Fiestas in Algorfa, Alicante
- For a more passionate and animated Semana Santa, head 90 minutes south to village of Lorca. Unlike the slow and solemn Easter processions seen in other parts of Alicante, Murcia and Andalucía, Lorca's is truly alive thanks to the friendly but intense rivalry between its two brotherhoods. The result? Most rate Lorca's Semana Santa as the most spectacular in all of Spain
Although Algorfa doesn't host it's home to a famously fabulous festival, it's a perfect base from where to explore some of the region's best celebrations
January
Early January sees impressive floats wind through nearby Orihuela during the Parade of the Three Wise Men. On January 17th, Alicante celebrates St Anthony's Feast. The surrounding period sees a traditional fair, with street stalls proffering local foods - look out for turrón de novia (bride's nougat). If you slip into Plaza de Toros, you'll see the animal show.
February
Carnival is always an exciting time to be in Costa Blanca. In Orihuela, festivities are particularly grand and are spread over three weeks. While in Alicante, even the street benches are specially decorated for the Carnival. During Sábado Ramblero (Saturday before Ash Wednesday), Alicante's Rambla de Méndez Núñez comes alive with costume filled parades
March/April
Palm Sunday marks the start of Alicante's stunning Semana Santa, a week which witnesses 27 different brotherhoods' processions through the city's streets. The processions carry pasos (floats or effigies), some of which are masterpieces by renowned artists such as Avalos, Bussi Lastrucci and Salzillo. One procession not to miss is that of the Holy Cross, which makes its way through the difficult and steep lanes/steps of El Barrio. The Procession of Silence and the Two Encounters are also incredibly memorable. You'll have trouble believing the Santa Cena (Holy Supper) float... it's the largest in Spain and requires the sturdy shoulders of 208 porters. Semana Santa (Holy Week), ends on Resurrection Sunday.
On the Thursday following Semana Santa, the massive Pilgrimage of the Holy Visage from Alicante commences. Some 200,000 pilgrims participate, making it the second most important pilgrimage in Spain after Andalucía's Rocío. It all starts around 8am at Alicante's Ayuntamiento (City Hall). From there it slowly winds its way 8km to the Monasterio de Santa Faz (Santa Faz Monastery). Along the way pilgrims stop to dine of paraeta, a traditional breakfast of anise rolls and mistela wine.
June
The modern Hogueras de San Juan festival is celebrated throughout eastern Spain, but to experience it at its best, you must head to Alicante. The celebration is an amalgamation of the ancient pagan celebration of the summer solstice, and the Christian feast of San Juan. Colourful parades, a bull fighting festival, endless musical concerts, all night street partying and daily choruses of deafening mascletás (firecrackers) are all part of the festivities. In the midst of the event, artisans representing each of Alicante's 86 barrios (neighbourhoods) manage to raise their hogueras in the streets. Some of these giant satirical effigies are as much a testament to cardboard and papier-mâché as they are to art. When the clock strikes twelve on the night of San Juan, a grandiose firework display from the Castillo de Santa Bárbara lights the city and signals the lighting of las hogueras. Soon the streets are aglow from the rising flames, and the celebrations truly begin. As the intensity of the fires and partying grows to a feverish pitch, so does the temperature. At this point, the strange ritual of hurling insults at the bomberos (firemen) begins. Once their egos and mothers have been sufficiently dishonoured, water is unleashed over the crowds.
July/August
On the 16th of July Algorfa celebrates their patron saint, Virgen del Carmen. Besides the massive feast, there is an impressive parade. July also sees Algorfa honour Saint Vincent.
Between late July and early August, you must attend Torrevieja's International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest at the Eras de la Sal on the city's 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.
September
On September 8th Orihuela honours the Virgen of Monserrate, its patron saint. This festival is celebrated with extreme fervour - enjoy!
