On the last weekend in June, the beautiful town of Jávea holds its International Festival, a mix of culture, gastronomy, music and world class dance, with stalls representing 22 countries where visitors can sample typical products from different regions. The afternoons are filled with regional dance from each country as well as exhibitions and activities for all ages.
Abahana Villas - Gastronomic tents at the International Cultural Festival in Jávea.
Culture, gastronomy, music and dance. Jávea's International Culture Festival has become a landmark of multiculturalism and integration, a melting pot of nationalities and cultures. Last year's festival boasted 22 stalls set up by residents of the town and natives of countries such as England, Belgium, Venezuela, Uruguay, Brazil, Morocco, Colombia, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Germany, France, Ecuador, Peru, Indonesia, the Philippines, Italy and Argentina.
In a sign of the popularity and success of the festival year on year, the 2014 event added two further countries; Madagascar and the Ukraine. Of course Spain is also well represented, showing a part of its culture with stalls representing Andalusia and the town of Jávea offering promotional material as well as tastings. This stall is very popular with tourists and other visitors.
For three days the international stalls are surrounded by groups playing jazz, rock and blues music among other as well as lots of activities for children and adults, with displays of acrobatic pizza making, dance, a mobile disco and comedians.
The festival has become a landmark in Jávea where the days leading up to the opening are filled with activities and ceremonies to celebrate the start of the contest: receiving the attending countries, guided tour of the show ground, multicultural street processions in traditional dress and carrying their country's flag and a grand official opening with a barbecue organised by the exhibitors.
The organisers are very proud of this international festival and its importance for Jávea residents as well as visitors, opening the town of Xàbia to the world.
Benidorm
The invasion of the Levante beach by the army of the Crescent Moon begins a battle that is only the start of four days of fighting between Moors and Christians.
Moraira
As every year, in October, Moraira will witness one of the most original competitions of the year: the XI Edition of the Gourmet Race Moraira-Teulada. In this unique event, where sailing is mixed with haute cuisine, the teams not only compete to reach the finish line, but also to surprise the jury with their culinary skills on board.
Altea
The fourth weekend in September, is when Altea celebrates its festivities in honour of the Most Holy Christ of the Sanctuary (el "Sagrario" in Spanish), alongside the Moors and Christians festivities in honour of Saint Blas, the Town's Patron Saint. These festivities have been held since 1979 and include proclamations, missions, reveilles and parades.
