor area (casetas) set up in the area next to the fair ground, within the port area, where people, some in traditional Andalusian costume, dance the famous "Sevillanas". Anyone can join in with the drinking, eating, dancing and general fun of the occasion, or simply sit back and soak up the typical party atmosphere of a Spanish fiesta.

The Torrevieja May Fair usually follows the following program, however the exact details will be available nearer to the time:

Wednesday
Inauguration of the May fair
Time: Evening
Place: Fair enclosure near to the port in Torrevieja
Activity: Dancing

Thursday
Time: Late evening
Place: Fair enclosure near to the port in Torrevieja
Activity: Performance by chosen artists

Friday
Time: Late evening
Place: Fair enclosure near to the port in Torrevieja
Activity: Flamenco dancing

Saturday
Time: Morning
Place: Templo Arciprestal
Activity: Mass

Time: Late evening
Place: Fair enclosure near to the port in Torrevieja
Activity: Show followed by dancing

Sunday
Place: Fair enclosure near to the port in Torrevieja
Activity: Eating, drinking and dancing at the various stalls.
There is a grand procession of men, women and children (all in traditional costumes) on horseback and in carriages which creates a very proud atmosphere. You may also take the opportunity to taste some of the finest Andalusian wines.

July 16th 2013
Día de Virgen del Carmen
Virgin del Carmen day is celebrated with a day off, but there are no parades or events for this particular fiesta.

July and August 2013
Music festival / Festivo de música
July sees the beginning of the music festival in Torrevieja. A variety of musicians perform during these summer months including small local bands, orchestras, soloists, and choral societies. In recent years Torrevieja has also played host to well known pop artists like Shakira and Duran Duran. Details of the many musical events in Torrevieja will be published nearer to the time, once the timings and locations have been confirmed.
During August, there are other saint celebrations, festivals, and fiestas in Torrevieja, as follows:

August (dates to be advised) 2013
San Emigdio festival
Santa Emigdio is one of the patron saints of Torrevieja. The St Emigdío’s festivities usually take place in the Parque de las Naciones, which is situated as you enter Torrevieja from the north, off the Crevillente road. The celebrations include several different types of events including:

Distribution of free chocolate with a slice of "mona" cake.
Bingo with prizes.
Dance to orchestras.
A special day for children with bouncy castles, games, clowns and snacks.
San Emigdio´s eucharest and town procession, usually following this itinerary : Calle San Polocarpo, Calle Bilbao, Calle Torresal, Calle Patricio Pérez, Calle San Luis, Calle Los Molinis and the plaza del Calvario.
Fireworks display

August 15th 2013
Asunción de la Virgen
This is a religious celebration, which is commemorated in a Holy Mass in the main church in Torrevieja, which is on the town hall square (Plaza de la Constitución).

October 9th 2013
Day of the Valencia region / Día de la Comunidad Valenciana
This is a regional fiesta just for the community of Valencia.

October 12th 2013
Spain day / Día Nacional de España
This a day for the Spanish to celebrate their nationality, and what better way to do it then have a day off!

October 31st 2013
Halloween
Halloween is becoming a bigger event and more widely celebrated each year. Although nothing in particular is arranged by the town hall, you will find some 'trick and treating' going on in the more residential parts of town.

November 1st 2013
All Saints day / Todos santos
This is a national holiday and is celebrated with a day off. It is traditional that all of the Spanish visit the cemetery of their relatives and lay flowers at their grave.

December 6th 2013
Spanish constitution day / Día de la Constitución España
The 6th of December is a national holiday to remember the 6th of December 1978, the day when the Spanish people voted, in a national referendum, to approve the draft constitution, which had been passed by the interim parliament in the October of the same year.

This Spanish constitution was the beginning of the way forward for the creation of a democratic structure in Spain. Few Spaniards participated in the constitution day celebrations at that time, as it was generally a formal occasion, however the majority of them remember the 1978 referendum with passion and look upon their constitution with a great deal of pride.

The day is generally celebrated with a day off, and no official parades.

December 8th 2013
Inmaculada concepción
This is celebrated with holy mass at the main church on Torrevieja main square. The day to celebrate the ‘Immaculate Conception’ is a national holiday in Spain and so everyone has a day off!

December (date to be advised) 2013
International service
During December, there is an ‘international service’ at the church of the Inmaculada Concepción in the main square in Torrevieja, which normally starts at about 19:30, and is free entry. The date for 2013 will be published nearer to the time.

December 24th 2013
Christmas Eve / Noche Buena
A Spanish Christmas is celebrated in a slightly different way to the British version. In the Plaza (town square) you will often see a model of Bethlehem and other parts of the Holy Land - this is known as the Belen (meaning Bethlehem) and is well worth a look.

It is tradition, in most Spanish families, to have a family celebration meal on Christmas Eve night (Nochebuena). The meal consists of many courses including meat, cheese, prawns and other shell fish, a fish course, meat (often lamb) etc. and then they would have gateaux and other cakes (postres), coffee and liqueurs, plus chocolates and champagnes (cava) or cider (sidra)etc. As the meal only begins at about 10.30 pm, the food and drink continues until Christmas day arrives and then families often choose to exchange presents.

December 25th 2013
Christmas Day / Natividad del Señor (Birth of Christ)
Christmas day is a national fiesta but not generally celebrated with a family meal like the UK as they have done this the night before. Father Christmas in Spain is called Papa Noel, and, although this is not a real Spanish tradition, modern western influences have bought with them the 'Santa concept' and children expect Papa Noel to deliver them the latest toys etc. on Christmas night, just the same as children in the UK. Christmas day is a quiet day in Spain. It is a national holiday, and so everything is shut (apart from all of the British bars and restaurants that put on some super Christmas day parties).

December 26th 2013
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is not a Spanish tradition and is a special day only to the British, however some businesses may still be closed until after the festive season.

December 31st 2013
New Years Eve / Noche Vieja
On New Years Eve in Torrevieja, at midnight, you will usually find a large crowd of people in the town hall square, in front of the large church. As the church bells strike 12 and the New Year beginnings there is a party atmosphere and the joining of a multitude of nationalities as everyone celebrates the same thing. The mood is buoyant with much hugging and kissing as another year starts. The Spanish 'good luck' tradition at New Year is to eat a grape on every strike of midnight. In the days running up to New Year look out in the local supermarkets for tins of seedless grapes, which makes it much easier than the fresh type, which normally have pips!

Tell others about this page     Add to favorites