Are you visiting Calpe at the end of July or the beginning of August? Well, you're in luck! Why not join in the town's festivities in honour of its patron saint, it will make your stay an unforgettable one.
During the festival, Calpe residents throng the streets to enjoy the cultural activities and celebrations such as the famous floral offering or the procession in honour of the Virgen de la Nieves (Virgin of the Snows), the town's patron saint. It's amazing to see the amount of detail which the participants put into their outfits, especially the ladies who act as queens of the festival, dressed like brides in white with lace shawls and white veils.
A fun part of the festival is the "Día del Fadrí" (Godfather Day) which starts with a rousing despertà of singing in the streets, followed by the town's Mayor handing over his mayoral chain of office for the day to a lucky young resident of the town. The lucky recipient enacts a series of "laws" which are only valid that day. The townsfolk are supposed to "obey" whatever rules the temporary Mayor creates.
There are lively evening street parties where couples and groups of young people dance until dawn. During the festival, stages are erected and there are performances from brass bands almost every night, ensuring a great atmosphere.
The nights wouldn't be complete without the magnificent night-time firework displays or mascletàs and the famous "Bous al Carrer" running of the bulls, the culmination of many fun nights. The bravest run with the bulls, while the less daring opt to watch from the sidelines.
The daytime activities also have their charm: traditional snacks, beer tasting, paella, parades of decorated floats and fancy dress and musical marching bands roaming through the town's streets.
But if there's one memory you'll take home it's the spectacular Castell a la Mar, an incredible aquatic firework display which takes place on Playa del Bol beach. For a few magic moments in which the starry sky seems to blend with the calm sea waters, the master pyro-technicians create amazing figures in the sky: palm trees, rings, snakes, wheels of fire, doves and witches, all in white and multicoloured lights.
Come and enjoy Calpe's festivals, make a note of the dates!
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