Casa de Cultura Calpe

Today, Friday 3 and tomorrow Saturday February 4, the Fester Theater Company of Calpe will perform the play Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata”, one of the most important classic Greek theater plays representing the genre of comedy, parody and social criticism.

The deliciously funny story of the play will be for sure mastered by the performance of the Fester theater company for the amusement of all the attendees. The play is about a group of Greek women, who decide that the best way to end the Peloponnesian War is by sexual abstinence revolution led by Lysistrata, hence the name of the play.

The play will be performed both days at 21:30 h. at the Auditorium Casa de Cultura of Calpe. The admission price will be 8 € and the money will go to fund the Fiestas commission for this year’s festivals.

Tickets can be purchased at the tobacconist shop n º 3 (Plaza Constitución), Miramar furniture, festeros 2012 and at the box office 1 hour before the performance.

Casa de Cultura Calpe

Next 3 February at 20:30 h., -and until 29 February- the Exhibition Hall of the Casa de Cultura “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà” of Calpe will host an exhibition of works of Altea Artists Association.

This interesting exhibition of pictorial art showcases the works of 34 artists of different nationalities who take part in the Artists collective of Altea.

The more than fifty works on display in this exhibition are made with  different techniques and deal with several subjects that allow the feel the magical expression of self-taught painters frorn different parts of Europe.

The Altea Artists Association, founded in 1992, is a colective of Spanish and international artists who reflect the social diversity of  the Costa Blanca and its artistic potential, intended to encourage art appreciation through the creativity of its members.

Those interested in visiting this exhibition can do that from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00 h. and  from 17:00 to 21:00  and Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 13:30 h. at the Casa de Cultura “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà”, Masnou Avenue No. 1 in Calpe.

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/

Amateur Theater Contest in Calpe

The Department of Culture of the Town of Calpe has made public the dates of  the 1^st National Contest “Antonio Ferrer” of Amateur Theatre to be held at Casa de Cultura “Jaume Pastor i Fluixá” of Calpe  on 2,3 and 9 March 9 2012.

This contest is open for theater groups from all the country, only if they are non-professional actors and actress and registered as nonprofit organization or cultural association . The registration deadline will be tomorrow, 16 January, 2012.

The closing ceremony of the festival will be Saturday 10 March, 2012 at 21:00 h in the same Auditorium, and the jury will award the following prizes:

- “Antonio Ferrer” Award for best show: 2,000 € and a trophy.

- Award for Best Director trophy.

- Award for Best Actor: trophy.

- Award for Best Actress: trophy.

- Award for best adapted for scene engineering:  trophy.

For further information about the event, interested parts may contact the contest staff at: certamen@ajcalp.es or vtorrado@ajcalp.es

Music and exhibitions in Calpe in January

A new year begins and we start to tell you what’s on Calpe in cultural matters for the week of 9 to 15 January, 2012.

This week you can find plenty of new exhibitions in Calpe , both painting and photography.

On Wednesday, 11 January 2012 will be opened the painting exhibition “Somnis de dona” ” (Dreams of Women) of Juan Carlos Rodríguez Carbonell. This exhibition will be held at Pedro Pastor Hall and will be open until 10 February, 2012.

On Thursday, 12 January, 2012, Eduardo Fava will inaugurate a photo exhibition in the lobby of the Casa de Cultura, open to the public until 30 January.

On Friday, 13 January, 2012, the students in ADA will bring the third exhibition of the year in Calpe . This event- held in the Exhibition Hall- will inaugurated at 20:30 hours and will be open until January 31.

The cultural programming for this week in Calpe closes with the seventh edition of the FODAP (Association of Folk Dances) Dance Meeting   at 20:30 h in the Calpe  Auditorium. This is an event for enjoying the dances, typical dancer clothes and the joy of their music.

All these cultural events take place at the Casa de Cultura “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà” in Calpe, located at Masnou Avenue # 1. For further information call to 965839123 or email to infocultura@ajcalp.es

The Three Wise Men arrive in Calpe

Every year around this time, their Majesties the Three Kings (Also known as The Three Wise Men or the Magi) will visit all municipalities, laden with gifts for all well-behaved children of all around Spain, and of course, will also visit the town Calpe.

Their Majesties the Three Wise Men will deliver gifts to children in Calpe on Thursday, 5 January at 20:00 h in the Auditorium of Calpe. The Kings will be

assisted in this act by the Department of Fiestas of Calpe and the Calpe 2012 Fiestas Committee. Since the number of attendees is limited to the capacity, it is recommended to be early at the venue to secure a place.

Parents who want to get in touch directly with Their Majesties The Magi of the East have to do it through Calpe 2012 Fiestas Committee.

Santa Claus' House

If you don’t know what to do in these holidays, we suggest you to visit the Santa Claus House in Alicante. This is a place though for all the family but offering special activities for children like games, workshops and songs.

The admission to this place in Alicante is free of charges and the little ones can meet Santa and walk around his workshop, see his Christmas tree, the fireplace and also see the Magic Book where Santa Claus each night write the name of children who have been good.

Also, there will be several day-long workshops:

Food, recycling and crafts workshops: These are very dynamic and educational workshops where both children and adults can meet the AlicanteChristmas traditions like Turrón (nougat) making, Christmas balls manufacture and traditional songs.

The workshops will be adjusted by demand and age of children in order to reach the most ages and subjects possible.

Entertainment area and food court: bouncy castles, Alicantetypical products and foods, Café, gift shop, hot chocolate stalls.

The Santa Claus House at Ereta Park will be open until Thursday January 5, 2012, except on New Year ’s Day that the park will be close.

More information about workshops and all activities organized by calling 966 283 903 or visit  www.lacasadesantaclausdealicante.es

Christmas Market in Benissa

Everything is already set in Benissa to enjoy the Christmas season this year with activities and events for the whole family, as we can see in the program below:

Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December

The Christmas market comes to Benissa  to offer in the Dolors Piera roundabout the best seasonal products and gifts. The market will be open from 11:00 to14:00 and 17:00 to 21:00 h.

Saturday 17 December

At 20:00 h, the evening will come with a wonderful Christmas Concert by the Orchestra of the Marina Alta (OMA) at the Centre d’Art Taller Ivars. Admission: entry 12 €.

Sunday 18 December

At 12:00 h, all children are invited to the Centro Cultural Hall to the theatre play “L’Inventor de Xiquets”. The admission is free.

On Sunday afternoon, there will be a traveling nativity scene representing the ancient Bethlehem all around the town, in the following schedule:

17:30 h: Herod’s castle, carpenters, spinners and other villagers at Purisima Street.

18:00 h: Three Wise Men parade from “Bèrnia” Social Center to Town square.

20:00 h: Hot Chocolate for everyone, courtesy of the Department of Citizen Involvement of the town.

Thursday 29 December

20:30 h: Concert of Coral Benissenca (Benissenca Choir) at the Centre D’Art Taller D’Ivars

In addition, until 8 January, 2012 you can visit the magnificent nativity scene organized by the Friends of Nativity Scene of the Marina Alta with the collaboration of the Town’s Department of Culture. The exhibition will take place at the Centre D’Art Taller D’Ivars of Benissa.

Friends of the Children of Emmaus

Check below the details of the exhibitions taking place this month in Calpe, where you can enjoy at the same time you help a charity such as the Association Friends of the Children of Emmaus, undoubtedly one good reason for stopping by.

On Friday 2 December several exhibitions were opened in Calpe. The first of these is the XVI Exficalp stamps exhibition, set out in the Salo Blau of the Casa de Cultura and organized by the Philatelic and Numismatic Association of Calpe. The admission is free of charge and will be open until today.

Also on 2 December, the Step Into Christmas exhibition was opened as a charity event aimed to help the children of Emmaus. This exhibition has been organized by the Association of Friends of the children of Emmaus, whose purpose is to help and support homeless and refugee people.

Donation: € 10. Venue: Marcia’s Studio of Performing Arts. Tel 627 72 38 81

Another exhibition you can enjoy until Tuesday 3 January, 2012 is the one organized by the Department of Culture in the framework of the 35^th National Contest of Posters and the 8^th National Contest of pictures of Moors and Christians festivals. Venue: Aula Pedro Pastor.

Other good choice until 12 January, 2012 would be Foto Club Ifach exhibition at the Sala de Exposiciones (Exhibit Hall) of the Casa de Cultura.

Escola Calpina de Corda

During the month of December you can enjoy loads of concerts and musical events in Calpe. The Christmas concerts are the typical winter activities for several clubs, organizations and associations, as we can see in the Calpe concert schedule below:

Friday 9 December  

Cello and piano concert by Georgina Sánchez Torres (cello) and Josu de Solaun (piano).

Venue: Saló Blau of the Casa de Cultura

Time: 21:00 h

Admission: The admission price is 9 € for Members and 14 € for non-members of Asociación Ilusión Arte. Tickets can be purchased 90 minutes before the concert at the box office.

Sunday 11 December

Christmas Concert of  Escola Calpina de Corda (Calpe’s School of Strings Instruments).Event organized by the Department of Culture of Calpe.

Venue: Auditorium  Casa de Cultura

Time: 20:00 h

Admission: Free admission with invitation

Friday 16 December

Christmas Concert performed by the U3A Choir. Event aimed to raise funds for Gargasindi Special Education School

Venue: Saló Blau of the Casa de Cultura

Time: 19:30 h.

Admission: 8 €. Tickets available at phone number 96 583 20 81 and 96 583 79 44 and at the email: u3achoir@hotmail.co.uk

Saturday 17 December

Calpe’s Ifach Musical Union Christmas concert

Venue: Auditorium  Casa de Cultura

Admission: Free admission with invitation

Sunday 18 December

Christmas Concert by the Ifach Choir.

Venue: Nuestra Señora de las Nieves Church

Time: 19:30 h.

Admission: free concert organized by the Department of Culture.

Thursday 22 December

Christmas Concert by music students of Maria Ferrer.

Venue: Auditorium  Casa de Cultura

Time: 21:00 h.

Admission: Free admission with invitation

Friday 23 December

Christmas Concert of Rondalla of Calpe

Venue: Nuestra Señora de las Nieves Church

Time: 20:00 h.

Christmas Fair in Calpe

Holiday’s season arrives to Calpe with a Christmas Trade Fair organized by the Association of Entrepreneurs and Business owners and the City of Calpe.

The Fair located at the Plaça dels Mariners was inaugurated on Saturday December 3 and will be open until Sunday 11 December.

Among the many products for sale in this fair we can find Christmas cakes, seasonal liqueurs and exhibitions of products of different local stores. This year, the Christmas fair will also offer a playground with discounts available with the purchase of nay product in the fair.

The Fair will be open during bank holidays (Tuesday 6 to Thursday 8 December), so it is expected a massive amount of visitors who travel to Calpe to spend their days off.

This fair has been possible for the kind help of Carnival Club Calpe, Casa de Andalucía, Fishermen’s Association and Red Cross of Calpe

Nativity Scene of Benissa

The event schedule for the next few days is gradually taking a holiday shape and we start to see different activities across the Costa Blanca North as traditional Christmas markets and nativity scenes presentations, like the ones in Calpe.

On Monday, 2 December, everyone is invited to the presentation and blessing of the Nativity scene of Calpe located in the lobby of the Casa de Cultura Jaume Pastor i Fluixà at 18:00 h. The nativity scene will be open to visit until Sunday, 8 January, 2012.

Another important nativity scene that year after year amazes all visitors is the one of Benissa, which is displayed at the “Taller d’Ivars” art center from Tuesday to Friday, from 10:00 to 12:00 and 18:00 to 20:30, and Saturdays and Sundays, from 11:00 to 13:30 and 18:00 to 20:30h.

Exhibition organized by Amics del Betlem of La Marina and Benissa Culture Council.

On Tuesday, 3 December, Morales the Magician will perform  in the Auditorium of Casa de Cultura of Calpe at 18:30 h. This event is organized by the Town’s festivals Commission aimed to raise money for the town’s fiestas of 2012. The admission fee is 5 € and the show lasts about 90 minutes, Tickets will be available at  the box office in hour before the show begins.

Exficalp 2011 postmark

 From 2 to 10 December 2011, the Philatelic and Numismatic Association of Calpe brings the philatelic world attention once again around the annual stamp exhibition EXFICALP 2011, a traditional meeting taking place every December in Town. This year’s edition will take place in the exhibition hall of the Casa de Cultura in Calpe, where everybody will enjoy both local collections and others coming from all over Spain.

This year, the Stamp collectors staff has chosen the theme “Peix de Calp” (fishes of Calp) to contribute with the promotion of local products, and to help with their bit for the campaign promoted by the city of Calpe and the Fishermen’s Association. This is how this year’s event aims to sponsor the local fishing industry and the advantages of consuming fish sold at the Calpe fish exchange.

Exficalp 2011 will have its corresponding commemorative postmark and postcard  (ENTEROPOSTALES), and Post office special services like custom made stamps with your own picture (TUSELLO).

On the other hand —and given that this event will take place on bank holidays— the Philatelic association organized philatelic markets to be held on 6 and 8 December in morning hours, outside the Casa de Cultura.

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.

Calpe's Auditorium

On Saturday 26 November, 2011.” Fusion” Spanish  Ballet will perform at Calpe’s Auditorium at 20:30 h with its new show “Miradas” (Glances).

Fusion Spanish Ballet –created in 2003- comprises eight performers- dancers directed by choreographer Isabel Pérez Torres, who defines the dance group as a contemporary Spanish dance company.

Spanish dance, flamenco and live percussion are the company’s creative roots that aim to the search for new form that define the contemporary character of their shows.

The new show named “Miradas” (Glances) is the latest venture of the company for artistic and choreographic line result of seven years of research.  This production is designed around eight choreographic scenes where the Spanish dance, flamenco and percussion combine to create a powerful visual spectacle.

Miradas’ crew members are:

Choreography: Fusion and Isabel Perez

Music: Jesus Serrano

Lighting Design: Victor Anton

Costumes: Fusion Dance and Live

Videos: Salvador Meseguer

Graphic Design and Photography: Assad Kassab

Flamenco Singer: Manuel Fernandez

Technical equipment: Yapadú S.L.

Direction: Isabel Perez

The show will be organized by  Calpe’s Department of Culture and sponsored by Theatres of Valencia and the city of Calpe. The ticket price is € 10 and can be purchased at the box office 2 hours before the show or in advance by Servicam www.servicam.com

Casa de Cultura Calpe

Today, we would like to share with you, readers, the  schedule of upcoming events taking place in Calpe/Calp, including times, places, prices, themes, etc, so that it is easier for you to plan ahead which events to take part in

Next Friday 25 November 2011 at 21:30 h, there will be an official event to celebrate the International Day of Fight against Gender-based Violence. Here, a manifesto will be read, followed by the Santa Cecilia Concert by the Unión Musical Calp-Ifach Orchestra. This event will take place at the Calpe Auditorium and is organised by the Equality Council.

On Wednesday 30 November at 20:30 h, the Saló Blau hall of Casa de Cultura Calpe “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà” will host the “Parador de Ifach, history of a dream” talk (in Spanish), by Andrés Ortolá and José Luis Luri.

This talk is organized by the History Museum and there are seats for 126 people, which is the capacity of the hall.

Ilusion-arte Art association of Calp

The Ilusión-Arte Group Art association of Calpe is a non-profit, independent Association that carries out an ambitious project bringing to town artistic and cultural events of all kinds. This association aims to promote music concerts, recitals, opera and poetry, lectures, theater, movie sessions, exhibitions, writer’s conferences and a wide range of activities covering all cultural disciplines.

For the upcoming months, Ilusión-Arte has planned the following events:

25 November: Rosa Blanco Campos piano recital. Ticket will be on sale at the box office 90 minutes before the concert.

Date: 21:00 h

Venue: Saló Blau of the House of Culture

Price: The ticket price is 9 € for members of Illusion Arts club and 14 € for the rest.

9 December:  cello recital by Georgina Torres and Jose Sanchez Solaun at the piano.

Date: 21:00 h

Venue: Saló Blau of the House of Culture

Price: The ticket price is 9 € for members of Illusion Arts club and 14 € for the rest.

Some of the gigs for the next year are already scheduled as we show below:

January 2012: Kuchaeva Natalia Piano recital.

February 2012: Melikian Sofya Piano recital.

March 2012: Ignacio Rodes guitar concert.

April 2012: NINIWE Berlin’s vocal quartet performance (13 April 2012).

Those wishing to join Illusion-Art Association, may become members by paying the € 30, season fee (October-May) for more information email to ilusionartecalpe@gmail.com.

XIII Congress Best of Gastronomy Alicante

During these past few days, the Alicante Trade and Congress Hall (IFA) has hosted the XIII Lo Mejor de la Gastronomía (Best of Gastronomy) Congress, one of the best international cuisine conferences held in The Spain. Those who wish to visit it are still on time to assist to the exhibitions, workshops and degustation today Monday 14 or tomorrow 15 November.

More than 350 exhibitors will gather in this Costa Blanca location to  display and sell their specialties at low prices, including delicatessen, fresh products, tapas and elaborated dishes. Eexhibitors will display their products on over a hundred bars a dozen and restaurants inside the Congress Hall where everyone can let themselves indulge the best foods and drinks.

Like in previous years, this Congress will host about 700 first-class cooks from all around the world that will offer a series of cooking demonstrations, lectures, forums and exclusive demonstrations for small groups. The main topics of the lectures and conferences are grilled cuisine, extra virgin olive oil from Jaen, chops roast workshop, snacks and tapas championship, game cooking workshop, Iberian pork specialties and Tortilla contest.

The IFA exhibition center is located in the N-340 road, Km 731, between the cities of Elche and Alicante, near the International Airport “El Altet”. This place is easily accesible via A7 highway from Alicante or Murcia.

The Rock of Ifach

“What would Ifach say if it could talk?” is the name of a touristic oriented program organized by the town of Calpe. This program includes several tours across the environmental and cultural heritage of the Rock of Ifach Natural Park.

The next visits will take place on 16 and 30 November and 14 December, 2011, at 10:00 h.

It is highly recommend wearing appropriate footwear and clothing for an outdoors activity this time of year. The activity lasts approximately 2 hours and a half and follows the low difficulty trail all the way to the tunnel. This trail is open to everyone, but it is not recommended for children under 12 years old.

The meeting point will be -as usual- at the Information Center offices of the Natural Park (Ejércitos Españoles Ave., 44).

The visit is free of charge; however registration in advance is required. To enroll in this activity you must specify name, phone number, email address and town of residence in an email to Ifach_cma@gva.es or calling tourist info office at 96 583 75 96

Casa de Cultura Calpe

This month there are three very different artistic exhibitions scheduled in the town of Calpe. Read below the complete information about venues and events:

Since last Wednesday, 2 November and running until the end of the month, we can enjoy in Calpe an exhibition of “Lib Bo Art” Dutch Art Collective: Paintings about Moors and Christians festival.

Venue: Pedro Pastor Culture Hall, Ifach Avenue, 15; Tel: 96 583 75 96.

On Friday 4 November also opened the  XVI children and Young Contest exhibition of Drawing of the Real Club Nautico Calpe, organized by the Calpe Royal Nautical Club,

Venue: Entrance Hall of the Casa de Cultura Jaume Pastor i Fluixà (Masnou Avenue No. 1, Calpe), the exhibition will run until 15 November.

And finally, the Fine Arts Exhibition will count with the participation of several artists committed to the vision of gender equality and respect through their usual artistic work. This exhibition is organized by the Department of Social Policy and the Department of Equality and also opened on Friday 4 November at the Exhibition Hall of Calpe.

This exhibition  will be open until Tuesday, 15 November.

Volvo Race Village Alicante

The Volvo Ocean Race is an exceptional competition of navigation skills and human effort, which is inspired by the spirit and travels of great sailors and skippers.

This year, the competition keeps its original spirit of traveling around the world showing the both mind and body endurance required to reach its final port.

The 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race will sail from the port of Alicante on Saturday 5 November, 2011 and is expected to arrive to the port of Galway (Ireland) on Sunday 1 July, 2012.

The Route and Schedule of the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race will be as follows:

Stage 1: Alicante – Cape Town (6,500 miles).

Stage 2: Cape Town – Abu Dhabi (5.430mn)

Stage 3: Abu Dhabi – Sanya (4.600mn).

Stage 4: Sanya – Auckland (5.220mn).

Stage 5: Auckland – Itajai (6.705mn).

Stage 6: Itajaí – Miami (4800mn)

Stage 7: Miami – Lisbon (3.590mn)

Stage 8: Lisbon – Lorient (1.940mn)

Stage 9: Lorient – Galway (485mn).

Until 5 November several events will be organized in the Village of Port of Alicante in the framework of this competition.

Cocentaina Fair

One of the oldest events of Valencia taking place during the month of October is the All Saints Fair held in Cocentaina, which this year celebrates its 665 edition.

A fair has evolved over the years from a district agricultural and livestock market to an world-class showcase of the farm and land contemporary activities, along with an exhibition of agricultural machinery and automotive media, craft activities, Arabic market, typical Spanish cuisine and other activities that gather for three days, over 400 exhibitors coming from all over Spain, and more than 350,000 visitors.

The 665^th edition of the Cocentaina’s All Saints Fair will open on Saturday, 29 October, 2011 and will run until Tuesday, 1 November. Check below the schedule with some of the events that will take place during the fair, alongside the agricultural exhibitions:

Saturday 29 October

- Exhibition of medieval horseback games at 16:30 h.

Sunday 30 October

- Mount and Dressage exhibition at 12:00 h.

- Pulling and dragging exhibition at 16:00 h.

- Beer Festival from 18:00 to 00:00 h.

Monday 31 October

- Pelota Valenciana Match at 11:00 h.

Tuesday 1 November 1

- Traditional breakfast at 09:00 h.

- Pelota Valenciana Match at 11:00 h.

-Juego de la Sortija (medieval horseback Ring Game) at 12:00 h.

Also in this year visitors can enjoy at the “Fair and Fiesta area” plenty of activities as concerts, live performances, street discotheque, exhibitions, theater plays, juggling, and the second Book Fair edition and Arab souk.

Volvo Race Village Alicante

From 14 October, the Race Village of Alicante port will opens its doors for  kicking off three weeks of continuous activities in an area freely accessible to the all the public where everyone can enjoy an extensive program related to the sailing  and the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012.

Among the activities organized in the Race Village (located inside the port of Alicante) we can enjoy a series of concertsof local artists, tribute to legendary rock bands and a DJ Session with Carlos Jean. Check below the complete schedule of live performances:

14 October: Rolling Stones Tribute band

15 October: Seguridad Social

16 October: The Beatles Tribute band

20 October: The Ramones Tribute band

21 October: U2 Tribute band

22 October: José Mercé

23 October: Musical play  “SpongeBob”

27 October: The Police Tribute band

28 October: Carlos Jean DJ

29 October: September

30 October: Heroes del Silencio Tribute band

31 October: The Delinqüentes

4 November: Amaral

The vast majority of the concerts are free, promoted by the Generalitat Valenciana (Valencia region government), except those of José Mercé, The Delinquents, Amaral and SpongeBob. Tickets for these shows are on sale on www.ticketmaster.es and the prices range from 15 to 28 euros.

Casa de Cultura Calpe

Today we would like to share with you the complete program that the Casa de Cultura in Calpe has scheduled for October 2011: a heap of events planned for everyone and every taste.

Saturday 1 October:  “Valencia Zombie” theater play performed by  Pot de Plom company and organized by Filada Berberiscos (Moors and Christians Festivities Calpe).

Admission: 12 €. Tickets can be purchased at Autocalp Garage ( Diputación Ave. # 36),  L’Estanc No. 1 (Libertad St.) and at the box office.

Tuesday 4 October at 20:00 h: opening of the exhibition of dolls’ houses “A Victorian Street” in the lobby of the Casa de Cultura. This exhibition will be open to the public until 31 October.

Thursday 6 October at 20:00 h:  opening of “With a different perspective”, exhibition of modern photographs with vintage cameras by L. Cobo, E. Perez and T. Pernías, open to the public until 2 November at the exhibit hall.

Friday 7 October at 21:00 h:  institutional event and awards ceremony of  “Premis 9 d’Octubre” at the auditorium.

Saturday 15 October at 20:30 h:  Santa Cecilia Choir Ifach concert at the Auditorium

Soon we will give you more information about the cultural schedule in Calpe for the second half of October 2011.

Calpe’s Casa de Cultura “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà” is located at Masnou  Ave. # 1.

Ifach Rock

From today until 18 December you can find in Calpe a great place to enjoy your spare time surrounded by nature in the outdoor activities tours organized for this fall.

There are activities for al tastes: mountain, downtown village tours and sea trips. Choose one or as many activities as you like.

Trip to Penyal d’Ifac: Mondays at 10:00 h, departing form the Rock of Ifach parking lot of the (the one with the green fence). The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and the price is 2 €.

Hiking by natural areas of Calpe:  Wednesdays at 10:00 h, departing from several places, depending on the route chosen. For further information, contact the tourist office. The price is 2 € and routes usually last about 3 hours.

Visit to the Natural Park of Las Salinas and Voramar Cabalga: every Friday at 10:00 h. Meeting at the Tourist Info Ifach. Price of the tour 2 €.

Tour D’Ifac Pobla and Baños de la Reina: Saturdays at 16:30 h. Departing point yet to be confirmed by the tourist info.Price 2 €.

Tour by the Old Town: Saturday at 18:00 h. Meeting point at the House of Culture “Jaime Pastor i Fluixà”.

Sailing Baptism, Sunday at 11:00 h at the Real Club Náutico de Calpe, price 20 €.

Boat Ride on the coastline of Calpe: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 16:00 h in the CEMAS diving center at Gibraltar St. 4. Price 9 €.

Diving baptism: Wednesdays, Fridays at 15:30 h and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 h. Price 42 €. Meeting place CEMAS diving center at Gibraltar St. 4

Snorkeling: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 h at CEMAS diving cente, Gibraltar St. 4. Price 7 €.

Kayak-Diving, also on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 09:30 h at CEMAS diving center.

Boat Adventure trip: Saturdays and Sundays at 09:00 h, sailing from CEMAS, price 17 €.

More information and registration at the tourist offices in Calpe, e-mail infocalpe@touristinfo.net

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.

Calpe Music Events in September

Here we bring you the information about the upcoming concerts taking place in Calpe during September. The musical offer in Calpe this end of summer includes different musical styles that will undoubtedly be appreciated by the lovers of all kind of music.

Friday 16 September Bailamos ¿y tú? (We dance, do you?)

This is a show for raising funds for the Brotherhood of Christ of the Three Falls. The concert is organized by the Festivals Council and the Association of Costaleros (Religious images bearers) of the Christ of the three falls.

Venue: Calpe Auditorium.

Time: 21:00 h

The admission is € 8 and can be purchased at the Boutique Dados (Portalet st. and Constitución Sq.)

Saturday  17 September: Ifach Classic Nights Festival

Concert by the Novetlè Musical Society  (Valencia). Oiartzungo Flauta Taldea (Euskadi), M.F.Gracia Sánches Group (Castilla-La Mancha).

Venue:Plaza Colon by  Arenal-Bol beach.

Time: 21:00 h

Sunday 18 September: Estil Concertant

Classical music concert with works by J.S. Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and J. Garcia and Santiago de Murla organized by the Culture and Education Council of Calpe and sponsored by Generalitat Valenciana, Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, City of Calpe and the Valencia Institute of Music.

Venue: Salo Blau of the House of Culture

Time: 20:30 h

The admission fee is 10 € at the box office, but also are available in www.servicam.com

Tuesday 20 September: Concert by the Escola Calpina de Corda (Calpe school of strings)

The show will take place in the framework of the celebrations of the 10^th annual Elderly Citizens Week.

Venue: Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves

Time:21:00 h.

Theater and Dance in Calpe

As we use to inform at the beginnings of each month, we inform you about the most remarkable cultural and entertainment leisure offer in Calpe and its surroundings. This September we will enjoy the best of the local theatre plays and traditional dance as you can see below:

Saturday, 10 September:  Theatre play for children presenting “Los Batautos y el 42 de Septubre”, performed by Mudante Thetre Co. in Calpe Auditorium at 18:30 h. The event is sponsored by the Culture Department of Calpe. The admission is free of charge.

Thursday, 22 September:  The Department of Senior of Calpe has organized special activities to celebrate the X Cultural Week of the Elderly. L@s Divin@s theater company (from Civic Center Mare de Deu de les Neus) will represent Jose Cadena’s Sainete (a comic opera skit).   The admission to this event is also free of charge and is limited to the capacity of the Auditorium of Calpe. The event is scheduled to 20:30 h.

Saturday, 17 September: traditional dances organized by the Department of Culture of the City of Calpe and performed by Cantal Roig –FODAP (Fomento de Danzas Populares – Promotion of Tradicional Dances) group. The event will take place at the beginning of the promenade of Cantal Roig beach at 19:30 h.

Collectors Museum in Calpe

Calpe visitors can enjoy the exhibition “Nines i menises” until October at the Collection Museum -Museo del Coleccionismo- of Calpe. The Valencian ceramic artist Elena Lliso Martinez is dedicating this exhibition to all women and how wonderful they are. This exhibition will take place at the Plaza de la Villa inside the iconic town of Torreón de la Peça.

Elena Lliso Martinez’s works show a unique vision of women through the wayshe turns clay into a collection of “menina” (royal maiden) dolls representing the beauty of women. Lliso began her training as a ceramist at only eleven years old.

In 1994 she got a junior degree in Ceramic Arts at the Escuela Superior de Manises College. Ever since, the artist develops her career in her own workshop called “Flama Artesanía” (“Flame Crafts”) where she also teaches courses in ceramics. Lliso creativity can be seen until mid-October at the Museum of Collecting of Calpe.

The Museum of Collecting of Calpe opened in September 1997 to house private collections of members of the Association of Collectors of the Marina Alta. Located in a unique palce in the Torreón de la Peca, a 15 century military building part of the old citadel which was strengthened in the sixteenth century by Felipe II. In 1947 the City undertook the demolition of the Peça, revealing the Tower whose existence was unknown. With a Conical base, the upper part is a cylindrical piece based on stone mortar building technique. In 1981 the Tower and the existing walls were restored.

During summer months, the Museum of Collecting of Calpe will open daily from 10:30 h to 13:30 h and 18:00 h to 22:00 h.

Music and exhibitions in Calpe in August

The activities and events in Calpe on August are perfect even for the most active ones. To the patron saint festivals, the flamenco and afrobeat shows and the jazz concerts, the town hall is also organizing more exhibitions and concerts of traditional and classical music.

Concerts in August 2011:

Wednesday, 17 August at 20:30 h at Saló Blau in Casa de Cultura Jaume Pastor i Fluixà: Concert by Antonio Galera López on the piano and Luis Fernández Castellón on the clarinet. Admission costs €5 and you can get your ticket at the box office 2 h before the concert or in www.servicam.com.

Thursday 25 August: The Auditorium of the Casa de Cultura opens its doors for the Cologne Chamber Music Philharmonic Orchestra, organized by  Kammer Philharmonie. Admission costs €20 —€17 for senior citizens over 65 and €12 for students 28 and below. Free for kids 12 or below. You can get your tickets at the box office 2 h before the concert or in the Tourist Info offices of Peñón (30 ejércitos Españoles Ave.) or Centro (Mosquit Sq.).

Saturday 27 August at the Odeón theatre, 21:30 h: Xirimiters del Carellot de Calpe concert. For additional information about this band, visit www.carellot.net. This concert is free and limited to the capacity of the venue.

Art Exhibitions, August 2011:

Wednesday, 17 August at 21:00 h: Opening of the exhibition called Hilando fino —Spliting hairs— by Erika Lanndfords and Susana García Ungo at the exhibition hall of Casa de la Cultura in Calpe. The exhibition will be open until 6 September.

Wednesday, 17 August at 21:00 h: Opening of the exhibition Photos of Peru by Susana Catalá at the entrance hall of Casa de la Cultura in Calpe. The exhibition will be open to the public until 4 September.

XIII Jazz Nights in Calpe 2011

Nits de Jazz Calpe 2011 comes back this summer. This now classic annual season arrives for the delight of jazz, blues and swing. Returns to town this August with two fantastic concerts: Mauri Sanchis and Big Band Taller de Sedajazz.

Both shows will take place at the Odeon Theatre —an outdoor amphitheatre located on 1 Masnou Avenue in Calpe, with capacity for 659 people.

Mauri Sanchis, one of the most popular Spanish musicians in the international groove scene —be it in blues, jazz or soul— will lead the opening event of the XIII Jazz Nights in Calpe festival 2011 on Monday 16th August at 22:00 h.

He will be playing music from his latest album, Intimo, with more acoustic and relaxed rhythms as usual.

Mauri Sanchis, on the other hand, will be accompanied by the melodic voice of Deim Robinson and the amazing skills of Blas Fernández on the drums. If you are not familiar with Mauri Sanchis and would like to listen to his works, we invite you to visit his website, www.maurisanchis.com.

The second concert of the festival will be on 23rd August, also at 22:00 h on the fabulous stage of the Odeon Theatre: BIG BAND TALLER DE MUSICA SEDAJAZZ.

This big band was founded in 2009 from the Sedajazz Creative Music Workshop. 18 musicians joined talents and instruments to deliver unique jazz sessions. This concert brings the sound of swing to Calpe and promises music along the lines of Count Basie, Sammy Nestico, Duke Ellington and Louis Bellson.

This is a great lineup for the second part of the XIII edition of Jazz Nights in Calpe 2011.

Flamenco and Afrobeat in Calpe

The “Música para la integración” —Music for integration— Diversons 2011 Tour arrives in Calpe thanks to the sponsoring of Obra Social La Caixa. The tour is featured by 2 different and exciting concerts on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 August at 22:00 h, at the Odeón Theatre in Calpe.

Friday 19 August, is the concert of Oguna Afrobeat, the first authentic afrobeat band in Spain. This band is led by the Nigerian musician Akin Dimeji Onaz, one of the best drum players nationwide. Soaked in Yoruba culture, this band blends traditional African rhythms with powerful soul, jazz and funky beats to deliver a unique, potent sound.

Since its inception in 2009, Ogun Afrobeat has seasoned itself with the energy of the stage to translate it into its music and offer an unforgettable show. This band has also produced a record called “Tributo a Fela” as a homage to Fela Kuti, the father of Afrobeat.

On Saturday 20 August, Flamenco takes centre stage with Azul y Nácar Flamenco, with Arturo Jiménez as the lead vocals, accompanied by Paquito de la Serrana on the guitar, Toñín de Utrera as the second vocal and Javier Villar on the drums.

Arturo Jiménez is a popular “cantaor” with a deep voice and a master of flamenco rhythm. After a long learning period together with great masters such as Manuel Tejuela and Pepe Habichuela and as part of bands such as Sonocay Caló and La Querencia, Arturo started his career as a solo singer in 2008.

This is a great opportunity to do something out of the routine if you live in Calpe, or a nice way to add an exotic twist of music to your holidays, if you are spending days in this beautiful town of Costa Blanca north. Visit our blog to know what’s on in Calpe all year round and make the most out of your free time in this nice place.

Summer Activities this August 2011 in Calpe

During this month of August, there is a wide range of summer activities in Calpe for all tastes. Join them and enjoy the sea, the beautiful coast of Calpe, its nature, its landscapes and of course, the Rock of Ifach.

We are sure you will find it really difficult to get bored in Calpe this summer.

Every Wednesday and Saturday of August at 17:00 h, join the snorkelling group in Calpe for only €5 (special subsidized summer price). To take part, register your request at any Tourist Info Office in Calpe.

Other activities on schedule are the Boat excursions along the coast of Calpe, every day, for €7. Register at the Tourist Info Offices. Every Wednesday and Friday this month, there are boat excursions plus speleology sessions: Navigate until the caves of Cabo de Toix, disembark and embark on an adventure: escalate up a bit, enter the cave and do some speleology. This activity costs €15 and sign-up is at the Tourist Info Offices.

Fish on boat every Tuesday and Friday at 20:00 (€15). Route along the bay of Calpe to reach Toix and practice some fishing.

Kayak from Arenal-Bol beach to the en of the Rock of Ifach, bordering the Queen’s Baths —Baños de la Reina— and Cantal Roig beach. Do so any Monday, Wednesday or Friday of August at 09:00 h. Price: €5. Embark on a catamaran any Tuesday or Thursday this month at 09:00. The cost is €10.

Oltá circular hiking route: Guided excursion on the mountain of Oltà, following the circular path.

The tour will start on the camping area of Oltà and even though it is an activity free of charge, you must book a place in advance at any of the Tourist Info office.

The tours to the Queen’s Baths start every Tuesday at 08:45 h. They visit the archaeological site and close with a good bath in the beach.

“Voramar” Calalga—Fustera excursion, where hikers will enjoy superb views to the coast, nice coves and the Les Bassetes harbour: Every Tuesday at 10:00 h.

Cycling tours will take place every Wednesday from 09:00 h, and it costs €6 to join.

Traditional paths: Hike them every Thursday at 09:00 h.

Excursion into the historic city centre: Every Thursday at 18:00 h.

Excursion to the Village of Ifach: Every Friday at 08:45 h.

Excursion to the Rock of Ifach: Every Friday at 10:00 h.

The Levante or La Fossa Beach in Calpe

Those visiting Calpe or living there are lucky to be able to enjoy a free activity that used ot be tradition in Costa Blanca and unfortunately, is now being forgotten: Summer cinema.

This is the schedule of the XV Cinema a la Mar during August, every Wednesday at 22:00 h at Fossa beach or Levante beach.

Wednesday, 10^th August: How to train your dragon.

Directed by:  Dean De Blois and Chris Sanders. Not recommended for kids under 7. Genre: Adventure. Lenght: 99 minutes.

Wednesday,  17^th August: Toy Story 3.

Directed by: Lee Unkrich. For all ages. Genre: Animation. Lenght: 104 minutes.

Wednesday, 24^th August: Iron Man 2.

Directed by: Jon Favrereau. Not recommended for kids under 12. Genre: Adventure. Lenght: 127 minutes.

Wednesday, 31^st August: Grownups.

Directed by: Dennos Dugan. For all ages. Genre: Comedia. Lenght: 103 minutes.

Sedajazz at XIII Jazz Nights in Calpe

Right now, the XIII edition of Jazz nights is on in Calpe. This is one of the most awaited music events by good music enthusiasts in Costa Blanca north and surrounding areas.

It is already the zenith of this festival featuring excellent jazz musicians in any imaginable style. The concerts have all been held in the Odeón theatre, located in Casa de Cultura, Jaume Pastor y Fluixà (1 Masnou Avenue).

If you could not attend the first concerts, then you will be happy to know that there are two more concerts still to go:

Tuesday, 16th August:

Mauri Sanchos presents its repertoire named “Intimo”, accompanied by Deim Robinson in the vocals and Blas Fernández in the battery.

Time: 22:00 h.

Tuesday, 23rd August:

Big Band Sedajazz Workshop: This collective of jazz musicians with different styles is the perfect blend to create a fresh, innovative concept.

Time: 22:00 h.

The admission is limited to the capacity of the Teatro Odeón. We recommend you to show up in 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).

Peñon de Ifach, or Ifach Rock

On 4^th September, Calpe celebrates the great swimming competition around the Rock of Ifach. This sport competition is the first of its kind in the region and we expect to have more editions in the future.

The “I Volta al Penyal d’Ifac”, which is how this challenge is called, will tour around all of the rock.

It is organized by the “Sense Limits” association with the support of the Town Hall of Calpe.

If you are planning to take part, please take in account that it is an open waters competition, with the risks inherent to it, and is 3,200 metres long. The route is estimated to be covered in 2 hours.

There will be 12 categories, by age and gender.

The departure point will be Racó beach and the finish line will be at Fossa beach.

The sign-up period is open until 31^st August and it must be done on this website. The participation fee is €15 and there is space for 300 competitors.

You should be in adequate physical shape to join, and be 16 or older. If you are 16 or 17, you will need a signed authorization by your legal representative.

Los Baños de la Reina (the Queen’s Baths)

If you are more of a drysides person instead of a sea enthusiast and would prefer other activities rather than the ones suggested here, these ones might be of interest to you:

Oltá circular excursion: Every Monday, join this circular classic hiking tour of medium difficulty. It takes 3 ½ hours to complete.

Time: 08:30 h. Starting point: Oltà Camping Area. Price: Free.

Queen’s Baths excursion: Tuesdays, join this tour to discover how the ancient Romans lived, by analysing their archaeological rests.

Time: 08:45 h. Starting point: Luxemburgo Street. Price: Free.

Tour to Voramar Calalga-Fustera: Every Tuesday, the group will reach Cala Fustera via the Voramar-Calalga path.

Time: 10:00 h. Starting point: Cala Calalga cove. Price: Free.

Cycling tour: Guided tour through natural and urban landscapes of Calpe, every Wednesday.

Time: 09:00 h. Starting point: Peñono tourist Info Office at 44 Ejércitos Españoles Avenue. Price: € 5 or 6.

Traditional paths: Hike through the path used in past times by the farmers. Stops in point of interest. Thursdays.

Time: 09:00 h. Starting point: L’Esport Street. Price: Free.

Excursion into the historic city centre: Also on Thursdays, you can join the guided walk through the old town of Calpe and get to know more about its history.

Time: 18:00 h. Starting point: Casa de Cultura. Price: Free.

Excursion to Ifach: Every Friday, choose to hike on the Rock, or visit the archaeological site.

Time: Hiking at 10:00 h and visit to the site at 08:45 h. Starting point: Hikers at the Interpertation centre of the Park and village visitors, next to the parking lot. Price: Free.

Book your place at the tourist info offices. We recommend you to dress accordingly, take fresh water with you and use sunblock.

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.

The Cala Gasparet of Calpe

The sea in Calpe is more than lying and bathing on the beach: In Calpe, the tourist board organizes boat trips and nautical activities. These are:

Snorkelling: Every Wednesday and Saturday this month, a group sets itself to snorkel in the waters of Calpe. You will be given short directions and the equipment needed to snorkel.

Time: 17:00 h. Starting point: CEMAS, in 4 Gibraltar street. Price: € 5.

Boat excursion: Any day of the week, sail to Gasparet or Penyal cove and bathe in their waters.

Time: 16:00 h. Starting point: CEMAS, in 4 Gibraltar street. Price: € 7.

Boat excursion and speleology activity: Any Wednesday or Friday, navigate to the caves of Toix and discover its secrets. Take in account that this activity include climbing.

Time:

09:00 h. Starting point: CEMAS, in 4 Gibraltar street. Price: € 15.

Fishing on boat: Every Tuesday and Friday, a boat will depart to Toix cape. Those who wish to fish, will be able to. All they have to do is bring baits. The rest of equipment will be supplied.

Time:

09:00 h. Starting point: CEMAS, in 4 Gibraltar street. Price: € 15.

Kayak: Work out your back and arms every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from Arenal Bol beach to the end of the Ifach Rock.

Time: 09:00 h. Starting point: Holanda Street. Price: € 5.

Catamaran: Sail around the bay of Calpe while you learn how sailing navigation works. Every Tuesday and Thursday.

Time: 09:00 h. Starting point: Holanda Street. Price: €10.

In all cases, please book your place at  the tourist office first. Do not forget to dress adequately, keep hydrated and use sunscreen.

Excavations in the Medieval Ifach Village

Our readers might be familiar with the great archeological site full of medieval ruins called the Village of Ifach.

This walled city has witnessed the history of Calpe, including the fight between the Genoese and the locals for the control of this strategic location. Now, seven centuries from its most active time, this archaeological site is a very interesting tourist attraction and one of the most representative ones of the Middle Ages in Valencia Region.

To involve the youngest members of our society in the history and background of this site, the Valencia Government and the local tourism offices have developed a program which name would translate along the lines of “Being an archaeologist for a day and discover the remains of the Villa of Ifac”.

This program is intended to promote interest in local history among children who visit this site through putting them in archaeologist’s shoes for a while and, through experimentation, learn and discover history themselves.

This activity is designed for children 6 to 8 and will be conducted at the northern slope of the rock every Tuesday in July between 10:00 h and 12:00 h.

For more information about this activity, please phone call at 679 195 912 or send an email to ifac_cma@gva.es

Street Market in Calpe

A good alternative to the traditional street markets are the markets located by the beach. In addition to providing what is usually found in a regular street market, they are set on a picturesque location. It makes them a much more inviting place to take some snapshots, linger at the stalls and have a refreshing drink.

In operation since July 2 (last Saturday) and until 18 September and at the ending of the Alemania Street, by the Arenal beach and at Mediterraneo Square on Fossa beach, these traditional craft markets have been set year after year.

Residents in Calpe and neighbouring towns as well as holiday makers are invited to stroll around and take a look at the nice handcrafts available at these markets .

There will be 21 craft booths and an oil painter at the Alemania Street, while 15 booths and two painters will be at the Mediterraneo square.

During these months, the shopping options are not limited to the traditional businesses and these street markets: there will be a handcraft fair in the historic city centre as well.

Leap Year on at the summer movies in Calpe

One of the most enjoyable traditions of the summer that unfortunately is being left behind, is the outdoors movie theater sessions. In Calpe, people can assist and enjoy the outdoors film screenings at the beach beautiful beach of La Fossa after a day under the sun.

Here you can check the schedule of films for the rest of July beginning today at dusk at the beautiful beach of La Fossa:

Wednesday, 13th July:
Movie Title: Leap Year.

Directed by Anand Tucker.
Time: 22:00 h.
Genre: Comedy.
Lenght: 97 min.
Film suitable for all audiences.

Wednesday, 20th July:
Movie Title: Date Night.
Directed by Shawn Levy.
Time: 22:00 h.
Genre: Comedy.
Length: 88 min.
Not recommended for children under 7 years.

Wednesday, 27th July:

Movie Title: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.
Directed by Mike Newell.
Time: 22:00 h.
Genre: Adventure.
Length: 116 min.
Not recommended for children under 7 years.

Sedajazz at XIII Jazz Nights in Calpe

For the 13^th time in its history, Calpe is happy to announce this event which is already a landmark in the regional music scene: Jazz Nights in Calpe.

As it has been done in previous years, the Odeon theatre (Casa de Cultura Jaume Pastor y Fluixà at 1 Masnou ave.) gets everything ready to welcome international and popular musicians from the jazz grounds. This is the schedule of the festival with dates, times and artists taking part in this music event:

Thursday, 14th July:
Time: 22:00 h.
Artist: Tramuntana Fusió. They will present a repertoire of modern interpretations of jazz, blues, bossa nova and funk classic pieces.

Tuesday, 26th July:
Fabio Miano and Marc Fosset, jam masters, will give a recital filled with Jazz and Hard Bop.
Time: 22:00 h.

Tuesday, 16^th August:
Mauri Sanchos, Deim Robinson y Blas Fernández
Time: 22:00 h.

Tuesday, 23rd August:
Big Band Sedajazz Workshiop.
Time: 22:00 h.

The admission is limited to the capacity of the venue.

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.

Valencia July Fair Bullfighting 2011

The bullfighting schedule is set for the Feria de Julio 2011 —traditional July festival— in Valencia. We are sure bullfighting enthusiasts will find it very interesting. The box offices at the bullring of Valencia are now open and the response of the public has exceeded expectations.

The schedule is packed with big names that will guarantee afternoons filled with emotions and enjoyment at the Valencia bullring.

-         From 16th to 19th July, the bullfights with young bulls and picadors will open the bullfighting sessions of the Fiesta de Julio de Valencia 2011.

-         Wednesday 20th July: Bullfighting with 6 bulls from La Quinta ranch and Tomás Sánchez, José Calvo and Alberto Aguilar.

-         Thursday, 21st July: Bullfight with 6 Juan Pedro Domecq bulls, and Vicente Barrera, El Cid and Daniel Luque.

-         On Friday 22^nd July there are scheduled the popular Enrique Ponce, El Juli and José María Manzanares.

-         On Saturday 23rd July there will be a 6 bulls from El Pilar ranch for the experienced José Tomás, Juan Mora and Arturo Saldivar.

-         Sunday 24th July: It is the last bullfighting day in Valencia, closing with horseback bullfighting against 6 bulls of the San Mateo and San Pelayo cattle ranchs, by Andy Cartagena, Leonardo Hernández and Manuel Manzanares.

Anyone interested in these shows can purchase tickets at the ticket office of the Valencia bullring, calling at +34 902 107 777 with credit card —tickets will be sent with a courier— or via Internet at www.torosvalencia.com.

Low Cost Festival Benidorm

After the proven success of previous year, the Low Cost Festival repeats in Benidorm. This year, the chosen dates are 21, 22 and 23 July. It will take place at the Guillermo Amor Sports Complex in Benidorm.

As it has been done in previous occasions on othe fesetivals in Costa Blanca, such as the Vinalopop in Elche, there will be 2-day and 3-day tickets as well as accommodation packages for those who wish to enjoy not only the festival, but also a high quality tourist offer and excellent hotels.

The Low Cost festival has gained great popularity, ranking as one of the most important national indie rock festivals in Spain.

This edition will bring talented national and international musicians such as Steve Aoki, Ok Go, Goose, Dorian, Maika Makovski, SuperSubmarina  and Athom Rhumba.

The capacity of the venue is limited to 15,000 people and it happened in previous years, the organisers expect the tickets to sell out.

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

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.

Feria de Julio 2011 Valencia

Year after year, Feria de Julio Valencia 2011 takes place in July, with the Conciertos de Viveros: However, Every year is not the same. The lineups of this row of concerts at the Botanical Garden keep growing in amount, variety and international scope:

Wednesday 6: Malú presents her latest album, “Guerra Fría”.

Thursday 7: Pablo Milanés, a classic.

Friday 8: Maldita Nerea, during its “Fácil” tour.

Saturday 9: Iggy Pop and the Stooges revisit their hits.

Sunday 10 at 20:00 h and 22:15 h: Spongebob Squarepants, the musical (in Spanish).

Wednesday 13: Sergio Dalma presents his last album, “Vía Dalma”.

Thursday 14: Dani Martín presents his solo album, “Pequeño”.

Friday 15: M Clan present their album “Para no ver el final”.

Monday 18: Seal comes as part of The Commitment Tour 2011.

Tuesday 19: Pablo Alborán presents his album debut.

Thursday 21: Andrés Calamaro.

Saturday 23: Vetusta Morla present their work “Mapas” + invited artist.

The shows will take place at Viveros and start at 22:00 h. Doors open 1 1/2 hour earlier and tickets are on sale at El Corte Inglés, TicketMaster and ServiEntrada.

Valencia Formula 1 street circuit

Valencia is at the head not only in cultural activities and fiestas, but also major sporting events like the ATP Tennis Open 500 , the Global Champions Tour horse race competitions,  and for the fourth consecutive year, the  Grand Prix of Europe of Formula 1, to be held in this opportunity on the weekend from 24 to 26 June.

At the capital of the Region of Valencia everything is set up to host one of the elite sporting events worldwide.

he urban circuit where the competition takes place is one of the most exciting ones of the championship and certainly one of the best achieved ones, by integrating Calatrava architecture, the neighbourhood of Nazareth, the modern port of Valencia and the sea in a single track .

A new feature this year as the event’s organization is called the “Pit Walk”, which brings fans to the pit lane area to have a close eye on Formula 1 drivers, mechanics and team strategists tuning their cars.

The GP of Europe attendance is expected to reach 80,000 spectators this year, which would almost certainly guarantee to renew the contract of organizing the event until 2019.

Tickets, here.

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.

Casa de Cultura Calpe

Today, we want to bring to our blog the calendar of events taking place during the rest of June at Casa de Cultura de Calpe “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà”, on 1 Masnou Street. 03710 Calpe (Alicante). This is the phone number for anyone who wishes to get additional information: +34 965 839 123.

Christine Pons artworks exhibition, at Pastor Hall in Casa de Cultura de Calpe. The exhibition will be open to the public from Tuesday 14th June to Sunday 31st July.

Theatre play on 24^th June at 21:00 h, at the Casa de Cultura Auditorium. “Parlem d’Amor” —Let’s talk about love, a play based on personal relationships; organised by the Theatre School of Calpe. Free, subject to the capacity of the venue.

XXII Cultural Week by the “Mestre Penella” Community Dance and Music School. This event will take place from 13^th to 18^th June; as it name obviously points out, it is organised by the “Mestre Penella” Community Dance and Music School.

Concert by the Students of the María Ferrer Music School on Friday 25^th June at 21:00 h at the Auditorium of the Casa de Cultura. Free admission, by not numbered invitation.

In this blog, we will keep our readers updated about the calendar of future events at Casa de Cultura de Calpe, as it changes every months, adding cultural activities including theatre, exhibitions, music, dance, conferences, movies, jazz nights and many other shows. In short, a full follow up on the cultural scene in Calpe (Alicante province).

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.

Bullfighting in San Juan 2011

Still in 2011, the bullfighting tradition is still celebrated as part of the Hogueras de San Juan fiestas —San Juan Bonfires. This is one of the most important fiestas in Costa Blanca.

Even though this event raises a lot of controversy in an increasing part of the population, it is also true that it is still popular enough to take place and have an audience.

This is the schedule of bullfighting events:

Sunday, 5 June
Bullfighting with 6 young bulls of the Marqués de Domecq ranch, without picadors.
Matadors: David Sevilla, Pablo Jesús Merin, Alberto Gila

Saturday, 18 June
Bullfighting with 6 bulls of the Valdefresno ranch
Matadors: Manuel Díaz, César Jiménez, Alejandro Esplá

Sunday, 19 June
Bullfight on horseback. 6 bulls of the Fermín Bohórquez ranch will be lanced.
Matadors: Fermín Bohórquez, Pablo Hermoso de Mendoza, Manuel Manzanares

Monday, 20 June
Bullfighting with 6 young bulls of the Santiago Domecq ranch, without picadors.
Matadors: Borja Álvarez,  Jonathan Varea

Tuesday, 21 June
Bullfighting with 6 bulls of the Garcigrande ranch
Matadors: Enrique Ponce, David Fandila, José María Manzanares

Wednesday, 22 June
Bullfighting with 6 bulls of the Juan Pedro Domecq ranch
Matadors: Morante de la Puebla, José María Manzanares, Francisco José Palazón

Thursday, 23 June
Bullfighting with 6 bulls of the Palmosilla ranch
Matadors: Miguel Ángel Perera, Julio Aparicio, Cayetano

Friday 24 June
Bullfighting with 6 bulls of the Zalduendo ranch
Matadors: Francisco Rivera,  Manuel Jesús, Sebastián Castella

Saturday, 25 June
Bullfighting with 6 young bulls of the Cartelilla ranch, with picadors.
Davis Galván, López Simón, Alfredo Bernabeu

The bullfights will take place at the Alicante Bull Ring from 19:00 h.

Calpe "Peñon Ifach"

This June, there are a few touristy and leisurely activities in Calpe:

As you will tell, there is an activity for anyone, no matter their age, preferences or available time off. That is: there is no excuse to enjoy Calpe during the start of the summer.

These are the guided tours and excursions to take place in June:

Excursion into the historic city centre: Visit to the old town, getting to know the places of interest in more detail.

Dates and times: 4, 11, 18 and 25 June at 17:30 h. Starting point: Casa de Cultura in 1 Masnou Avenue.

Price: Free. Lenght: Approx. 2 h.

Excursion Calalga-Fustera via Voramar: Walk from Cala Calalga to Cala Fustera coves through the Voramar path.

Date and time: 10 June at 10:00 h. Starting point: Cala Calalga cove.

Price: Free. Lenght: Approx. 2 h.

Tour to the Village of Ifach: Visit to the archaeological site.

Date and time: 4 and 18 June at 16:00 h. Starting point: Rock of Ifach Parking area.

Price: Free. Lenght: Approx. 1 h.

Countryside route: Visit to rural places of interest such as “Pou Salat”.

Date and time: 17 June at 10:00 h. Starting point: L’Esport Street, in front of the Repsol gas station.

Price: Free. Lenght: Approx. 2 h.

Snorkelling and boat trip.

Excursion to the Rock of Ifach: Guided tour to learn about this nature park.

Date and time: 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 June, at 10:00 h. Starting point: Panyal d’Ifac Nature Park Information Centre. Price: Free. Lenght: Approx. 2 ½ h.

IV Festival del Mediterrani

The IV Festival del Mediterrani celebrates the musical culture of the Mediterranean countries.

Beyond the popular music that comes to our minds when we think of Mediterranean countries, this region is certainly rich on classical music production.

Who would disagree on the passion and elegance behind Tosca, for example? If you do not know it yet and are around or in Valencia these days, we strongly recommend you to get a ticket and experience it. You will start seeing the Mediterranean culture with different eyes.

This is the schedule of programmed events in May and June 2011:

Tosca, by Giacomo Puccini, interpreted by the orchestra and the choir of the Region of Valencia.

Dates: 4, 7, 10 and 13 June. Location: Main Hall.

La Tosca, Victorien Sardou, by Andrés Poveda. This will be a dramatized reading in Spanish.

Dates: 31 May, and 1 and 2 June. Location: Aula Magistral Hall

Fidelio, by Ludwig van Beethoven, interpreted by the orchestra and the choir of the Region of Valencia.

Dates: 5, 8, 11, 22 and 26 June. Location: Main Hall

Looking for Florestan, by Andrés Poveda.

Date: 6 and 11 June. Location: Still to decide

Zubin Mehta. Mahler’s Centennial.

Date: Sunday 12th June. 19:00 h. Location: Auditorium.

This show will also be presented on the Dance and music festival of Granada next 24^th June.

Word is Music, with the participation of many composers and musicians.

Date: Wednesday, 15^th June. Location: Teatre Martín i Soler Theatre.

Georges Prêtre. Roma trilogy, by Ottorino Respighi.

Date: 17, 18 and 19 June. Location: Auditorium.

Ferenc Liszt. Années de pèlerinage.

Date: 20 June. Location: Teatre Martín i Soler Theatre.

To get tickets for any of these events, visit the official Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía website and go through the shopping cart.

There is the possibility to choose seats.

Carlos Sobera and Mar Regueras at the Teulada Moraira Auditorium

Famous actors Carlos Sobera (game shows host and entertainer) and Mar Regueras (from Grand Prix and Musica Si TV Shows) will star in a black comedy about the thin line between love and hate in couples. This comedy -based on the novel written by Warren Adler- was made famous in the film featuring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in the roles of Oliver and Barbara respectively.

This comedy about passion and raw violence starts as a happy love story of a wealthy couple with an intense social life that, despite being considered a happy marriage is not what it seems.

He is a successful (and rather obnoxious overly stretched) lawyer who thinks that the position and happiness of his family depend exclusively on him and his work. She has had the role of wife and homemaker since the beginning of the marriage and has built the perfect home.

Everything had worked out in that way until one day when the children had gone to college and living together routine started to become unbearable. The conflicts start when Barbara decided to become economically independent and file for divorce to Oliver, although he is not willing to give what he considers his: the cruel fight for who is going to keep the house supposes the beginning of a war of one against one.

This 1 hour 30 minutes length play will also feature the actors Koldo Losada and Xabi San Sebastian in supporting roles.

Date of the play: Saturday June 25, 2011

Time: 22:00 h.

Venue: Auditorio de Teulada – Moraira

Admission: 22 €

Language: Spanish

Directs: Garbi Losada

Theater Company: Ados Teatroa, Arequipa, New Atlantis and Pentación

Shakira's "The Sun Comes Out" Tour

The Lebanese-Colombian pop singer Shakira Mebara – simply known as Shakira- will perform next May 30 in the Marina Sur auditorium, at the Valencia port. This is the first gig of the “The Sun Comes Out” world tour in Europe.

This tour began last year to promote her latest album with the same name.

Shakira returned to Spain to perform in other cities like Barcelona, Almeria, Madrid and Bilbao as well.

The Barcelona gig will take place just one day before the Valencia date, at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.

After Valencia, Almería will follow on 1st June at the Mediterranean Games Stadium.

The gig in Madrid will be held on 3^rd June at the Vicente Calderon Stadium and the last date in Spain is reserved for Bilbao, just the day after, at the great San Mamés Stadium.

People in Spain will not miss her much when she leaves to tour, anyway. Since he got in a relationship with the popular football player Pique and because some of his relatives live in Barcelona, she is almost moving to this city.

The singer-songwriter was nominated for thirteen Billboard Latin Awards only this year, both for her striking live show and for her recorded material.

As usual in the great tours of the artist, you might have noticed that concerts will be held in large stadiums that allow massive capacity, such as the Marina Sur, where spectators from all over the Valencia Region will enjoy a night full of rhythm.

Those interested in attending this show can buy tickets through Servicaixa ATMs, LiveNation’s website and in the venues of the concerts, although the organization does not guarantee the availability of tickets on the day of the event. Right now, ticket prices range from €45 to €65.

In Servicaixa, you can also opt for the Premium golden Ticket, with 1^st category seats, premium access, a cocktail event and other advantages.

Casa de Cultura Calpe

Sounds Familiar is a theatre club by foreign residents in Costa Blanca and produced by the talented Philip Ashley, also producer of the Ménage a Trois, another artistic group.

The list of successful productions by Philip Ashley in the regions is long.

His latest production is West End Nights, a charity show which funds will be destined to the EMAUS Children Association.

This musical will go over the most relevant classics of this genre, such as Hairspray, the Beauty and the Beast, The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon and many more.

The musical will take place on 25^th May at 20:00 h in the Auditorium at Casa de Cultura “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà” in Calpe, on 1 Masnou Avenue.

To purchase admission tickets to this event, enter the Sounds Familiar website and do it online with a credit card. You can also get your tickets personally by visiting the Margaret & Elena’s Book and Card shop at Gabriel Miró Avenue.

Admission prices range from € 12 to € 14.

Stress Management Workshop in Calpe

On Thursday 27th May 2011 there will be a workshop on “Stress Management and Burnout at Work”, in Spanish.

The chosen venue will be the Casa de Cultura “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà” in Calpe, on 1 Masnou Avenue.

The workshop will be directed by María José Fuster; it will last 8 hours, will start at 10:00 h and there will be a break for lunch.

The event is organised by the Local Development Agency of Calpe —AFIC— together with the Provincial Council of Alicante.

The workshop is specially designed for small businesses owners and businesspeople.

The workshop will be divided into theory and practice, and aims to provide participants with the tools needed to reduce the negative effects of tense moments at the workplace and to teach resting techniques.

It will also give participants more and deeper knowledge about “burnout”, a situation in which the worker increasingly loses interest, focus and ability to cope with the working routine.

You can sign up personally by visiting the Les Muralles Building, mezzanine, on 9 Ifach Avenue, or on the phone at +34 965 839 033, on office hours.

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.

“S.O.S. Spanish Coastline”

Besides the activities planned in Calpe during May, there is a good variety of art exhibitions in Calpe, open on the dates shown below:

Presentation of the “S.O.S. Spanish Coastline” project, organised by Fotoclub Ifach and the “S.O.S. Spanish Coastline” or “S.O.S. Paisajes de Mar” (in Spanish) collective group.
Date: Open until 19th May. Time: 20:00 h. Location: Saló Blau hall, Casa de Cultura.

XII Mother’s Day themed paintings contest, organised by the Council of Equality.
Date: Open until 20th May. Time: 20:30 h. Location: Entrance hall of the Casa de la Cultura.

III ““Villa de Calp” National Photography Contest, organised by the Council of Tourism.
Date: Open until 27th May. Time: 20:00 h. Location: Pedro Pastor hall in Casa de Cultura.

End of Year Continuous Education Pupils’ Works Exhibition, organised by the Council of Education. Date: From 27th May to 5th June. Time: 20:00 h. Location: Exhibition hall of the Casa de la Cultura.

Peñon de Ifach (the rock of Ifach), Calpe

In May, it is difficult to get bored in Calpe. This month, there are many activities planned in town.

As you will tell most excursions are free of charge. All you have to do is plan a little in advance and sign up. This means you can get rid of the “crisis” as an excuse to enjoy the beautiful  landscapes of Calpe, both the urban and natural ones.

These are the guided tours and excursions planned:

Excursion into the historic city centre: Visit to the old town, getting to know the places of interest in more detail.

Dates and times: 21^st and 28^th May at 17:30 h. Starting point: Casa de Cultura in 1 Masnou Avenue.

Price: Free. Lenght: Approx. 2 h.

Excursion Calalga-Fustera via Voramar: Walk from Cala Calalga to Cala Fustera coves through the Voramar path.

Date and time: 20^th May at 10:00 h. Starting point: Cala Calalga cove.

Price: Free. Lenght: Approx. 2 h.

Tour to the Village of Ifach: Visit to the archaeological site.

Date and time: 21^st May at 16:00 h. Starting point: Rock of Ifach Parking area.

Price: Free. Lenght: Approx. 1 h.

Countryside route: Visit to rural places of interest such as “Pou Salat”.

Date and time: 27th May at 10:00 h. Starting point: L’Esport Street, in front of the Repsol gas station.

Price: Free. Lenght: Approx. 2 h.

Snorkelling and boat trip.

You can also check more activities in Calpe during May here.

To guarantee you can take part in these excursions, it is important to sign up in any of the Tourist Info Offices of Calpe.

Tricicle 2 in "100% Tricicle"

On 27^th May 2011 at 21:00 h, Tricicle 2 will be presenting a play called “100% Tricicle”, directed by Tricicle Theatre Company.

The venue will be the Auditorium at Casa de Cultura “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà” in Calpe, on 1 Masnou Avenue.

100% Tricicle is an anthology of the funniest gags on every Tricicle play, such as Terrici, Manicomic, Slastic, Exit, Sit and their latest work: Garrick.

Tricicle 2 has set themselves to make you laugh every 10 to 15 minutes. As you might imagine, the play is lively and dynamic, with situational changes and almost surreal scenes.

If you have a good commando of Spanish and want to have a good time, do not think it twice and set apart this date in your calendar.

The length of the play is 90 minutes.

Admission is €5 and you can get your ticket online through Servicam or at the ticket box on the 18^th, 24^th or 27^th May.

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.

Teatre Principal in Valencia

In 2011, until 19th June, the most relevant theatres in Valencia and Alicante in Costa Blanca will host the Dansa València International Season with 25 dance shows. This is the calendar of events starting today:

Teatre Principal (Barques 15, Valencia. Tel: +34 963 539 260 / 963 539 261).
12 – 14 May: Drácula, by Ballet de Teatres de la Generalitat.
15 May: Gala Premi Dansa València, by José Carlos Martínez.
20 – 22 May: Cayetana, Su Pasión, by Compañía Cecilia Gómez, con Paco de Lucía, Antonio Canales and many more.

Teatre Rialto (Plaza Ayuntamiento 15, Valencia. Tel: +34 963 539 300).
11 May: Within, by Les SlovaKs.
12 May: Journey Home, by Les SlovaKs Dance Collective.
17 May: (espérame despierto), by Mopa.
19 May: Glitch / Bound, by Thomas Noone Dance.
21 May: Hidden / Choice, by Cobosmika Company.
25 May: La Constellation Consterneé, by Compagnie Illicothomas Lebrun.
27 May – 5 June: Desalmados, by Ananda Dansa.

Teatre Talia (Cavallers 31, Valencia. Tel: +34 963 912 920).
Until 22 May: Imprebís 5 Estrellas, by L’Om Imprebís.
1-19 June: El Amor de Miss Amores, by Adí Producciones.

Teatre Arniche (Avenida de Aguilera 1, Alicante. Tel: +34 965 936 838).
14 May: Tripolar, by Compañía Marco Vargas y Chloé Brûlé.
21 May: Scrakeja’t, by Cobosmika Company.
Until 22 May: Imprebís 5 Estrellas, by L’Om Imprebís.
1- 19 June: El Amor de Miss Amores, by Adí Producciones.

Carme Teatre (Gutenberg 12, Valencia. Tel: +34 963 924 271).
21 – 22 May: Una Palabra, by La Permanente.
28-29 May: Disculpe Caballero, by Zig Zag Danza.
3-4 June: Carne di Prima Qualitá, by Natxo Montero Danza.

Espacio Inestable (Dr. Sanchís Bergón 5, Valencia. Tel: +34 963 921 630).
13-15 May: Al Menos Dos Caras, by Projects In Movement.
26-28 May: Ni Ogros ni Princesas, by Provisional Danza.

Activities on the Peñon de Ifach ( Rock of Ifach)

The Tourism Council of Calpe’s Town Hall organises outdoors activities for residents and visitors alike, together with the Archaeological Museum of Calp and Rock of Ifach Nature Park. These activities aim to promote the natural and historical treasures of the town. Some of the most interesting tours available are:

Rock of Ifach: What would Ifac say if it could talk? Tour through the nature park, visiting the archaeological remains.
Date: 4, 11, 18 and 25 May. Time: 10:00 h. Lenght: Approx. 2 ½ h.

Price: Free.
Meeting point: Panyal d’Ifac Nature Park Information Centre.

“Banos de la Reina” –Queen’s Baths: Guided tour to the archaeological remains.
Date: 14 and 28 May. Time: 16:00 h. Lenght: Approx. 1 h.
Price: Free.
Meeting point: Luxemburgo St.

Circular Oltà Hiking tour:
Date: 13 May. Time: 10:00 h. Lenght: Approx. 3 h.
Price: Free.
Meeting point: Oltà Camping Area.

Snorkelling: Swimming the beaches of Calpe with goggles, snorkels and fins supplied by the organiser. Swimsuit required.
Date: 7, 14, 21 and 28 May. Time: 15:00 h. Lenght: Approx. 2 h.
Price: € 3.
Meeting point: CEMAS, 4 Gibraltar Street.

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.

FiraCalp Trade Fair 2011

Everything is ready to open the third edition of FiraCalp 2011 -Calp Trade Fair 2011.

This initiative adds up to other shopping and festive events organized by the City Council of Calpe to promote local economy, tourism and hospitality industry in this town.

FiraCalp’11 will be held on Thursday, 5 May from 19:00 h to 02:00 h and on Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Sunday May 8 from 11:00 h until the last customer walks out the door.

The chosen venue for this event will be  the Plaza Mayor (main square) of Calpe, as it has been done in previous years.

The choice of this place is due to the proximity of most participating retailers to the area, as well as the ease of access for attendees and the wonderful surroundings of the site that invite you to stop at one of the stalls and enjoy a typical regional dish accompanied by a cool drink.

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.

La Raíz, band from Gandía

Get ready for “Som Calp”, a fantastic music event to be held at the Calpe Sports Centre next Friday 29^th April at 22:00 h. This concert will feature performances by Sva-ters,  Obrint Pas and La Raíz. These are some of the most important rock-fusion bands in the Region of Valencia.

Obrint Pas and Sva-ters are two groups from Valencia, popular among young listeners because of their unique blend of hard rock, jazz and ska styles.

La Raíz are natural from Gandía and have played a key role in the local rock scene since their creation in 2000.

This event will serve as a launch event of the albums recently out by the three bands.

It is also a great opportunity to get to know the talented rock artists of the Region of Valencia. All in all, Spain is not only Flamenco.

Tickets will be sold on the same day of the concert, at the ticket box offices. Admission costs €13.

Cala Gasparet cove in Calpe

Any time of the year is good to go out and practice outdoors activities in Calpe —Costa Blanca north, but the best time of all is spring.

This is a sample of the activities organised for the next weeks in Calpe:

Snorkelling: Brief introduction to snorkelling followed by practice.
The equipment needed will be provided by the collaborating company. Swimsuit required.
Date: 23^rd and 30^th April. 7^th, 14^th, 21st and 28^th May.

Lenght: Approx. 2 h. Time: 15:00 h.
Meeting point: CEMAS, 4 Gibraltar Street.
Price: € 3.

Tour to the Village of Ifach: Guided tour to the archaeological remains of the Medieval Village of Ifach.
Date: 23^rd April. 7th and 21st May.
Time: 16:00 h.
Meeting point: Rock of Ifach Parking area.
Price: Free.

Boat excursion: Sailing tour to Cala Penyal or Cala Gasparet, where participants will be able to bathe or scuba-dive with a guide.
The diving equipment will be available for rent by the company organising the event.
Date: 24^th April. 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd May.
Time: 13:00 h.
Meeting point: CEMAS, 4 Gibraltar Street.
Price: €5.

Tour to Voramar Calalga-Fustera: Guided tour through the path from “Voramar” Calalga to Fustera, a fantastic place to enjoy the natural setting and the views.
Date: 24^th and 29^th April. 20^th May.
Time: 10:00 h.
Meeting point: Cala Calalga cove.
Price: Free.

To take part, it is necessary to sign up at the Tourist Info Offices by calling at +34 965 874 060 or e-mailing at calpe@touristinfo.net.

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”.

Holy Week’s Medieval Market

During Holy Week, there are many options to enjoy your holidays here in Costa Blanca north.

In Calpe, for example, we remind you there will be a medieval street market from 22nd to 24th April, both days inclusive.

As usual, the stalls will be installed on Plaza Mayor Square.

Opening  hours will be 11:00 h to 14:30 h and 17:00 h to 22:00 h.

The medieval market is more than a simple place to stuff your bags with unique, handcrafted items —and food. It is always a special experience, no matter how many times you have repeated.

The outfits, the people and the beautiful old city centre recreate the ambiance so often seen in movies, read in books and so difficult to imagine oneself in.

This “Renaissance party” as they have called it this time, will include geese walks, a carrousel, a children’s playground, characters of the époque, exhibition of original antique items and workshops of pasture, looming, etc.

If you come from another city and plan to stay overnight, this post provides good information about lodging in Calpe.

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.

Salo Blau in Calpe

Calpe is a small city that takes good care of all leisure and cultural activities and does not keep focused in the beach and sun touristic activities. We proudly say that Calpe counted in this April with a series of conferences about different subjects as informed below:

Ophthalmology Conference by Mercedes Inés Badin.
Organisers: “Amas de Casa” Association.
Date: Wednesday, 13^th April. Time: 18:30 h. Venue: Salo Blau.

Navigation routes and techniques in modern times (XVI-XIX Centuries) by Professor Cayetano Mas Galván (Universidad de Alicante).
Organised by: Institut d’Estudis Calpins.
Date: Thursday 14^th April. Time: 20:30 h. Venue: Salo Blau.
Admission limited to venue capacity.

Tobies Grimaltos’ “Solange” novel Presentation.
Organised by: Institut d’Estudis Calpins.
Date: Friday 29^th April. Time: 20:30 h. Venue: Salo Blau.
Admission limited to venue capacity.

All these activities are free of charge, but make sure you arrive early because the Saló Blau is quite small and easy to fill it up.

El Cau de l’Unicorn

As usual in Calpe, music events and cultural activities are many and there is something different for every family member.

This spring, the company El Cau de l’Unicorn will bring to Calpe the musical play “The Liar Ghost”, performed by giant puppets. This children’s oriented play make us reflect about tolerance and respect for others, but still keeping the sense of humor and funny situations.

The staging of this music show will take place on Saturday April 16 at 18:30 h in the Auditorium of the Casa de Cultura in Calpe.

The lenght of the play will be about 60 minutes and the admission ticket price will be 3 €. Tickets can be purchased at the Tobacconist # 1 (C / de la Llibertat) and Lina and Marco Beauty parlor (Avenida Gabriel Miró).

This musical is organised and sponsored by The Festivities Committee of Calp.

This play is not interpreted in English.

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.

Casa de Cultura Calpe

While the privileged climate that we have at Calpe invites us outdoors, the Calpe cultural activity do not stop and brings many options this spring, so we will busy for sure. Among the most important exhibitions in Calpe there are:

Exhibition about school Bullying. Organized by Caja Madrid and Department of Education
Date: From Friday 1st to Monday 25^th April. Time: 20:00 h. Venue: Exhibition Hall.

“Art and the environment” Exhibition organized by the Benidorm Artists Collective .
Date: From 4^th to 29^th April. Time: 20:00 h. Venue: Aula Pedro Pastor.

Exhibition “Cooperació per al desenvolupament” (cooperation for the development) organised by Catholic Schools of the Region of Valencia in collaboration with the Department of Civic Solidarity.
Date: From 11 to 24 April. Location: Hall of the Casa de la Cultura.

Conference and opening of project “SOS Seascapes”: Organised by S.O.S. Seascapes group and Calp Photographic Club.
Date: From 27^th April to 19^th May. Time: 20:00 h. Venue: Salo Blau.

Calpe’s Salt Lakes

With the arrival of spring and a general increase in temperatures, cultural events, sports and entertainment activities also blossom at the town of Calpe and in neighbouring populations. Here there are our suggestions for the weekend:

Exhibit about “Bullying” organized by Caja Madrid and Education Council of Calpe.
Time: Daily from 20:00 h. Venue: Exhibition Hall.

XI “Vila de Calp” String Music Festival
Date: Saturday, 2^nd April. Time: 20:30 h. Venue: Auditorium
Free admission until full capacity is reached.

Hiking and climbing and urban trekking: The municipality of Calpe offers many low impact outdoor activities that can be done with the family. The most popular (and less difficult) hiking trails are:

• Walk to the archaeological sites of a Roman villa and the Queen’s Baths —Baños de la Reina— near the salt marsh.

• Urban route visiting the buildings of the architect Ricardo Bofill and the viewpoints from La Manzanera and Morro de Toix.

• Hiking the Sierra de Oltá.

Auditorium, Casa de la Cultura Calpe

April is just around the corner, and this month comes with many musical activities in the town of Calpe. Among the shows during  this wonderful early spring season we can find:

XI “Vila de Calp” String Music Festival, with the participation of the “Barqueta” Cultural Association of Benidorm, Calpe’s Escola de Corda and Benissa’s Rondalla Cultural.
Date: Saturday 2^nd April. Time: 20:30 h. Venue: Auditorium
The admission for this concert is free of charge, although you must request a numbered invitation in the auditorium box office.

The Wireless Years 2011. With Barry Britten and Chris Allen: Organised by Lions Club of Calpe and Benissa. Charity event for College Gargasindi and the Mayte Boronat Center.
Date: Friday 8^th April. Time: 20:00 h. Venue: Auditorium.
Admission: 10 €, available by telephone 62978 007 or e-mail: hughstewart@telefonica.net

Rondalla de Calpe Concert
Date: Saturday 9^th April. Time: 20:30 h. Venue: Auditorium.
Free admission by invitation available at the box office.

Ifach Chorus  Concert
Date: Sunday 10^th April. Time: 20:00 h. Venue: Church of Our Lady de les Neus.

Medieval Street Market in Calpe

Next 22, 23 and 24 April (Good Friday to Easter Sunday) the traditional medieval market will be held in the Plaza Mayor of Calpe.

Artisans will offer at this event its utensils, tools, medieval traditional cuisine dishes (made the old-fashioned way) and even reproductions of medieval weapons in order to recreate the lifestyle of the known world at that time.

This kind of events is expected to encourage a kind of tourism which preserves the culture and traditions while promoting small business of itinerant craftspeople.

In addition to the artisans, in this market you will find all kinds of entertainment options such as a playgrounds, demonstrations of antique shops, exhibition farms and live music with medieval instruments.

If you are spending time close to Calpe and want to do something different and know some of the history of Europe without leaving the fiesta atmosphere, take the train and go to Calpe’s Main Square this Easter from 11:00 to 14:30 h. and 17:00 to 22:00 h.

III Calpe Trade Fair, FiraCalp'11

Calpe Town Hall has recently announced the third edition of FiraCalp, a trade fair organised by this office to promote the food and tourism industry in the region.

The Town Hall will provide 3×2 metre stands, showcases, and maintenance and security services during the trade fair. It will be held in Plaza Mayor square, as it has been done on previous editions.

FiraCalp’11 invites all businesses to take part in this initiative. To qualify, businesses must be registered in Calpe, must have their taxes payments to date and must have a business license or be in the process of getting it.

The participation fee is €100 for shops and €150 for bars and restaurants.

FiraCalp’11 will take place on Thursday, 5th May from 19:00 h to 02:00 and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 h.

Come and visit this trade fair. It is the perfect opportunity to catch special promotions and get acquainted with the local market.

Rock of Ifach in Calpe

The fantastic weather of Calpe allows the practice of outdoors activities all year round, but spring is, without a doubt, the best season of the year to go out and enjoy the sun and the Mediterranean breeze. Well aware of this, Calpe Tourist Info offices have organised guided tours. Some of them are:

“Historic City Centre”:

Guided tour around the historic city centre, with stops in places of interest such as the church, the hermitage and city museums.

Date: Saturday, 26th March. Time: 16:30 h. Meeting point: Casa de Cultura. Masnou Avenue.

This guided tour is free of charge.

“Rock of Ifach”:

This guided tour is a great opportunity to know more about the stories and details of this nature park and its archaeological treasures, such as the medieval remains of “Villa d’Ifac” village.

Date: Wednesday, 30th March. Time: 10:00 h. Meeting point: Penyal d’Ifac Nature Park Information Centre.

This guided tour is also free of charge.

We recommend you to bring fresh water and wear comfortable shoes, as these tours are made by foot.

For additional information, please contact the Tourist info Office (Mosquit Square) at +34 965 838 532 or sending an email to calpecentro@touristinfo.net.

Friends of the Children of Emaús

Cultural activities in Calpe include concerts for all tastes: traditional fiesta music, opera and Spain’s classic pasodoble.

The biggest concerts in Calpe during March and April are:

Concert of the shortlisted songs of the XI Vila de Calp fiestas music writing contest on pasodoble style mode played by Unión Musical Calpe-Ifach music band.

Date: Saturday, 26th March: Time: 20:30 h. Location: Auditorium.

Organised by: Calp Town Hall, Santísimo Cristo del Sudor Moors and Christians Association and Unión Musical Calpe-Ifach music band.

Admission for this concert is free, but you will need to request a numbered invitation at the ticket box to gain access.

Comedy opera H.M.S. Pinafore. Music by Arthur Sullivan and script by William S. Gilbert.

Dates: 31^st March and 1^st April. Time: 20:00 h. Location: Auditorium.

Organised by: Gilbert & Sullivan Society Cultural Association.

The funds raised will be destined to Friends of the Children of EMAUS association and Centro Mayte Boronat.

The admission to enjoy the opera will be €12 to be paid at Margaret & Elena’s card shop (Gabriel Miró Avenue).

Click here to check what’s on in the music scene of Jávea.

Casa de Cultura Calpe

Casa de Cultura in Calpe (Masnou Ave., No. 1 Calpe, Tel: 965 839 123) offers year-round multi-cultural activities regardless the gender, origins or tendencies of the artist or group of artists. The only requirement is that it could be of public interest.

Check here the exhibitions in Calp by the second fortnight of March:

Exhibition of works by “Antonia Garcia”, a talented local artist. From Friday 4th March to Wednesday 30th March.
Time: from 20:00 h. Venue: Exhibition Hall of the Casa de Cultura in Calpe.

The Regidoria d’Igualtat d’Oportunitats (equity council of Calpe) organizes an exhibition in the framework of the international week of working women. This exhibition will show the most remarkable works presented in the photography contest “Women and Equality,” held last month. This exhibition will be open until Thursday 31st March.
Time: from 20:00 h. Venue: Entrance Hall of the Casa de Cultura in Calpe.

Since last 10th March until early April, the Casa de Cultura presents the exhibition called “Duality“, organized by the Art Avant association.
Time: from 20:00 h. Venue: Pedro Pastor Hall of the Casa de Cultura in Calpe.

Free hiking tours in Calpe

One of the most popular hiking trails of northern Alicante province is by far the Oltá Circular route that starts at the Mount Oltá camping area ​​ (very close to the road N-332 exit to Calpe) and reaches the very mountaintop.

Although the track is in very good condition and is not difficult to do at all, it rises 500 meters up the starting point level. You do not have to be an elite athlete to successfully finish the trail, but it does take a certain focus level to keep pace all the way to the top.

Just for the sights you can enjoy while on the trail (and especially the one in the top), the 4-hour effort it takes to do this route is worth it. From above, you can see a beautiful picture of the Rock of Ifach and Bernia Range.

It is advisable to bring enough food and water for the day, proper footwear and long trekking pants to avoid scratches.

The guided tour through the Sierra de Oltà departs from the camping area on Friday 25^th March at 10:00 h. This activity is free of charge.

Auditorium, Casa de la Cultura Calpe

Leisurely activities are always on throughout the year in Calpe. Among the music events, check the popular festive music recitals and chamber music available, as we detail below:

Saturday March 12

“Double Passion” Concert for piano and cello with Guy Verhelst and Neve Lutgarde.

The musicians will perform music from movies, Broadway musicals and their own musical compositions.

Time: 20:30 h. Venue: Auditorium. Organizers: Asociación Cultural Ilusión
Admission: €7 (members) / €12. To be sold in box office 2 hours before the concert and in advance at the Belladona hairdressers (Justicia Street) and Lencería Sefamari (Portalet Street).

Saturday March 26

Finalists of the 11^th Festive Music Composition Contest will offer a live concert in Pasodoble mode. Performed by Unión Musical Calp Ifach.

Time: 20:30 h. Venue: Auditorium.  Organisers: Calpe Town Council, Association of Moors and Christians Cristians Santíssim Crist de la Suor y Unió Musical Calp Ifach.
Admission is free with a numbered invitation that you can collect at the auditorium box office.

If you are more in the party mood, you might want to check the Calpe Carnivals.

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.

New TEMPS Valencia Lodging Guide

In 2010, Valencia’s Regional Ministry of Tourism founded the Region of Valencia’s Inland Accommodation Club. With this, the Ministry aimed to create a strong, unified representation of rural lodgings with features in common: peculiar, authentic, with outstanding service. Those had to be more than mere places to sleep, spaces to experience the real identity of these lands and its people.

A year later, TEMPS —which is the name of this club— has its own guide.

This downloadable guide provides straight-to-the-point, useful information about 35 charming lodges, including direct contact details.

From single cottages for rent to hostels, this guide has a place for everyone —always in the framework of inland, rural tourism.

This fantastic initiative has positive effects in the regional tourist sectors, adding competitiveness and providing benefits for tourists and people living of rural tourism alike, by providing a direct link between both parties.

This guide is a great complement for the Costa Blanca north guide our sponsor gives away to those who subscribe to our news  feed.

lifeguard teams on the beaches of Calpe

If you are in good shape, enjoy the beach and are looking for working alternatives in the area of lifeguard and rescue, then this information might be of interest to you:

The company in charge of the lifeguard teams on the beaches of Calpe will teach a training course on lifeguard and rescue starting the first Friday of March and for 6 weeks. This course will credit participants to apply for lifeguard positions in Calpe during summertime.

The training days will be Fridays afternoon and Saturday and Sunday, all day. The training time will total 350 academic hours.

The course is limited to 25 people. In case of exceeded requests, the candidates will undergo a selection process with endurance tests, to select the 25 fittest.

Those interested in taking part on the training course can sign up at the Calpe Town Hall. For this, a letter with a formal request, the NIF and a medical certificate must be presented.

The course will be taught in Spanish, and so must be the request writen.

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.

Marina Alta's Women Meeting held last year

The Equality Council of Calpe (1 Plaza Beato Francisco Sendra, phones +34 965 835 111 and +34 607 438 594) has opened the registration process for a series of artistic competitions in the framework of the XI Marina Alta’s Women Meeting. The open contests are:

3^rd Photography Contest “Women and Equality”: An exhibition of the works convened from 8^th March to 31^st 2011 is planned to be held in Casa de Cultura Jaume Pastor i Fluixá.

From February 21th, participants may submit their works (up to 3 photos per participant). The first prize is 350 € and there will be three second prizes of 150 € each.

Deadlines for admission will be 4^th March 2011.

12^th Mother’s Day´s Painting Contest: Any painting technique can be used. This contest is only open for unpublished, original works and be submitted in hard frame. You can submit a maximum of 3 works by artist and prizes will be of 1000 € for the winner, € 500 for the finalist and 300 € for the best work of a local artists.

Works allowed for the contest from the date hereof until 29^th April.

This is just one of the many activities organised by the Equality council, like the workshops taking place right now in Casa de Cultura.

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.

Theatre plays for all ages in Calpe

Calpe is popular in its region for being one of the most culturally active towns around. This is a selection of theatre plays on Calpe for the next weeks:

“Cirque déjà vu”: A theatre play for kids 6 and older. It goes about two good old friends who were clowns and take a look back at beautiful and colourful moments filled with illusion. This presentation (www.labaldufateatre.com) was awarded in the 2011 European Fair of Theatre for Kids 2010, held in Gijón, Spain.

Date: Saturday, 12th February: Location: Auditorium at Casa de Cultura. Time: 18:30 h. Length: 60 minutes. Ticket price: Free admission, by invitation.

“El idiota en Versalles” –the idiot in Versailles- is for grown-ups. This play by Chema Cardeña and music by J.B. Lully and F. Couperin is interpreted by the Arden theatre company (www.arden.es).

Date: Friday, 25th February. Location: Auditorium at Casa de Cultura. Time: 21:00 h. Length: 85 minutes. Ticket price: € 3.

Both plays are in Spanish.

25th La Marina Tour: Parcent leg

There are only four stages left to complete the 25^th edition of the Volta la Marina (La Marina cycling Tour). If weather conditions are as expected, the schedule of the last four legs of this sports event will be as follows:

Fifth Stage: Altea
Date: February 13^th.

Stage of 76 km, with two sprints in Bolulla (outbound) and Parcent. The weather might be rather cool, so probably the average speed will be lower than the 38 km / h which is usually reached at this stage.

Sixth Stage: Calpe Urban Circuit
Date: February 20^th.

17 laps are scheduled to be done around the Saladar street circuit totaling a length of 62 km.  6^th and 12^th rounds will be scoring sprints.

Seventh Stage: Pedreguer
Date: February 27^th.

72 Km stage consisting of 3 small laps of 14 km and 1 large 33 km lap, totaling 75 km. The sprints will be laps 1 and 3.

Eighth Stage: Time trial Xaló
Date: March 6^th.

Final stage of the Tour of La Marina in time trial mode with a distance of 12.3 km. Departure is at 16:00 h.

Conference at Casa de Cultura Calpe

Those familiar with Calpe and its cultural life know well how important is for both residents and public organisations to promote culture and education at all levels in town. February brings many interesting out-of-the-circuit events waiting for you to join in, enjoy and learn.

These are the events:

“Art Language and Symbolism in the Modern Age”, by María Ángeles Pérez Samper.
Date: Friday, 11th February. Time: 20:30 h. Location: Saló Blau hall, Casa de Cultura. Free admission.

4-hand Piano Recital with works of Mozart, Brahms, Barber and Saint-Saëns.
Date: Sunday, 13th February. Time: 20:00 h. Location: Saló Blau. Ticket price: € 3.

“Tempus Fugit: Moral meditations and melancholic drinks of Netherlands paintings during the Golden Age” Seminar:
Date: Friday, 18h February. Time: 20:30 h. Location: Saló Blau hall, Casa de Cultura. Free admission.

“Tradició” disc launch by Tramontana Fusió.
Date: Saturday, 19th February. Time: 20:00 h. Location: Auditorium at Casa de Cultura. Free admission.

“Feet care” conference by Ana Frau, podologist. Organised by the Calpe Housewives Association.
Date: Friday, 23th February. Time: 18:30 h. Location: Saló Blau hall, Casa de Cultura. Free admission.

If you are in the outdoors mood, maybe you would like to take a look at the hiking activities planned at the Tourist offices in Calpe.

Los Baños de la Reina (the Queen’s Baths)

There is nothing such as low season In Calpe for conducting outdoor activities. For this reason, the Calpe Tourism Council in collaboration with the Archaeological Museum of Calpe and the Ifach Rock Natural Park are organizing a series of outdoor activities to visit Calpe’s natural wonders in February:

“Penyal d’Ifac” What would Ifac say if it could talk? Guided tour with remarks on local heritage studies. Visit to the archaeological remains of the “Vila d’Ifac” and hiking up to the tunnel.
Dates: 9^th, 16^th and 23^rd February. Time: 10:00 h. Departure point: Nature Interpretation Centre of the Rock of Ifach. Free of charge.

“Queen’s Bath” guided tour to archaeological sites where you will discover how the Roman settlers lived there.
Date: 18^th February. Time: 10:00 h.  Departure point: Luxembourg Street. Free of charge.

Rural guided tour with stops in places like “Pou Salat “and the Ethnological Museum Casa Coco.

Dates: 4^th and 25^th February. Time: 10:00 h. Departure point:  L’Esport Street, in front of REPSOL petrol station. Free of charge.

“Oltà Circular Hiking” trip to the Oltà mountains.
Dates: 11^th February. Time: 10:00 h. Departure point: Oltà camping area. Free of charge activity.

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.