Low Cost Festival Benidorm

Everything’ is getting ready for a new edition of The Low Cost Benidorm Festival 2012. The date has been announced and all the festival goers and lovers of the good music have an appointment   on 27, 28 and 29 July 2012 in Guillermo Amor Sport complex of Benidorm, Costa Blanca North.

Among the latest news about the festival , we just got  the information about the performers lineup for this musical event, among we can find  El Columpio Asesino, Ivan Ferreiro, La Habitación Roja, Second, The Zombie Kids, Triangulo de Amor Bizarro, We Are Standard.

Along with this, we have one more new to share with you: the Festival passes and single day tickets are already available for sale. There are three different day passes kinds: e regular, VIP and VIP Pool. Those interested in buying any kind of three day pass will find all the information on the festival’s official website: htttp://www.lowcostfestival.es/entradas/

Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante

Today we suggest an alternative for those looking for family-friendly activities on weekends: Visit the Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain. From here, visitors can have a nice view of Alicante, the coastline and the old town of the city.

Now, visiting the Santa Bárbara Castle is more fun on weekends. Every Saturday and Sunday, there are workshops, theatrical walks, re-enacted tours, crafts street market, etc.

The theatrical walks take place all year round, every Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 and 13:00 h. They take 1:30 hours to complete and there is the possibility to arrange group visits at different times, also in English. Tickets can be bought 30 minutes before the walk on the second floor, next to the elevator. Tickets cost €4.

The crafts market is also set on weekends at the Plaza de Ingenieros Square by the Santa Bárbara Castle. There, visitors will
find typical products, tastings and good examples of regional handcrafts.

Workshops also on weekends (mornings) and traditional fair games such as archery, horseshoe games, etc. On Saturdays, there are juggling and tai chi workshops from 11:00 h to 12:00 h, kites, puppets, yoga and handcrafts from
12:00 h to 13:00 h and pottery workshops from 13:00 h to 14:00 h. Sunday mornings, there are kites, puppets, tai chi and handcrafts workshops from 11:00 h to 12:00 h, juggling, yoga and fencing from 12:00 h to 13:00 h and pottery from 13:00 h to 14:00 h.

The opening hours of the Santa Bárbara Castle in winter (1 October to 31 March) are from 10:00 h to 20:00 h. This is a great alternative to spend some quality time with your family on weekends in Costa Blanca.

Yoga workshops

 The next weekend, (24 and 25 September 2011) you can’t miss the Alternative Fair held in Benissanow in its eighth consecutive year.

The venue where most of the events of this fair will take place will be Glorieta Dolores Piera in the town centre.

During the two days of fair, visitors of the “Fira Alternativa Benissa” will be able to enjoy workshops: macrobiotic food, ceramics, recycling, kundalini yoga, belly dancing shows, hugging and cuddling, yoga and liberalization, karate-do, makeup, vegetarian cooking, meditation, quantum, Kabbalah, Ayurveda medicine and percussion.

Exhibition of grapes and garden care, karate exhibition, lectures on nutrition, agro market lecture,  tennis exhibition, bazookada, concert of traditional Tibetan movies , Pilates class, salsa class, concert “sounds that heal”, and tango classes.

To view the full program schedule, timetables and venues just click here.

Don’t miss this great opportunity for having a different and funny time.

Música A Boqueta Nit 2011

The Town Hall of Altea has organized for another consecutive year the season of free summer concerts to give a musical twist to this time of the year: “Música A Boqueta Nit 2011”.

Plaça de l´Aigua —Water Square— is the place where music bands of different music styles (specially jazz) will be filling the place with music.

The concerts are being  held every Thursday of July and August at 21:00 h in the afternoon.

The concerts season started on the 7th of July and will end on the 25th of August.

This is the calendar of concerts for tomorrow and all of August:

Thursday, 28th July: Cinema String Quartet and Zenon Recalde.

Thursday, 4^th August: Xan Campos and Jazz Quartet.

Thursday, 11^th August: El Metall fa Sonar and “West Side Story”.

Thursday, 18^th August: Jazzmin.

Thursday, 25^th August: Dolcajazz.

For additional information, feel free to contact the town hall of Altea by sending an e-mail to altea@touristinfo.net or by calling at the phone number +34 965 844 114.

Summaland Xàbia 2011

If you like electronic music and knew you would be in Jávea (or anywhere else in Spain’s Costa Blanca north), chances are you were aware of Summaland Xàbia 2011 Festival, which was mentioned in Jávea Xàbia Costa Blanca’s blog about a month ago.

Fortunately for those who wish to get comprehensive information about this electronic and dance music event, the editorial team of Jávea’s blog found and put together the lineup of electronic and dance music DJs and artists that will take part in this electronic music festival.

The article also gives specific information about the place where the event will take place. It is very close to Arenal beach, but it’s not Arenal beacj per se, but a nearby plot.

If you wish yo attend the festival, there are many options depending on your needs: You can get your 1 or 2-day tickets at the Ticketeros website here. Alternatively, if you want to chill and make of this festival something really special, you can get VIP tickets (also for 1 or 2 days).

Low Cost Festival Benidorm

After a long wait, finally, tomorrow is the Low Cost Benidorm 2011 Festival, one of the biggest alt and pop music events —if not the biggest— in the Costa Blanca.

Tomorrow, Thursday 21^st July is the turn of The Bright, Eli “Paperboy” Reed, Loo&Plácido, Fangoria, Vinila Von Bismark and the Lucky Dados, Supersubmarina, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Maika Makovski, Stay, Lori Meyers, Cirilo, Fuzzy White Casters and Eric Fuentes.

Friday 22^nd July is for Catpeople, Sidonie, Erol Alkan, Lüger, Vetusta Morla, , OK Go, Delafé y las Flores Azules, Crystal Castles, Cut Copy, Dos Bandas y un Destino, FM Belfast, Sex Museum, Gratis! The travessy Band, Santo&Mr. Chase, Frank Bango and the closing act: Mika.

The event ends on Saturday 23rd July with Shout Out Louds, Mando Diao, Klaxons, Love of Lesbian, Steve Aoki, Sexy Sadie, L.A., Standstill, Goose, Dorian, Cápsula, Dei Suoni, Los Tiki Phantoms, Cosmonauta, Guadalupe Plata, Maga, Eureka, Athom Rumba, Hot 4 and KGB DJS.

If you do not have your ticket yet, buy it online here.

III Tapas Crawl in Benissa

This year, Benissa hosts “3º Ruta Benissa amb Sabor: Cultura i tapes”. This is the third edition of the properly organized tapas crawl that is now becoming a regular annual event in most towns on Costa Blanca. But this edition, this year it is different: This time, food and culture go hand in hand to deliver a special experience.

Yes. This year, music will co-star this tapas route.

Today at 21:00 h, there will be an opening event at Jaume I square, followed by a show by “Sifasol”, the local school of modern music.

On the following weeks, every Friday at 22:00, the Jaume I square will keep hosting music shows aby the Silfasol band.

15 different bars, restaurants and ice cream parlours take part in this route. Each place offers two choices of tapas and a drink for just €2.

The full list of places taking part in this crawl —organized by the town hall and the commerce and tourism office— can be retrieved from here.

This is an appointment not to be missed for residents of Benitachell, Jávea, Calpe o Teulada.

The Dénia Benidorm Classic Train

It is difficult to find someone who does not like a good travel by train. That is the classic ones, looking through the windows, enjoying the way and its stories.

The Dénia to Benidorm route by train is one of those itineraries. The first stone to build this route was set back in 1911 thanks to Alfonso XIII and since 1914 to date, millions have travelled along its rails.

This classic train, affectionately called “el trenet” by locals, takes you through the nicest and varied landscapes in the region.

Line 9, which is how the route going from Dénia to Benidorm is called nowadays, takes about an hour to complete.

Every day, every hour from 06:00 h to 20:00 h in Dénia is an opportunity to take everything you need to spend a nice day out and go aboard this train taking you to Benidorm, a cosmopolitan city.

The Montgó and the Mediterranean Sea take turns to accompany the trenet along the way, where you will cross pine tree and olive tree fields, tunnels or surround cliffs.

After going through Gata de Gorgos, Teulada and Altea, jump down on Benidorm and enjoy the city. The way is a beautiful succession of the most breathtaking landscapes in the province of Alicante.

The San Juan Bonfires fiesta in Alicante

Anyone living or enjoying holidays in the Costa Blanca knows well how towns like Javea and Calpe celebrate the Bonfires festivals to honour St. John with deep enthusiasm.

San Juan de Alicante actually holds the best known and more massive San Juan fiestas in the region.

See below the schedule for the events in the week from 15 to 21 June:

Wednesday, 15 June
00:00 h: Mascletades(fire crackers) contest on  Santa Maria Mazzarello st.

Thursday, 16 June
10:00 h: Fogueres (giant paper sculptures) Contest.
19:00 h: Closing of the kids’ sculptures exhibitions at the Municipal Fish Market.
00:00 h: Mascletades contest at Periodista Rodolfo Salazar AvenueFriday, June 17
00:00 h: Mascletades contest at Historiador Vicente Ramos Ave. by Playa de San Juan

Saturday, 18 June
20:30 h: Marching Bands parade through the city and then night mascletades at the Plaza de Los Luceros.

Sunday, 19 June
14:00 h: Mascletades Contest at the Plaza de Los Luceros.
20:00 h:  Ninot Parade.
00:00 h: Noniots installation throughout the town.

Monday, 20 June
Bonfires, parades, and street decoration day.
14:00 h: Mascletades contest at the Plaza de Los Luceros.
23:00 h: Arrival of the fire: Lights, sound and pyrotechnics show at Maissonnave Avenue

Tuesday, 21 June
08:00 h: Wake up fiesta in all districts.
10:00 h: Fogueres, stalls and street decoration contest
14:00 h: Mascletades contest at Plaza de Los Luceros.
20:00 h: San Juan Wreaths through the city
23:00 h: all night party at the tents and stalls throughout the city.

Lady Elizabeth Junior School

Following the traditional excellence in educational levels , the Lady Elizabeth School (located between Benissa and Benitatxell) from Cumbre del Sol offers to all the interested students the opportunity to have an international experience in a European country, America or Canada, with the aim of expanding cultural horizons and dig in a foreign language to be learned (or practiced) by participants.

Lady Elizabeth School has always been known the deep commitment made towards the student’s access to high level education based on an international and multicultural environment.

For this reason, development of exchange programs and foreign travel activities are a basic part of the school’s educational lines.

As done in previous years, the school will have the support and advice of companies like ENFOREX, which have several years organizing this kind of trips related to international organizing field trips and language programs abroad and in Spain.

Diving Fiesta in Teulada-Moraira

Teulada Moraira will host the Diving Fiesta on 28^th and 29^th May 2011. This is the schedule of planned events during the weekend:

L’Ampolla beach, 28^th and 29^th May:

Discover Scuba Diving activity and snorkelling tours from 10:00 h.
The maiden dive takes about 15 minutes to complete and costs 30 €. The snorkelling tours cost 15 € and are made in groups of 6. Equipment and monitor included.

L’Ampolla beach pergola, 28th and 29th May:

Video screenings.

Exhibition and trade of equipment for scuba diving related activities from 10:00 h to 19:00 h.

Information point with the expert advice of marine biologists from 10:00 h to 19:00 h.

Open barbecue at 14:00 h, only on 18^th May.

Moraira yacht club, 28th and 29th May:

Dives at 09:30 h, 12:00 h and 16:00 h, touring Cova de les Rates cove, Punta de Moraira and Pessebret.
These dives cost 30 € including the equipment.

Dive at 19:00 h. This dive costs € 5 additional.

To sign up for the activities and purchase tickets, please visit the L’Ampolla beach pergola.

Alicante Council Auditorium

Alicante Council Auditorium, at Paseo Campoamor (phone number: +34 965 919 100) has a wide range of different scheduled cultural and artistic events.

Please find below the schedule of events in May:

Conferencia Natural es Ciencia —Natural is Science conference: “Illusion management in changing times”, presented by Emilio Duró, consultant and economist.
Date: Friday 13. Time: 19:30 h.
Free, subject to capacity of the venue.

Grandes Joyas de la zarzuela —zarzuela gems— Lyric Concert.
Dates: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15: 20:30 h.
Free admission, subject to capacity of the venue. In this specific case, you will need a ticket to enter the venue.
Tickets should be requested at the ticket box of the Auditorium the day before the event, from 12:00 h to 14:00 h and from 18:00 h to 21:00 h, oe the same day, from 18:00 h to 19:00 h.

Opening celebration of the Festival de Cine de Alicante —Alicante Film Festival.
Date: Sunday 23.

For additional details, feel free to call at the number above or e-mail at eventos.adda@ladipu.com.

Benissa's Church

To celebrate and honour its patron saint, Benissa starts its fiestas today.  This year, as the previous one and many more back, the fiestas last a week and this time end on 8^th May.

This is the schedule for this fiesta:

Sunday, 1st May:

8:00 h: Despertada (awakening), bell tolls, parade with marching bands and fireworks.

8:30 h: Mass.

10:00 h: Parade with festeros (fiesta people), mayorales and clavariesas, and marching bands.

11:30 h: Solemn mass and sermon to honour La Purissima Xiqueta.

14:00 h: Impressive mascletada (firecrackers show) by Vicent Caballer Pyrotechnics.

19:00 h: Prayed mass and bajada (descent) of the patron saint’s statue, accompanied by music by Pepe Ciudad, organ player. Next, solemn mass and procession to honour La Purissima Xiqueta. To finish the procession, there will be an amazing fireworks castle by Vicente Caballer pyrotechnics.

1:00 h: Music performance by El Arrebato. Then, performance by Crash Orchestra.

Monday, 2nd May:

8:00 h: Despertada (awakening), bell tolls and parade with festeros and marching bands.

8:30 h: Mass

10:00 h: Parade with festeros (fiesta people), mayorales and clavariesas, and marching bands.

11:00 h: Festeros gathering at the gates square.

11:30 h: Solemn mass and sermon to honour La Purissima Xiqueta.

13:30 h: Flowers offering by the Riberero Monument. Homage to the ribereros and proclamation by Álvaro Pérez Arlandis.

14:00 h: Mascletada (firecrackers show) by Vicent Caballer Pyrotechnics.

18:30 h: Parade with floats and music by the charangas and the Colla de xirimiters.

19:30 h: Kids show “La Festa del Rei” by the Companyia Escuraplats theatre company.

20:30 h: Prayed Mass.

0:00 h: Hail chants for the Purissima Xiqueta at the old house of Joan Vives, at Purisima St.

0:30 h: Fireworks by Vicent Caballer Pyrotechnics.

1:00 h: Performance by Salseta del Poble Sec music band.

2:00 h: Handover of the symbolic authority rod to His Excellence the Mayor of dels fadrins, Mr. Joan Bolufer Vives.

Tuesday, 3rd May:

8:30 h: Mass.

9:00 h: Despertada by the women accompanied by charangas.

10:00 h to 15:00 h: Children’s playground at the Dolors Piera Boulevard.

11:00 h: Traditional games

14:00 h: Fadrina Mascletada (firecrackers show) by Vicent Caballer Pyrotechnics.

18:30 h: Humorous parade where everybody is invited to take part, with music by the charangas.

Wednesday, 4th May:

8:30 h: Mass

11:00 h to 14:00 h: Children’s playground at the Glorieta.

16:00 h: Children’s playground after siesta.

16:30 h: Visit to the San Joaquín and Santa Ana old people’s homes to invite senior citizens to horchata and cocas (sweet bread).

18:30 h: Bulls by La Paloma Stockbreeders.

19:00 h: Letting loose of bulls by Benavent Stockbreeders.

23:30 h: Letting loose of bulls by La Paloma Stockbreeders.

Thursday, 5th May:

8:30 h: Mass

18:30 h: Entrance of Bulls by Benavent Stockbreeders.

19:00 h: Letting loose of young bulls by La Paloma Stockbreeders.

23:30 h: Letting loose of young bulls by Benavent Stockbreeders.

1:30 h: Módena Orchestra performance at German Ivars Square.

Friday, 6th May:

8:30 h: Prayed Mass.

19:00 h: Letting loose of agile young bulls by Benavent Stockbreeders.

23:00 h: Entrance of Bulls by La Paloma Stockbreeders.

23:30 h: Letting loose of young bulls by La Paloma Stockbreeders.

1:30 h: Fantastic concert by Brothers in Band —tribute to Dire Straits.

Saturday, 7th May:

8:30 h: Mass

8:30 h: Letting loose of young bulls by La Paloma Stockbreeders.

11:00 h: Entrance of the “bous the carretó” (bull-shaped cars) for kids.

12:30 h: Anyades gathering at the gates square.

14:00 h: Giant Paella cooked by Galbis and sponsored by Mas y Mas supermarket and the 2011 Fiestas Commision, to be prepared and served at the Dolors Piera Square.

16:00 h: “Discomóvil” mobile disco by Macrodisco Millenium.

17:00 h: Performance by Mangani Boys Band.

19:00 h: Letting loose of young bulls by La Paloma Stockbreeders.

20:30 h: Novena mass to honour La Purissima Xiqueta.

23:30 h: Letting loose of young bulls by La Paloma Stockbreeders.

Sunday, 8th May:

8:00 h: Despertada (awakening), bell tolls and parade.

8:30 h: Mass.

10:00 h: Festeros parade with music bands and the Colla de xirimiters.

11:00 h: Festeros and authorities gathering at the gates square.

11:30 h: Solemn mass. Chants by the Mare Nostrum Orpheon.

14:00 h: Mascletada (firecrackers show) by Vicent Caballer Pyrotechnics.

20:00 h: Dulçainas and percussion concert by Grupo La Inestable.

20:30 h: Novena mass.

22:00 h: Party with music and fireworks show, accompanied by the hymns of Benissa.

Terra Mitica

After investing more than 7 million euros in renovation works, the Terra Mitica theme park reopened last April 16 under new management.

The new administration has undertaken convenient modifications such as the increase of areas with umbrellas, more vegetation and the installation of new access points to shorten the waiting time to any attraction, so it does not exceed ten minutes.

Aqualandia Group, the new managers, have renewed the amusement park in order to correct past errors and logistical problems that almost jeopardized the park.

Some of the most significant changes are the increase of shows’ daily passes, the creation of four new shows and the expansion of the opening season to 170 days per year, which is 20 percent more than the previous season.

The new manager expects to continue with this improvement and maintenance plan for Terra Mitica worth 8 million euros for the next year.

Terra Mitica is situated about 15 km from Calpe and about 45 km from Jávea.

Palau Altea

Palau Altea  (Alcoy street, 18) is already a consolidated venue as well as a cultural and leisure reference on the Costa Blanca North. The last week of April, this site will offer music and art events in Altea as you can see below:

“Navarro Ramon” Hall Opening exhibition, showing municipal and Ramon family art collection
Date: until 30 June.
Time: from 20:30 h.

Thanks to the donation that the local artist Navarro Ramon made to the City of Altea, was possible to open this exhibition Hall named after its sponsor. The inaugural exhibition features works by the artist from the municipal funds and other lent by the artist’s family for the occasion.

Exhibition of the participating works in the V Caixaltea Painting Contest.
Date: until 8 May
This contest was sponsored Caixaltea Bank with the aim of stimulating student participation in their first steps into artistic creation.

Mikel Erentxun y Las malas influencias present their new album.
Date: 30 April.
Time: 21:00 h.
Admission fee: 12 €

After 25 years of artistic career, Erentxun (famous Basque soft Rock singer) embarks on his new project “Mikel Erentxun y Las malas influencias”.

Altea Crafts Fair

Altea has always been a focal point of fine handcrafts in Spain and the rest of Europe. This charming town has always attracted artisans and artists from every corner of the world.

One of the most awaited and relevant events in town is Altea’s Handcrafts Fair —Mostra d’Artesanía de Altea. The XXVIII edition of this showcase will take place this year.

We already know who will take part in this year’s edition. They have previously gone through a very restrictive selection process.

The participant artworks were exhibited in Casa de Cultura in Altea until a decision was reached. Also, 3 prizes were awarded to the best works — €1,000, €900 and €800.

Soon, Holy Week will arrive. We invite you to come to Plaza de la Iglesia Square in Altea from 21st to 24th April to get to know these artists and their artwork.

This will also be a great opportunity to purchase a fine and irreplaceable piece of handcraft.

Vinalopop 2011 music fest in Elche, Spain

As we were reporting in previous articles, the Elche Palm Grove (one of 2 Elche´s world heritage sites along with El misteri d’Elx) is getting everything ready for the completion of the second edition  of Vinalopop Festival.

It will be held next Saturday April 9 with the performances of local  and international artists such as The Charlatans, James Walsh, The Glimmers, Zahara, Fuzzy white casters, Vinila Von Bismark & The Lucky Dice, We are standard and Fangoria.

The admission price is 22 euros, but the organization of the event along with the city of Elche tourist office and some of the largest hotel chains, have been made ​​available to all interested parties special packages from 49 euros, including (in addition to admission to the festival) one night stay in a hotel (9^th April) in double room with possibility of extra nights on request at the hotel.

The hotels also offer the possibility of late check-out on Sunday 10^th April, in order to promote tourism in this Costa Blanca city throughout the day.

IV Gastronomic Fair Benissa 2011

Benissa is a privileged land and a source of unique natural products. If we add to this wealth of products the ability of the extraordinary local chefs to prepare the most delicious dishes, the results are master pieces.

On Friday 4th March at 19:30 h, Taller d’Ivars will hold the opening ceremony of the IV Mostra Gastronòmica de Benissa —IV Gastronomic Fair of Benissa.

Later, from 20:00 h to 23:00 h, there will be tasting sessions and an interesting exhibition of the traditional tools used to elaborate the sausages typical of Benissa.

On Saturday 5^th, the tasting sessions will continue from 11:00 h to 16:00 h and from 19:00 h to 23:00 h. There will also be two free tastings at the Tastings Hall: A regional wine one from 13:00 h to 14:00 h and a Spanish Mahou beer one starting at 20:00 h.

On Sunday 6^th March from 10:00 h to 14:00 h, the Tastings Hall will hold the XI Concurs de Vins de Benissa –XI Benissa Wines Contest. Parallel to this, from 11:00 h to 17:00 h, the exhibition of traditional tools and the tastings will continue.

The tasting samples are priced €2 to €3, and drinks are €1 to €2. To know the chefs and restaurants taking part in the event, please check this program.

On the following week, the restaurants will open their doors and offer special menus. To know the menus, click here.

Palau Altea

For the coming month of March, Palau Altea (18 Alcoy Street) brings a wide range of cultural activities including music, dance and theatre.  Check below the dates and additional information related to these shows and exhibitions:

Opening of the “NAVARRO RAMON” exhibition hall: Public paintings and private collections by the artist Navarro Ramón.
Date: Open throughout March.

Joan Alvado´s Photographic exhibition: Snapshots taken at one of the oldest Roma settlements in the world in Sulukule, Turkey.
Date: Until 12^th March.

“Camins de pols”. Poetic experimentation of the artist Josep Sou: A new vision of poetry through painting and technology.
Date: From 17^th March to 17^th April.

5^th Music Performance Competition: Organised by the Town Professional Music School Altea.
Date: 4^th March at 18:00 h.
Free admission limited to hall capacity.

“Music, dance and acrobatics of Senegal”: Dance and acrobatic show based on African folklore.  organized by Les Rotes Public School.
Date: 11^th March at20:30 h.
Admission: € 10.

“A Special Day”: Play based on “A giornata particolare” —film starring Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastronianni.
Date: 12^th March at 20:30 h.
Admission: € 12.

“Gorger”: Play set in a average English home where a mysterious secret is kept.
Date: 19^th March at 20:30 h.
Admission: € 10.

Jazz concert by Bernard van Rossum Quartet
Date: 25^th March at 20:30 h.
Admission: € 10.

Music Bands Festival: With the participation of Bétera’s Town Artistic Centre and the Altea’s Philharmonic Society
Date: 26^th March at 20:30 h.
Free admission limited to hall capacity.

“Aida” opera by Giuseppe Verdi
Date: 30^th March at 19:00 h.
Admission: € 30.

Saint George, Patron Saint of Russia

From Wednesday, 19^th January, the finest Russian religious art is being exhibited at the Bancaja Cultural Centre of Alicante (4 Rambla Méndez Núñez Street, Alicante).

This exhibition is called “Sacred Russia. Icons of the Rublev Museum of Moscow”, and offers a refined example of religion related pieces of art from the eleventh century to the beginning of the twentieth century. The permanent location of the pieces exhibited in the Bancaja foundation is a museum located in the Spaso-Andronikov monastery in Moscow.

The main icon appreciated in this work (and Orthodox iconography in general) is St. George, patron saint of the Russian capital. Note the presence of a XV century oil painting table precisely with the life of St. George as a main motif.

Other highlight of this exhibition is the near ubiquity of figures of Virgin Mary and St. Nicholas.

This exhibition comprises 52 works (mostly attributed to the Potapov brothers) and is curated by Oksana Smirnova. This cultural event will remain open to the public until March 27^th, 2011.

Philatelic and Numismatic Association of Benissa

The calendar of events in Benissa –province of Alicante- covers a wide range of musical activities, exhibitions, workshops, etc. during February 2011:

SIFASOL Modern Music School Jam Session conducted by Professor Pep. Event organised by Sifasol Music Society.
Date: 3^rd February. Time: 21:30 h. Venue: Sociedad Cultural, ground floor.

Exhibition of Paintings by Francisco Javier Torres Ribelles. Oil, acrylic and mixed techniques paintings.
Date: from 4^th February. Times: Monday to Friday, from 10:00 h. to 13:00 h and from 17:00 h to 20:00 h. Venue: Exhibition Hall of the Universitat de la Marina building.

Stamp collector Market. Sale and exchange of stamp organised by the Philatelic and Numismatic Association of Benissa.
Date: 6^th February. Time: 10:00 h. Venue: Casal Joven.

Exhibition of paintings by Pepi Sevilla Ruano organized by the Culture Council.
Date:  4^th February. Time: 20:00 h. Venue: Cultural Centre Exhibition Hall.

Workshop on Emotions, Feelings and Passions by Juan Vicente Capó and organized by The Benissa Association against anorexia and bulimia; supported by the Health Dept.
Date: 12^th February. Time: 16:00 h to 19:00 h. Venue: University building.

Bay of Altea Open 2011

Now and for the next two months, there will be a lot of action in Altea’s Real Club Nautico (Altea Royal Yacht Club).

Today and tomorrow, this Yacht Club will host the Bay of Altea Open in the Laser and Flying Dutch classes of the national championship.

From Thursday February 3^rd and for the next 3 days, will be held in Altea the 7^th Dutch Euroflying Cup; an international contest in the Flying Dutchman Class. This event is organized by the Real Club Nautico de Altea and IFDCO (International Flying Dutchman Class organization) in collaboration with the Sailing Federation of the Region of Valencia.

This cup is open to all members of the IFDCO and registration can be made until tomorrow by completing and handing the form available through this link.

The first week of March brings one of the most important events in the RCN Altea: the days 4^th 5^th and 6^th March will hold the competitions for the silver lingots of the 25^th edition of the Winter Race 200 miles a2. This race is valid for national rating for Mini 6.50 and Cruise RI classes.

We also like to keep an eye on the schedule of events of the Real Club Náutico de Calpe, so you can be sure to find them in this blog as soon as they are made public.

Hoy no me puedo levantar

“Hoy no me puedo levantar” is not an average music show. Among a great deal of foreign musicals offer, this wonderful play gives a clear insight on Spaniard identity and describes the experimentation years of the contemporary mid age people in their young years back in the crazy 80’s.

Ángel Suárez and David Serrano joined efforts with the Cano brothers and more than forty talented musicians and actors to tell a story about hope and optimism.

Over 2 million people have already watched and enjoyed this musical. Now, the “Hoy no me puedo levantar” staff say goodbye in the farewell tour, which will arrive to Alicante’s Teatro Principal in March 2011.

This will be the performance schedule:

• Thursday 3^rd, Tuesday 8^th, Wednesday 9^th, Thursday 10^th at 20:00 h.
• Friday 4^th, Saturday 5^th, Friday 11^th and Saturday 12^th 2 performance daily at 17:00 h and 22:30 h
• Sunday 6^th and 13^th at 17:00 and 21:30 h.

Ticket prices go from € 35 to 60 and you can buy them online here.

Benissa’s “XXIII Fira i Porrat” Cattle fair

Last Saturday 15^th January, the traditional fair Fira i Porrat de Benissa was officially inaugurated. It will host a pilota valenciana tournament, among other activities.

One of those activities is the 23^rd Cattle Fair, to open next 29^th January.
The Cattle Fair used to be the main attraction –and magnificent final event-of the old Fira i Porrat. The cattle fair will last just 2 days (29^th and 30^th January) and will be installed in Palmera street and D. Joaquín Piera y Dª Mariana Torres roundabout.

Attendees can buy, sell, trade and exchange any kind of farm animals and cattle. This is also a great opportunity to take a closer look into the animal farm life and experience the real Spanish rural life.  

If you are not exactly a cattle aficionado, take a detour to the Medieval Market that will take place on the same days. There will be medieval music, handcrafts, shows, parades, chariots and horse stunt exhibitions.

Rotary Club Benissa-Teulada

This year, as the previous ones, Ensemble 7 Claves –a group of music professors from the Region of Valencia- and the Rotary Club Benissa-Teulada will organise a cycle of charity concerts.

These musical meetings usually take place in Espai La Senieta, in Moraira (Alicante province). The last concert of the first cycle was held in December 2010 and the second cycle will take place from January 16th and for the next 3 months, with one concert monthly:

Sunday, 16^th January: Cinema music. Strings and flute concert playing the most popular film scores. Starting time: 19:00 h.

Sunday, 6^th February: Great violin melodies. Played with two violins and piano accompaniment. Concert starts at 19:00 h.

Sunday, 6^th March: The golden age of French music. Piano and flute concert. Starting time: 19:00 h.

The tickets can be purchased in Benissa, in Costa Blanca Nachrichten newspaper and Óptica Giner; Teulada, in Forma Mobles and in Moraira in Xaloc.

You can also request them by the Rotary Club information phone, calling at +34 609 682 391 and +34 609 656 409.

This concert series is, like most Rotary Club activities, a charity event that aims to raise funds that will later finance social projects in less fortunate communities locally and abroad.

The admission fee in all cases is is €10.

Pilota Valenciana match

Every year, Benissa celebrates the Fira i Porrat de Sant Antoni traditional fair, which is one of the most important ones in the region. It encompasses music shows, street markets, interactive activities with animals, theatre, leisurely activities and sports.

This is the calendar of Pilota Valenciana Matches in the Fira i Porrat fair. They all will take place in Benissa’s “trinquet”, located in the Hort de Bordes street:

Saturday, 15th January:

10:30 h: Town schools league.
16:30 h: Singles amateur championship.

Sunday 16th:

11:30 h: “Llargues” in Reverendo Padre Melchor street.
16:30 h: Fair matches. 1^st: Amateur. 2^nd: Professionals.

Saturday 22nd:

9.00 h: Town School. Benissa vs. Vergel vs. Pego B.
10:30 h: Town schools league.
16:30 h: Singles amateur championship.

Sunday 23rd:

11:30 h: Fair matches. Bancaja circuit: 2^nd stage.

Saturday 29th:

10:30 h: FIra i Porrat de Sant Antoni 2011 match. Murla vs. Benissa town schools.
16:30 h: Singles amateur championship.

Sunday 30th:

16:30 h: Fair matches. 1st: Raspall: Murla vs. Benissa. 2^nd professional.

Organised and sponsored by the FUTUR Pilota Club in collaboration with the Sports Department.

Zoo theatre play

Every month, Palau Altea schedules a nice variety of events including concerts, theatre and exhibitions. Check below the calendar of events for January 2011.

Sunday, 2nd January: Extraordinary New Year’s Eve concert by the Orquesta Sinfónica Ciutat d’Elx -symphonic orchestra-.

Time: 19:00 h. Admission: €20.

- Friday, 14^th January: Chamber concert by Franch Ballester and Friends. They will interpret works by Schoienfield, Saint-Saens, Stravinsky, Brahms, Piazzolla-Zinger and Messager.

Time: 20:30 h. Admission: €12.

- Saturday, 15^th January: Zoo: A family-oriented theatre play that will take us to the jungle. This play has been awarded the Max 2010 prize, a very important recognition in Spain, and is interpreted by the Yllana theatre company.

Time: 19:00 h. Admission: €6.

- Thursday, 20^th January: Opening of the exhibition “III Concurso de Pintura y Escultura Art Jove” –III Art Jove paintings and sculptures contest- organised by the Joves Marina Baixa association. The exhibition will open to the public until February 10^th, 2011. Time: 20:00 h. Admission: Free.

- Friday, 28^th January: “Todos eran mis hijos” –All my  Sons-, theatre play by Arthur Miller, directed in Spanish by  Claudio Tolcachir and interpreted by relevant figures of the Spanish acting world, like Alberto Castrillo, Gloria Muñoz, Ferrer, Carlos Hipólito, Manuela Velasco, Ainhoa Santamaría, Jorge Bosch, Nicolás Vega, María Isasi and Fran Perea.

Time: 20:30 h. Admission: €20.

The Three Wise Men arrive in Benissa

In January 2011, the lack of scheduled events will not be an excuse to stay at home. There is a good number of cultural activities in Benissa, including Christmas and art exhibitions:

Nativity scene exhibition: There are only a few days left to visit the nativity scene set by the “Amics del Betlem de la Marina” association and the Culture Department. The model is installed in Benissa’s Centre d’art Taller d’Ivars. Opening hours: 11:00 h to 13:00 h and 19:00 h to 21:00 h on working days, and 11:00 h to 13:30 h and18:00 h a 20:00 h on weekends and bank holidays.

“Reconstrucciones” paintings exhibition by Alvaro Tamarit in the Centre D’Art Taller D’Ivars exhibition hall. This showcase is organised by CAM bank and the Culture Department.

Arrival of The Three Wise Men in Benissa on 5th January 2011, at 19:00 h: The magi will go around Benissa from Jose Antonio street to the town hall. The Fiestas Department is on charge of organising the procession.

There will be more happenings going on in Benissa during January 2011: The “fira i Porrat de Sant Antoni 2011″, for instance, brings classic and new cars exhibitions, interactive animal farms, a medieval street market, entertainment, etc. Soon, we will publish the schedule of events for this fair.

Palau Altea

On 2^nd January 2011, an extraordinary concert  will be hed in Altea to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

The Ciutat d’Elx Symphonic Orchestra will play its repertoire in Palau Altea at 19:00 h.

The event will bring two fantastic artists together under the direction of Leonardo Martinez, an experienced director with an international career who has developed professionally in Spain and other European countries.

One of the artists will be Soo Hong Kim, opera baritone from Seoul who has taken part as a soloist in many concerts and events, in countries as diverse as Portugal, Spain, USA, Israel and Sweden. The other is the Charo Alcaraz, a talented soprano from Spain.

Charo has a successful and hectic career as an academic musician –especially in the area of Zarzuelas- and has founded “Clasica Fusion”, an experimental group of baroque music and a mix of classical with contemporary style. Charo is also a professor in the conservatory of San Javier, in the province of Murcia.

To get tickets for this concert, please visit the Servicam website. Admission is 20 EUR.

Nativity Scene of Benissa

Benissa has planned many events to celebrate Christmas 2010: Markets, concerts and nativity scenes:

1^st December: Nativity Scene exhibition until 4^th January. Event organised by Amics del Betlem de La Marina and Benissa’s Office of Culture.
Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays, 18:00 h to 20:00 h. Weekends: 11:00 h to 13:30 h and 18:00 h to 20:30 h. Location: Centre d’Art “Taller d’Ivars”, 21 Pare André Ivars Street.

10^th December: Christmas Street Market. Besides the stalls offering original gifts, seasonal products and handcrafts, the market will organise activities for kids like animal farms, games, plays, workshops an music.
Opening hours: From 11:30 h. Location: Dolors Piera roundabout.

11^th December: Christmas concert by Coral Benissenca, chamber orchestra and soloists. Music event organised by Coral Benissenca, in collaboration with Benissa’s Culture Office.
Opening hours: 19:30 h. Location: Centre d’art Taller d’Ivars.

12^th December: Itinerant Nativity Scene. This enacted nativity will perform scenes like the Castle of Herod the Great, with realistic details and characters of the époque such as spinners and carpenters. This will take place in Purisima street. The itinerant scene will start its journey at 18:00 h from the Bernia Social Centre to the square, accompanied by the Three Wise Men. At 20:00 h, there will be hot chocolate for all the people attending the event.

This traditional event is organised by the Benissa’s Office of Citizen Participation with the support of the Javier Santacreu Music and Dance School and other local associations.

18^th December: Christmas concert by the Societat Lírica i Musical de Benissa –Benissa’s Lyric and Music Association- together with the Culture Office.
Opening hours: 20:30 h. Location: Centre d’art Taller d’Ivars.

Top Luxury Blog

A new blog bringing together the best of luxury villas, apartments, hotels, resorts and cars worldwide has been recently launched. It is Top Luxury Blog.

This luxury blog is sponsored by Luxury Homes by Vapf, the portal of Grupo VAPF dedicated to marketing exclusive luxury chalets built by this company in the most privileged spots in Costa Blanca north: Javea, Moraira, Benitachell, Altea, Calpe, Cumbre del Sol and their neighbouring towns.

Top Luxury Blog is updated daily with information about the most luxurious homes from the world, big and small, for sale and for rent, in places as diverse as South Africa, Switzerland and Argentina.

Also, there will be posted descriptions and news about unique accommodations in paradisiacal places like Maldives, St. Moritz, or bustling cities like London or Manhattan.

Luxury cars are also part of the contents: Bespoke sports cars constructors such as Spyker or Morgan, or brands including Ferrari or Porsche, as well as rentals companies of exotic, sports or classic cars.

The blog is written in English, but there are future plans to launch it in Spanish.

Low Cost Festival Benidorm

The Mayor of Benidorm has told the press about the new edition of the Low Cost Festival and the features incorporated to the event. This music event will take place on July 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd 2010 and will double its capacity, to allow 40,000 people.

Last year, the festival had three stages and a line-up of over 40 national and international artists during two days. For the second edition, this music event will be held for three days, on three simultaneous stages. This will allow people to enjoy more appearances than last year.

The location also changes: For 2011, it will be the Guillermo Amor stadium in Foietes, the athletics tracks and the new stadium, which has not been completed yet.

Tickets will be available as early as December. You will be able to get single tickets or passes, with or without accommodation included.

This youth-oriented festival has positioned in internet as the second most searched Spanish music festival.

The Low Cost is a very long-awaited festival for both young people and the hotels industry. Last year, the event presented international artists such as Editors and the Raveonettes for a very competitive price. Also, the festival translated into a 3% increase on hotels bookings in Benidorm by those dates.

Nativity Scenes, a Spanish tradition

From Sunday November 28^th to Tuesday January 4^th, residents from Benissa will enjoy the beautiful and traditional Christmas nativity scene exhibition.

The design, making and exhibition of nativity scenes are traditions of catholic roots, but shared by all residents of Benissa who enjoy artistic creation regardless of what their religion is.

This exhibition is organized by the Association of Friends of Nativity Scenes of La Marina with the support of the Culture Department of the City of Benissa. The venue provided for the presentation of this exhibition will be at the Centre d’Art “Taller d’Ivars” (21 Pare Andrés Ivars. Phone number: 965 731  313).

Tourist Info Benissa (1 Pais Valencia avenue) will take part in the participation and promotion of this exhibition. It will be open to everyone by 13:00 h.

Palau Altea

During November, Palau Altea brings art exhibitions, theatre plays and concerts to town. Find below the events:

MONDAY 1^st TO TUESDAY 30th: La vida desatenta… caminar: This exhibition pays homage to Miguel Hernandez, the most important poet of the Region of Valencia and one of the key figures of the Spanish literature and culture.  Many artists and researches from places as diverse as Argentina, Mexico or Spain take part in this display. The exhibition has previously visited Cordoba and Granada. Its next stops will be Seville and Albacete.
Location: Mirador area of the Palau.
Organised by: Miguel Hernandez University. Admission: Free.

SATURDAY 6^th: De Manolo a Escobar. This singular show is an overview of Manolo Escobar’s life as a music show, with Guillermo Marin on the piano and words of Marc Rosich. It is directed by Xavier Alberti.
Time: 20:30 h.
Organised by: Vamm Records. Admission: €22.

THURSDAY 11^th: Opening act of the “Desde la otra orilla” exhibition. It’s part of the Music Bands Contest of Altea, which slogan in 2010 is Pueblos de América or “People of America”, to commemorate the bicentenary of the independences of many Hispanic American countries. It will display artwork from the Argentinian painter Juan Lopez Taetzel. This exhibition will be open until December 11th.
Time: 20:00 h.
Admission: free.

FRIDAY 12^th: Olej’s trick or El Truco de Olej is a mix of circus and theatre show for kids, but we’re sure the whole family will enjoy it. It tells the story of a street sweeper kid wants to learn to do magic at a circus. In this beautiful visual show, fluorescent silhouettes come to life, creating wonderful scenes.
Time: 20:30 h.
Organised by: Bosquimanos Koryak theatre company. Admission: €10.

FRIDAY 19^th: Extraordinary Concert for Saint Cecilia, musicians’ patron saint, Played by the Sociedad Filarmonica Alteanense band.
Time: 20:30 h.
Admission: Free, limited by the capacity of the site.

SATURDAY 20^th: Más cerca, a mentalism and magic show by Anthony Blake, one of the most famous Spanish magicians ever. Come and see this amazing show for yourself.
Time: 20:30 h.
Organised by: Wepresent S.L. Admission: €15.

The shows are in Spanish.

To get tickets, please visit Servicam. Palau Altea is located in 1 Alcoy street. Phone number: +34 966 881 924. Email: palau@palaualtea.com

Reinas and Court from the Benidorm fiestas

From November 12^th to 17^th, Benidorm will celebrate its fiesta to honour Our Lady of Suffrage, one of its patron’s saints. This will be, without a doubt, the perfect opportunity to taste the most authentic and traditional side of Benidorm, away from the classic tourist activities.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12^th:

17:00 h: Arreplegá with the Mayorales –foremen, Reinas –queens- and Damas –ladies.
18:00 h: Opening ceremony of artistic street lighting in Martinez Alejos street. Parade from there to the bulls ring to celebrate the opening of the fair.

20:00 h: Jury visit to the street taking part in the “Pepa Esperanza Llinares Llorca” streets decoration contest.
23:00 h: Entrance of fiestas clubs in Ruzafa street. Street parade that will end up on a plaque awarding ceremony to the fiestas clubs. Bowties tying to banners and flags. When this act is finished, the Gripo.es orchestra will play at Gambo streeet.
00:30 h: XVIII Blues & Beatles night with Los Insolitos in Tomas Ortuno street, in L’Hort de Colon.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13th

10:00 h: Holy mass with chants to honour of Our Lady of the Rosaary, in the Parish church of Saint James and Saint Anne
11:45: Church opening and joy chants.
12:00: Bell tolls and air bombing to announce the start of the fiestas. Pyrotechnic shown in Plaza Castelar, the Sanz hermitage chapel, the Cala, Foietes and Rincon de Loix.
12:15 h: Music bands entrance from Plaza san Jaime square, accompanied by the Reinas, the Cortes de Honor -courts of honour, Mayorales de Honor -foremen of honour- and the Fiestas Commission.
13:00 h: Bands gathering in Plaza SS.MM. los Reyes de Espana  square. Los Reyes de España. Tent opening.
17:00 h: Interpreting of the Our Lady of Suffrage discovery.
17:30 h: Entrance of the Union Musical de Benidorm chamber orchestra.
18:00 h: Solemn procession from Parque de Elche until Plaza San Jaime square. Once arrived, there will be a floral tribute to the Virgin, poems declamation and the official fiestas opening speech. The act will close with the presentation of the Benidorm mayor.
23:30 h: Brass band of the Fiestas Commission 2010, from the commission tent in the Reyes de Espana square and the Casa del Fester.
00:00 h: Pyromusical show in Mal Pas beach. Batukada parade along the main streets of Benidorm.Pop rock night in L’Hort de Colon and Chatanooga Orchestra in the Reyes de Espana square. Beer and free tastings.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14^th:

08:00 h: Air bombing in the Castillo square and hot chocolate in Casa del Fester.
10:30 h: Music parade with bands, reinas and cortes from the commission tent to the Saint James and Saint Anne church.
11:00 h: Cycling race in the Vicente Llorca Alos avenue. Pilota valenciana tournament finals in Carrer de Pilota of the Palau d’Esports L’Illa sports centre. Children’s play area in Los Reyes square.
11:30 h: Mass service to honour Our Lady of the Suffrage, with a chorus. At the end of the mass, Passacaglia.
14:00 h: Air and ground Mascletá –loud typical Valencia fireworks show- in Hispanidad square.
14:30 h: Official Reinas lunch in the commission tent.
17:15 h: Concert of the Union Musical de Benidorm chamber orchestra in Gambo street.
19:00 h: Procession of Our Lady of Suffrage. Starting point: Mayor street. At the end of the procession, estampeta –music and fireworks display.
23:00 h: Cirilo show in Los Reyes square. Copletes –popular folk songs- In San Jaime square. Once finished, Nit d’Albaes -traditional Valencia song- around the city.
23:30 h: Brass bands will go around the city. Starting point: Commission tent.
00:00 h: Limite orchestra will play in the Reyes de Espana square. Pop rock night in L’Hort de Colon.
01:00 h: Correfocs –or fire-runs- in Escuelas street.
02:00 h: Fiesta de La Granera in Mayor square.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15^th:

08:00 h: Hot chocolate and fartons -typical long sweet breads- in Casa del Fester.
10:30 h: Reinas, Cortes and Mayorales parade. Young bulls run in the Bulls ring.
11:00 h: Children’s play area in Hispanidad square.
11:30 h: Mass to honour Saint James in the Saint James and Saint Anne church.
12:30 h: Passacaglia with music bands.
14:00 h: Mascletá in Mediterráneo avenue.
17:00 h: Big Band concert by Ad’Libitun Group in Gambo street.
19:00 h: Saint James procession from Mayor street  to San Jaime square. Estampeta.
23:30 h: Passacaglia.
00:00 h: La Selva orchestra show in L’Hort de Colon.
00:30 h: Hombres G concert in the Juilo Iglesias Auditorium. Once the concert is finished, Brugal party in Los Reyes square.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16^th:

08:00 h: Air bombing in the Castillo square and hot chocolate in Casa del Fester.
09:30 h: Desfile de Reinas, Cortes y Mayorales con música hasta la iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Ana.
10:30 h: Requiem in the Saint James and Saint Anne church. Then, floral tribute in Plaza de la Senoria square and visit to the cemetery. At the same time, young bulls run in the Bulls ring.
11:00 h: Children’s play area in Los Reyes square.
13:00 h: Popular sardine feast in Atmella del Mar avenue.
14:00 h: Mascletá in Mediterráneo avenue.
17:00 h: Mago Charly show in L’Hort de Colon. Recortadores –rodeo cowboys- in the Bulls ring.
19:00 h: Stand-up contest with prizes. Once the contest is finished, giant tortilla in Los Reyes square.
23:00 h: Mascletá en la avenida Mediterráneo, seguida de charangas.
23:30 h: La Tribu Orchestra in Los Reyes square and stand-up prizes presentation.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17th:

08:00 h: Air bombing in the Castillo square and hot chocolate in Casa del Fester.
11:00 h: Children’s play area in Los Reyes square. Festa de les Festes: Gathering of fiestas clubs and organisations in Los Reyes square.
17:00 h: Gathering of fiestas clubs and organisations in Paseo Colon and Parque de Elche.
17:30 h: Carnival floats from Parque de Elche to Hispanidad square. Once the parade is finished, castell de focs –typical fireworks visual show- in Playa de Poniente.

00:00 h: Prizes to the best floats in the commission tent.

Benidorm Half Marathon

November 27^th, 2010 at 18:00 is the date and time of an already popular appointment for marathoners: the XXVI International Benidorm Half Marathon, this time under the expert advice of the World Champions Abel Anton and Martin Fiz.

The complete route will run for 21,097.50 metres approved by the RFEA (Spanish Athletics Federation). This beach line route will have all the respective stands for hydration and supplies. The run will start at Plaza de la Hispanidad.

The categories are: Absolute, veterans A, veterans B, veterans C, veterans D, disabled and local runners (registered in Benidorm). All participants will receive a complimentary pack including a t-shirt, shoes bag, hat and gloves. Prizes range from €30 to €600 and, those who break the record of 1:02:34 for men and 1:13:22 for women, will receive 1,200 € prize.

Visit the marathon website and follow the instructions to register. If you register before 19 November at 20:00 h, the fee will be €15. You can also register after that date until 23 November at 23:00 h, but that eill mean a surcharge of €30. Up to 3,500 athletes can register.

After registering, all participants will have to go the town hall to pick up their running kits, chips and back numbers. The appointed dates are November 26^th from 18:00 to 22:00 h and November 27^th, from 10:00 to 13:00. A valid ID must be presented.

The registration costs include supplies, chip, back  number, bag, cloakroom, accident insurance and emergency medical service.

If you come from far and need to stay in Benidorm, the marathon’s website provides information from agencies and associations that can arrange accommodation for you.

The congress aims to bring gourmet food closer to everybody

The XII Best of Gastronomy congress will be held in Alicante from November 6^th to 9^th for the second consecutive year . Here, more than 700 culinary professionals will offer more than 170 workshops, presentations and debates to the audience.

Far from being a specialists oriented cooking event, this congress aims to bring high-quality food (both traditional and gourmet) to all public and encourage all attendees to try new flavours and textures through tastings.

The venue of this congress will be the IFA exhibition center (N-340 road 10 km south of Alicante city) where over 75 bars and 10 restaurants will be available for free or inexpensive tastings.

The prices of the conference are:
Workshops and presentations  packages from €250
Cuisine workshops starting at €18
Popular Cooking workshops from €0
Tastings from €0 to €45

For workshop information, pricing details and content of menus, visit the event’s website

Kid playing orienteering

Tururac, an active tourism agency,  will arrange an ecologic “multi-activity package” on November 7^th in Benissa. This outdoor leisure activity is divided into 3 different sub-activities: abseiling, archery and orienteering.
All of these options are not as physically demanding as people may think, as long as you stick to the directions of the guides. The purpose of the activity is, actually, to learn to focus and to have a good time.

Orienteering tours are specially designed to be carried out with children aged 5 to 12 years old, but they are required to be accompanied by a parent or another person with parental authorization. The usually short distances do not have any steep slopes.
The €30 fee includes guides and instructors, sporting coaches, technical equipment, photos of activities and insurance.

The staring point is the Tourist Info office in Benissa. Transportation to Bèrnia mountain is not included, so participants must bring their own car. The approximate duration of this activity is 4 hours: from 9 am until noon.

For further information, please contact the event organization company:
Tururac: 630 992 488, 96 578 23 60 and info@tururac.com

Trick or treat!

Trick or treat! Halloween is celebrated on October 31^st, the night before the Day of the Dead. This celebration with treats and fancy dresses, as we know it, was brought to Spain by foreign residents and has gained popularity because of its popularity in films and TV.

This is, of course, a great excuse to party. Many bars, restaurants and town organize activities. We’d like to mention some of the plans for that day:

Halloween party with Jose Carlos, the Mentalist: Jose Carlos will present its show, “Sixth sense” –in Spanish. For many, Jose is considered the best mentalist in Spain. The admission fee, €45, includes dinner. Location: Bonalba Hotel, Alicante

Fancy dress party in Sun Palace Albir Hotel, Alfaz del Pi: An open bar, music and an spa sound like a lot of fun. On top of that, you can stay at the hotel and forget about the designated driver issue.  Admission fees depend on the facilities you wish to access. Prices start at €125 (2 nights, double room).

Classic BMW Aficionados gathering in Benidorm: This Spanish classic BMW motorcycles club is planning a gathering on Sunday, October 31^st at 14:45 h in the Real Liceo Casino de Alicante Restaurant in the Explanada de España. From there, they will ride down towards Alcoy, will stop at the antique motorcycles museum of Guadalest and then will continue to Benidorm. The Alicante and Benidorm polices has made arrangements to scort the bikers.

The club has organised many packages including overnight stays and dinners for those coming from far. For further information, feel free to visit the forum –in Spanish.

There is much more things to do! We’ve discovered some more plans in Javea and its surrounding towns for people of all ages –especially for kids. Follow this link for additional information.

A lively atmosphere fills up the streets

From October 29^th to November 1^st, Cocentaina will hold one of the most traditional events in Valencian region and all Spain: The All Saints Fair.

Fira de Tots Sants (in Valencian language) is a shopping and entertainment fair held in Cocentaina since its creation in 1346 by royal charter granted by King Pedro IV of Aragon to Roger de Lauria, Count of Cocentaina.

This fair -held during All Saints week – is the second oldest fair of Spain. Each year, it attracts over half a million visitors (Cocentaina has a population of 11,000 inhabitants) to the 90,000 sqm of the town streets. The Fair has been declared as of regional tourist interest and it is currently making its way to get recognised as of national tourist interest.

This year’s fair will feature a book fair for the first time, with some thirty publishers confirmed,  stands of children’s literature, juvenile and travel books, novels and comics.

Among the different sections of the exhibition, there are classics such as the Arab market, the food fair and the Paseo del Comtat exhibition featuring vehicles, farm equipment, motorcycles and children attractions.

The Elx Mystery Play, a breathtaking cultural expression

UNESCO considers it a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. In our opinion, it’s an unmissable event for anyone with an interest in religion or Mediterranean history and culture. We are talking about the Misteri D’Elx, or Elx Mistery Play.

The play has its origins in the Middle Ages. It tells the story of the Assumption of Mary. The source of the chants dates back from the XVII century (maybe earlier). The mystery has survived a prohibition by the Catholic Church and is based in religious situations not reflected in biblical texts.

This solemn drama is typically represented in August. Luckily for those who missed the event in August, extraordinary presentations take place in October and November.

Religious people and enthusiasts of artistic expressions and classical music alike can attend the full-dress rehearsals on October 29th and 30th at 22:00 h, at the Saint Mary Basilica.

The main event will be celebrated on November 1st -All Saints’ Day: The first act, La Vespra, is performed at 10:00 h. It is followed by a procession on the streets of Elche and a burial. The second and last act, La Festa, takes place at 17:00 h. The day ends with the crowning of Mary.

The acts on November 1st are free. Just show up there and enjoy the show.

The tickets for the rehearsals inside the Basilica on October 29th and 30th can be bought on internet at www.servicam.com or by calling at 902 444 300.

Prices range from €7 to €41.

For further information or to purchase tickets for people with special requirements, please call +34 965 456 112 or visit the Casa de la Festa, 23 Mayor Street, Elche.

Free Costa Blanca Guide for our subscribers.

Followers and readers of the Calpe Costa Blanca blog can now have a free copy of the Costa Blanca Guide. All you have to do is subscribing to our newsfeed and wait for your gift –courtesy of our sponsor, Grupo VAPF.

The Costa Blanca Guide includes useful information of this coastal region, focusing specifically on Calpe, Jávea, Teulada-Moraira, Benitachell, Benissa, Denia and some other towns in Costa Blanca North.

Particularly interesting are the Costa Blanca North map and the gastronomic info that points you to the best places to taste the dishes typical of each town. You will also find snorkelling and scuba diving routes in the most amazing diving spots and which water sports to practice –and where.

This is, in short, the perfect guide to plan your holidays in Costa Blanca North: know the available activities in the area and have a first approach of each town with the incredible and descriptive images included in the booklet.

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Palau Altea

Summer has ended but the best of the cultural offer in Altea is yet to come. Now that days get shorter and the weather a little cooler, the activities planned in Palau Altea (1, Partida Rotes St.) are the best choices for those seeking good entertainment without traveling too far.

80 horses. Mariano Mancheño art exhibition: Mancheño shows his work of the last four years, when he managed to capture on canvas and paper the fiery spirit of the horses. The artist himself acknowledges that his inspiration to create art from the horses comes from the fascination, excitement and even fear he felt when these animals approached him in the county.
From October 7th to November 7th
Free admission

John the Fearless. Musical: With music by Frank Mora and stage direction and choreography by Joan Maria Segura Bernadas, this children’s play narrates the adventures of a bunch of monsters that come to a witch to help them scare John, a very brave boy. John ends up being bewitched to hiccups, and only his friend Martha can help him find the fear, because as everyone knows, that is the best alternative to stop hiccups.
Cast: Anna Alborch, María Santallusia, Toni Sans, Lali Camps, Rubén Montañá and Albert Mora.
October 17th at 18:00 h
Language: Spanish
General admission: €6

Stones in his pockets. Play: Fernando Tejero (award winning TV actor) and Joaquin Tejada (Max Award of alternative theater) star in this drama set in a rural town in Ireland where a Hollywood movie is being filmed . The story centers on Charlie and Jake, who are employed as film extras.
October 24th at 20:30 h
Language: Spanish
General Admission: €15

Horse riding: A natural and healthy hobby

There is a hidden spot on the North Costa Blanca many horse lovers will love: the Benissa Riding Club, an alternative to the typical leisure options of the region.

The Benissa Riding Club offers beginner courses, routes and countryside rides to the Oltá Rock in Calpe, __ Lleus, Llíber, Jalón, Gata, Parcent, classes for kids 5 and older, lessons about a wide selection of horse-themed areas (nutrition, care, equipment, handling, etc.), raid competitions, classic breaking contests, sale of colts and pure Spanish breed horses, breaking and training of horses, horse transport service, breeding (mating service), etc.

This club is a regional pioneer on horse therapy, for kids, youngsters and adults, be them healthy or with physical or mental disabilities. This therapy is proven to be a great motivator, an excellent help to conventional medicine and improves people’s frame of mind.

For additional information, please visit the Benissa Riding Club in 2 Senijola path (partida de Senijola 2), Benissa. You can also call 965 731 832.

The Altea Yacht Club offers a wide array of activities for sea enthusiasts

October will catch the attention of all enthusiasts of sailing sports, yatch races, fishing and any other sea-related activities. The Altea Yacht Club (Club Náutico Altea) is organizing these events according to the Valencia and Spanish national Schedule of marine sports.

If you are a troll fishing or sailing enthusiast, the next few weeks will offer you a good deal of events.

Trolling contest: For those fishermen who enjoy trolling fishing (a method of fishing where one or more fishing lines, baited with lures or bait fish, are drawn through the water), this October 16^th will take place the local contest of trolling with all ships departing from Altea Yatch Club.

Yacht regatta: On Saturday October 23^rd there will be a gathering where sailors from the Tres Bahías (the three bays) will measure their abilities in a long overall lengh category Yacht regatta.

Class Optimist Club Náutico Altea Cup: On October 30^th, 31^st and November 1^st there will be an optimist class (small, single-handed sailing dinghy intended for use by children) contest .This contest is open to sailors from yatch clubs nationwide who want to get with the prestigious Club Náutico Altea Cup. Competition will be fierce and a high level competition is guaranteed.

EcoAltea, a great opportunity to support ecological initiatives

The III Edition of the EcoAltea Fair will take place on October 2^nd and 3^rd, 2010. This will be the perfect place to discover innovative proposals on sustainable development and green energy, as well as new ecologic alternatives on the areas of health care, leisure, agriculture, finance, bio construction and others.The Fair will open its doors next Saturday, October 2^nd at 10:00 h in the Universidad Miguel Hernández halls of the Palau Altea.

There will be talks, workshops crafts and over 70 stalls presenting their products and ideas. More than 100 activities have been planned for the enjoyment of the attending public. The most awaited events and places are the Eco Bar, the exhibition of electric bicycles, the family games room, the bargain corner, the bio-construction workshop, the nomad-indian tipee with creative workshop for kids, the I Ecologic School Dining Halls Conference  of the Valencia Region and the I “Cooking with the Sun” Recipes and Solar Ovens Contest.

If you get to Altea, you might as well  pay a visit to  the Altea Circus 2010.

Trip to Alicante Archaeological Museum

The Department of Culture of the City of Benissa, has planned and funded for next Sunday, September 26th a  visit to the  Alicante Archaeological Museum (MARQ), to celebrate the exhibition showing at the moment, entitled “The Enigma of the mummy. Funeral rites in ancient Egypt. “

This exhibition  examines the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, especially those related to death, the processes of mummification and funerary goods. It consists of more than 260 pieces from the Museum of Fine Arts Besançon, the Louvre Museum and  the National Library of France, among others.

There are 60 places available to tour the museum which will be divided into  two groups of 30 people with a guide. The journey there will be made by train.

Guided Walks and Trails in Benissa

During September and October 2010 they will be organising various interesting walking trails and  guided tours in Benissa that feature urban history, photography and local heritage.

These routes are ideal for sharing with the kids and the beginners in walking because it is considered of minimum difficulty and there are very few steep slopes and if there are they tend to be short in distance. These walks tend to be half day trips.

The routes are scheduled for Saturday September the 11th , October the  2nd and October the 23rd .

The meeting point for this walking route is from the Tourist Office on Avenida  Pais Valencia in  Benissa  by the Bar Frau at 16:00 and costs € 5 which includes monitor-guide, technical material, photos, activity and insurance.

The company that organizes the activity is Tururac, an active tourism company in Alicante. They recommend that all participants wear long comfortable trousers or similar, water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, sports shoes,  and a camera to immortalize the wonderful views of Benissa (Alicante).

The Five Club Trophy Regatta

This September marks the beginning of the 5 Club Trophy  Autumn Season in the Alicante province.

This second season will begin on Sunday the 12th of September 2010 with the regatta that will set sail from the Club Náuticio de Moraira. The next regatta is to take place on Saturday the 23rd of October from the  Club Nautico de Altea, the following regattta from the Real Club Náutico of Calpe  on Sunday the 14th of November and finally the last regatta from the Club Náutico de Campomanes on Saturday the 11th of December 2010.

On the day of the regattas lunch will be offered to all participants, except for at the Club Náutico de Campomanes where they will be offering breakfast. After each regatta trophies will be awarded to the prize winners.

At the website  Real Club Náutico de Calpe you can find more detailed information about the the regattas and the results from the previous regattas held in Spring “Temporada Primavera 2010” which was held at the Moraira, Altea and Calpe Club Náutico.

"Xirimbala" Beach Bars in Benissa

If  you are on the North of the Costa Blanca this Summer, specifically Javea, Moraira, Benissa, or Calpe then you might be interested in going to a great place, that due to it´s unusual location, not everyone has discovered. La Cala Baladrar of Benissa ( on the Moraira-Calpe coast  road )   hides an amazing beach bar called the Xirimbala where they even hold performances of live music, with special menus,  full moon parties and much more. On Monday they organize live music, on Thursday Argentinian  barbecue, Friday is  grilled sardines

night and  on Saturdays and Sundays tapas menu. The best thing about this beach bar is it´s fantastic location right on the waterfront, and the prices are very reasonable especially considering it´s wonderful views. On the nights with live music or special menus it is advisable to reserve especially if you are a large group. The phone number is 607 916 430.

Another of the beach bars that can be found on the coast of Benissa is  located in Playa La Fustera. This is less of an evening venue and more of a snack bar for people using the beach . Just near by  they will be  hosting live music with DJ´s at the La Fustera Beach Restaurant, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 21:00 hours to 02:00 hours, I have not been but the place is perfect to enjoy a evening by the sea.

Abseiling Option for Active Holidays

We have discovered a very interesting Summer option to keep you occupied if you enjoy nature. The municipality of Benissa and the Vall del Pop have created a programme for active holidays with exciting  options during the month of July there scheduled a multi-adventure activities: abseiling down ravines.

The chosen location is Castell de Castells: “The Calvo pas“, the activity combines climbing and caving techniques, follows the course of a river at  with steep slopes some of which have to be abseiled down  etc. .., the company conducting the activity is Tururac and their telephone number if you require more information is 630 992 488.

For more information about  all the activities you can visit the tourist office in Benissa or the Vall del Pop and pick up a brochure. Here we have included their  links and information about  other scheduled activities such as snorkeling  along the coast of  Benissa´s beaches, Catamaran rides , Kayaking and other interesting activities for  this summer.

Kayak outings in Benissa

With the arrival of summer and of course the holidays and we are always looking for activities, especially if they are linked with the sea.  A great  option I found is the Programme of Activities Benissa and the Vall del Pop  for  Active Tourism. It  is a comprehensive program that involves all types of activities. During the winter they organise hiking trails, guided tours,street theatre routes, etc …, and that during the months of Summer they have scheduled lots of activities along the coast of Benissa,  with it´s incredible coastline, coves and beautiful beaches.

In this program, they offer snorkeling excursions along the coves and bays of Benissa : Cala dels pinets, Cala La Llobella, Platgeta L’Advocat, Baladrar  Bay, the Les Bassetes and La Fustera. Beach. They also offer morning Kayak  outings with a Mediterranean  breakfast included  and evening Kayak outings with a “Chill Out” atmosphere  in Les Bassetes.  They also offer Catamaran rides along the coast of Benissa to enjoy the panoramic views of our coastline.

This post includes links to more  information about each activity with their dates, times, prices, departure location, duration, etc.

Snorkel Calas y Playa Benissa . ( Snorkeling)

Paseos en Catamarán .   ( Catamaran rides)

Excursiones en Kayak . ( Kayak outings)

If this summer you are on the North of the Costa Blanca  and participate in any of these activities send us your suggestions and of course photos to encourage everyone to enjoy the sea and sport.

The Antipodes School of Sailing at the Club Náutico Les Bassetes

Anyone visiting the North of the Costa Blanca (Benissa, Calpe, Moraira, Javea, Benitachell), this Summer who likes water sports is guaranteed to have  fun with the activities organized at the coast of Benissa in their active holiday programme. This innovate  idea has been put together by Benissa and the Vall del Pop.

If you like sailing in or want to learn more about it then this catamaran ride along the coast of Benissa, from which you can discover the beautiful beaches of Benissa and it´s  panoramic views, is perfect for you.

Catamaran rides are organized by the Antipodes School of Sailing, at the Club Náutico Les Bassetes on Avenida La Marina,  2.5 km from Benissa. The rides will take place on the 20th  and 27th of June;  4th , 11th , 18th  and  25th of July;  1st , 8th , 15th , 22nd and 29th of August; 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th of September and the 3rd and 4th of October.

Jávea blog, you will find information about everything

In the Jávea blog you will find information about everything that is going on in Jávea  and in other towns on the North of the Costa Blanca , from festivals all throughout the year,  organized free tours, concerts, plays, exhibitions etc. You will also find  recommended hotels, camping sites, car rentals, apartments, weather reports with weekly prediction, videos, photos, tourist information offices in Javea, their telephone numbers and interesting places to  visit so that you can your holiday in Jávea / Xabia (Alicante).

There will also be information about the Fiestas in  Jávea (Alicante), their Crafts Fairs,the Living Chess, Bonfires of San Juan 2010, etc.

I hope that if you do  visit our blog that you leave us some comments and opinions as they are always a help for us to see where we need to improve.

Murla "Caballo Verde"

On Sunday May the 2nd 2010 you can go hiking along the route of Murla and  the Montaña Mítica el Cavall Verd ( the Mythical Mountain the Green Horse). You will see how the Spanish ancestors held off the invasions of the moors through the circular route from the Cavall Verd to the village of Campell in the Vall de Laguar.

This is not a very long trek, but has many points of interest to visit in the areas of Murla, Ermita de Sant Sebastia and Muralla de Fontilles. There are panoramic views of Torre-Iglesia, “Penya Roja”, “Cavall Verd”, Campell and the remains of the defences against the Moors. The route is considered of  medium-high physical difficulty and of a  high degree of technical difficulty.

The meeting point  is from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento of  Murla at 09:00 am and will takes approximately five hours. The hike includes  monitor, guide and insurance.

Pablo Picasso in Benissa

The Pablo Picasso Exhibition in Benissa, Alicante, until April 23, 2010: The title of which is the “Comtemplador Activo” ( the Active Viewer). PRINTS  from 28/08/1966 to 15/01/1967, Bancaja collection.

The exhibition will be shown at the Centro de Arte Taller D´Ivars (Art Centre d’Ivars Workshop) on Calle Padre Andrés Ivars No. 21, organized by Fundación Bancaja and in collaboration with  the Town Hall of Benissa.

The exhibit features 60 prints created by Pablo Picasso between August 27, 1966 to January 15, 1967, which address different topics, such as theatre,  the circus, friendship, erotica, etc. The exhibition is accompanied by a nearly 200-page catalogue  published by the Fundación Bancaja. Admission is free and visiting hours are from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 13:00 hours and 17:00 to 20:30.

Conferences and documentaries "Casa de la Cultura Calpe"

29/04 20H30 “Sis Contes i una novel. Casa Cultura Calpe

Information about the conferences, documentaries and book presentations  in the Casa de Cultura in Calpe for the month of April 2010. All information from the town of Calpe.

- Friday April 16, 2010 at 20:30-Documentary Screening of the  “Moriscos: The Valencians Oblidats” screening hosted by the Institut d’Estudis Calpins  at the Saló Blau ( the Blue Hall) the House of Culture and with the collaboration of Macma i Iecma.

- Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 20:30 pm in the Saló Blau of the House of Culture a conference about  “The War of Independence in the Marina Alta:”  will be hosted in Castilian by the professor of the University of Alicante Emilio La Parra. It has been  organized by the Institut d’Estudis de Calp.

- Friday April 29, 2010 at 20:30 pm in the Salo Blau of the Casa de Cultura in Calpe, the book “Sis Contes i una novel.la incierta” organized by the  Cultural Association  Ocell and IEC, collaborating with  the Town Hall of Calpe .

Details of the free tours that take place during April 2010 Calpe, concerts and exhibitions in April 2010 April Calpe

Dry river beds

Here are some exiting opportunities for outdoor activity lovers. Organised by the Vall del Pop Association. They have planned an interesting itinerary for most of the weekends from the 18th of April until Sunday the 19th of May 2010. The activities consist in discovering the gorges, dry river beds and caves by climbing and abseiling.

The incredible landscape of the area of Castells de Castells, is sure to guarantee an amazing day  of adventure. The expedition is to set off from Benichembla at 09:00 h and the price is 35 €, the company in charge of these activities is Tururac. If you wish for more information, or to confirm attendance ;their telephone number  is 630 992 488  or 965 782 360.

You can go by car to the meeting point in Benichembla, though the exact place has still not been confirmed. Hope you enjoy an exciting day out.

Benissa Fiestas

Benissa Fiestas

During the month of April the towns of Teulada and Benissa are the protagonists of the Costa Blanca with the celebrations of their patron saints. In Benissa this year the festivities in honour of the Puríssima Xiqueta 2010 are to be held from 23rd of April until the 2nd of May.

Here we include information about  the most important events of  the Benissa festivities programme  2010:

– Friday, April the 23rd: Coronation Day, the coronation is at 22:30 on the  Paseo Dolores     Piera .

-Saturday, April the 24th: Day of the Offering, the offering will take place at 19:30 hours, to be followed by the fireworks display of  Melendi Caballer at 01:00 hours.

- Sunday, April the 25th: Puríssima  Xiqueta Day, Mass to be held at 11.30. At 14:00 the “Mascletá” presented by Caballer pyrotechnics. At 19:00 solemn procession, and then Fireworks display  by Pyrotechnics Caballer and the Ying Yang Orchestra at  00:30.

- Monday, April the 26th: Day of the “Riberer”, large  mascletá at 14:00. To be followed by a parade of floats at 18:30, and  Fireworks at 00:30. At 02.30 the orchestra,” La Tribu” will be performing.

- Tuesday, April the  27th: The “Singles Day” ( Día de los Solteros)  with the “Mascletá” at 14:00. At 18: 00 the “Funny Parade” and the Night for the Youngsters..

- Wednesday, 28th  to Friday 30 April: “Bous al Carrer”. The Bull running with loose bulls in the street  every day from 19:00 and 23:30.

- Saturday,May the  1st  “Día de la Añada, comidada y de la hermandad” (Day of the agricultural season, food and fellowship) at 14:00. Bull running at 19:00 and 23:30.

Here you have all the information to enjoy the festivities  of Benissa 2010 from April the  23rd to May the 2nd.

Altea Music Hall

Altea Music Hall: 23/24/30 April

Here is the Programme that the  Altea Music Hall (Palau de Altea) has prepared for our entertainment  this month (April 2010) on the Costa Blanca. At the Palau one can enjoy a wide range of entertainment options from classical music, theatre, opera, dance ect  and much more.

Programme for the Altea Music Hall, ( Palau  de Altea)  April 2010:

- Saturday, April the 17th : Musical “Maria de la Gracia”, with a performance by comedian Carlos Manuel at 20:30 the price of admission is 15 euros.

- Friday, April the 23rd : A show called “Audiència I-Real” by Toni Alba, in Valenciano, at 21:00, tickets cost 15 euros.

- Saturday, April the 24th : The dance company of José Huertas presents “Formas Flamencas” at 20:30. Admission  fee is 15 euros.

- Friday, April the 30th : Final of the 4th Music Performance Competition organized by the              Professional Municipal Conservatory of Altea, the final takes place at 18:00 and admission is free.

Trophy Race Yacht Club Campomanes

Trophy Race Yacht: 12/09,23/10,14/11,11/12

The Regatta, “The 5 Trophy Race”, to held at the Yacht Club Campomanes will take place on April the 10th 2010. The Club are offering breakfast to all the participants and after the race the prizes will be given out.

The “Club Nautico Luis Campomanes,” has changed it´s name and is now officially known as “Puerto Deportivo Marina Greenwich”, though their location remains the same at the Mascarat in Altea, its exact position is 38 º 038? 2N – 0 º 4’1E.

The  forthcoming Regattas for the 2010 Autumn Season are to be held:

- Sunday 12 of September 2010 at the Club Náutico de Moraira.

- Saturday 23 of October at the Club Náutico Altea.

- Sunday 14 of November  Real Club Náutico de Calpe.

- Saturday 11 of December Puerto Deportivo Marina Greenwich Altea.

Vall del Pop in the “Dejate Llevar 2010” (Let yourself go 2010) programme

The  Vall del Pop Association organizes a caving expedition in Castell de Castells.

A great  advantage to living on the Costa Blanca is that you can enjoy both the beach and the  countryside and it´s quaint inland towns, such as Castell de Castells.  You can sun yourself on the beach or take a scenic walk or any of the  hiking trails and multi-adventure activities in the mountains.

Many of these activities are organized by the  Vall del Pop in the “Dejate Llevar 2010” (Let yourself go 2010) programme. The Vall del Pop is formed by 9 municipalities and encompasses an area of great beauty and  ecological value.

Next Sunday the 28th of  March 2010 you can join the caving activities in Castell de Castells,in ”A journey to the center of the earth”, a mixture of science and adventure to discover the underground world: narrow passages,  dark wells etc.

The Tururac Company are at the head of this caving activity ( for more info telephone 630 992 488 / 965 782 360, or go to their website address www.tururac.com.)

The caving expedition of Castell de Castells is estimated to take until late lunch time and will set off from in front of the Hotel Serrella at 9.00. The price is 35 euros and includes any technical equipment, the guides, qualified monitors and sports monitors plus photos of the day´s  activities and insurance. Don´t miss this unique opportunity to learn more about the fabulous inland countryside that the Costa Blanca has to offer.

Andalusian day in Calpe

The festivities in Calpe are guaranteed throughout the year. On 28 February the Andalusians that are residents in Calpe are the stars of the occasion and  the celebration of Andalusia. The, “Fiesta,”   of , “Andalusian Day,”has been held in Calpe since 1996.

Each year during the several days of celebration there are a variety of events highlighting the tribute to  the members, performances by dance groups from the “Casa de Andalucía” and of course a large and varied sample of typical Andalusian cuisine, international and local cuisine,as many of both members and friends, are  from  different communities and  of different nationalities.

The music and art  is thanks to the dance groups from the “Casa de Andalucía“  which surprise us annually  with spectacular performances. This year  we will be able to see performing varios artist, including Feminine Plural, Esencia Flamenca, Oriental Dance, Choir Rociero Feeling Andaluz,  various theater groups and Flamenquitos Al-Andalus.

La Casa de Andalucia in Calpe organizes throughout the years yoga courses,  flamenco courses, guitar, percussion, salsa, belly dancing, sewing and computers. For more information on the Casa de Andalucia in Calpe, visit them  on the Calle San Isidro No. 6 or on  their website www.casaandaluciacalpe.com

Free tours Calpe, Voramar Calalga

Free tours in Calpe during February 2010, organized by the Department of Tourism of the City of Calpe. To register you only need to go to the information desk  at the Tourist Information office known as,” Tourist Info Calpe Peñon”, which you can find on the  Avenida  de los Ejercitos Españoles 44, or call  965 836 920.

On all tours they recommend that you  wear comfortable shoes and take water, as all trips are made on foot.

The first guided tour, the “Voramar Calalga” tour, will be leave from the , “Plaza Mediterráneo,” ( the Mediterranean Square) at 10.00h on Thursday, 25th February 2010. And is estimated to take about an hour and a half.

The Cala Calalga in Calpe is situated at the end of the Levante Beach. This easy  hike will take you along a trail where you can admire the magnificent views of the coastline, passing through some of the coves to the Port of Calp Bassetes

The second guided tour on Thursday, February 25th 2010 called,”Hiking Vila d’Ifach” is set  to leave from the foot of the Peñon de Ifach at 12.30h (by the car park).

It will consist of a guided tour around the archaeological site of Vila d’Ifach. and is estimated to last approximately one hour.

Calpe Free Guided Tour

The Queen´s baths of Calpe

Discovering the patrimony of the municipality of Calpe is now easier than ever thanks to the guided tours organized by the Town Hall totally free of charge.

On the 18th of February 2010 you are offered the opportunity to  discover some of the the hidden, “Jewels,” of the area.

The first guided tour is set to leave at 10.30h from the, “Casa de Cultura”on the Avenida Masnou nº1. The tour will take you to  see  emblematic places of interest, like, “La Ermita,” “La Iglesia Parroquial de nuestra Señora de las Nieves,” or the Archeological  Museum of Calpe.

The next guided tour will  is scheduled to leave on the same day at 12.30 h from Calle Luxemburgo, to visit the , “Baños de la Reina,” ( The Queen´s baths), which is an archeological site cut into the rock on the sea shore.

The German Carnivals Calpe 2010

The German Carnivals are organized by the Calpe Carnival Club, a group of German residents  living in Calpe, which has been arranging festive activities since 1982. The Calpe Carnival Club is well known for organizing the famous October Beer Festival, which has become exceedingly popular and draws crowds from all over the region.

The 20th and the 21st of February 2010 are the two most important days on the German Carnival Calendar which is when they celebrate the traditional parades with marching bands etc. They also hold the  International Music and Folk Competition at the Municipal Sports Centre.

The Parade will consist of  around 400 participants lending a  touch of colour to the streets of Calpe.  Just to add to the merriment there will be  all kinds of  entertainers, comedians, bands and dancers who are well known celebrities within Germany. The Carnival Committee have put together an especially humorous  line up of artists  during this festival week.