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.

Calpe Town Hall

In a town Hall session held 2 weeks ago (Friday 13 January, 2012), the Calpe council unanimously approved  an act to expedite the opening of business related to leisure and commerce in the town.

The ordinance and town paperwork procedures will be speeded up in order to easily get opening licenses for restaurant within one month after submitting the required documentation. These measures intend to encourage the opening of economic activities in the Calpe, making easier businesses start-up related to leisure and shopping.

The approval of this municipal act means a significant reduction in time taken to obtain the license to open, so one month after filing a “statement of responsibility”, and once provided the necessary documentation, a restaurant or bar can be opened to the public and a retail shop or leisure related store can be open in a fortnight.

The approval of this act not only will benefit local entrepreneurs, but also will make the process of licensing more convenient and clear for Calpe residents.

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.

Calpe Town Hall

Calpe citizens can enjoy now a new community service. The office of the Mayor has announced the launch of several initiatives and services designed to bring the administration issues, resident registration and other paperwork closer to all citizens.

A new toll free phone service will be offered by the city of Calpe  at the number 900 20 40 50, available from 09:00 to 14:00 h. Monday to Friday. Out these hours, people can record their queries on an answering machine and get a call back from town personnel as soon as possible.

This line is aimed to Calpe  citizens have a direct communication with the Mayor’s office, in order to solve the issues raised by citizens in a quick and effective way. The Mayor’s Office spokesperson has stated that –looking for a better performance of this service- has moved the information line offices from the Department of General Services to the ground floor of City Hall, near the Mayor’s office.

Other latest news in town is that the public officers and workers of the town of Calpe’s business cards will be printed in both ink and Braille so the services can reach to visually challenged citizens. Showing its commitment with people with vision problems, Calpe  will host the next national conference of Visual Impairment Association scheduled for November with the attendance of more than 2000 people.

Fallas Festival in Calp

Next Saturday 28 January, 2012 will be held in Calpe the presentation  of the Falleras (Fallas Fiestas Queens) of 2012 in the auditorium of the  “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà” Casa de Cultura of Calpe at 19:00 hours.

This act opens the Calpe Fiestas season of  2012  and is considered the official kick-off of Fallas (Fire Fest), which  will be held from this year  16 to 19 May.

The “Calp Vell” Fallas organization committee will be on charge of the organization of this event after a particularly special 2011 Fallas organization with a

fabulous monument located in the Constitution Square. Tha monument was called “Sistemas” and was a product of the effort and imagination of Fallas artist Fran Fallas Santonja.

In addition the “Calp Vell” committee  is organizing the events for Saint Joseph day (19 March), including the “Awakening” party with fire crackers and parades, marching bands, the “Sardinà” (sardine barbecue served with sangria), a giant paella and a Mass in honor to the saint.

In early March we will inform you the complete program of 2012’s Fallas Fiesta 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/

Fiestas in Benissa

The Fair continues in Benissa for the entire month of January and we bring you all the relevant information about the activities taking place during the next few days of celebration and events.

Saturday 21

17.00 h. “Climbing Wall” and “Stairway to the Tibetan Bridge” at the Sr. Joaquín Piera y Sra. Mariana Torres roundabout. Event organized by: Grup de Muntanya Margalló .

20.30 h.: Choir Groups meeting. At the Centre d’Art Taller d’Ivars. Event organized by: Coral Benissenca and Town’s Department of Culture.

Sunday 22

9.30 h.: XXIII International Chess Open.  At the Centre d’Art Taller d’Ivars. Organized by Benissa’s  Chess Club.

10.00 h.:  Exhibition of vehicles, tools and equipment, motorcycles and agricultural machinery and Bicycle ride Day.  Event held at at the Sr. Joaquín Piera y Sra. Mariana Torres roundabout.  Organized by Benissa Cycling Club.

10.00 h.: Meeting of horses and tumbrils  at the parking lot of Manuel Bru School

10:30 h.: “Climbing Wall” and “Stairway to the Tibetan Bridge” at the Sr. Joaquín Piera y Sra. Mariana Torres roundabout.

11:00 h.: Philatelic street market at Purissima Street organized by the Philatelic and Numismatic Association

12:00 h.: Tasting of typical products and Paella cooking contest at Sr. Joaquín Piera y Sra. Mariana Torres roundabout.

12:00 h.: Animal blessing at Portal Square (Across from City Hall)

12:00 h.: Wine tasting and tapas at Placeta Vella and  Fco Sendra Street.

12.30 h.: Horses and carriages parade, and after that Pet Parade.

13.00 h.: Blessing of animals at the front door of the Church

16.00 h.: Trained pigeons competition, children’s category.

16.30 h.: Workshop on philately and auction of stamps, coins and postcards at Purissima Street. Organizers: Philatelic and Numismatic Association.

Calpe Fiestas 2012

Today we bring you the information we have so far about the dates of Calpe’s Fiestas in 2012, according to the data provided by the tourist information office in Calpe.

Fiestas in Calpe List in 2012:

- 18 February: Carnival.

- 25 and 26 February: Day of Andalusia.

- 25 and 26 February: International Folklore Festival- German Carnival.

- 9 March: Christ of March.

- 16 to 19 March: Fallas Fiesta (feast of fire) in Calpe.

- 30 March: Good Friday.

- 1 April: Palm Sunday.

- 5 to 9 April: Holy Week in Calpe.

- 27 to 29 April: Moors and Christians Festival

- 5 to 6 May: Fiesta de la Cruz de Mayo.

- 23 June: Night of San Juan at Playa Arenal Bol

- 22 to 24 June: Bonfires of San Juan at  La Cometa

- 5 to 8 July: Andalusian Fair in Calpe.

- 16 July: Our Lady of Calpe, the patron saint of fishermen.

- 3 to 12 August: Festivities in Calpe in honor of the Virgen de las Nieves.

- 13 to 16 September: Virgen del Rocio Pilgrimage.

- 24 September: Our Lady of Mercy.

- 7 October: Pilgrimage of San Francisco.

- 9 October: Day of Valencia Region

- 19 to 22 October: Festivities in honor of the Holy Christ Sweat and Moors and Christians in Calpe.

- 24 October to 4 November: Oktoberfest in Calpe.

- 1 November: Feast of All Saints.

- 10 November: Day of the Quintadas in Calpe.

- 6 December: Day of the Constitution.

- 8 December: Day of the Immaculate Conception.

- 25 December: Christmas.

Each month we will be expanding the information of events and adding other festivities out of the regular schedule that could take place in Calpe or nearby towns.

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

Benissa's Fira i Porrat

Here we bring you the program of Benissa’s  ”Fira Sant Antoni i Porrat 2012″ Fair , where you can find a lot of different events for the whole family.

Friday 13

19.00 h.: “Vine Pruning Workshop”, by Jaume X. Soler.

Venue: University building Assembly Hall.

Organized by: Department of the Environment.

20.00 h.:  Opening of the painting exhibition: “Vistes d’Espanya i altres / Vistes of Spain and others” by Rosana Picornell and Maria Buckingham.

Venue: University building Exhibition Hall

20.00 h.: Lecture “Introduction to Aiurveda”

Venue: Casal d’Associacions.

Organized by: Department of Consumer Affairs.

Tuesday 17

17.00 h.: Bilingual Poetry Workshop: A monthly workshop for Those Interested in reading and writing contemporary poetry in’ Spanish and English.

Venue: University building

20.00 h. Opera in Cinema.Title: “Turandot” by Giacomo Puccini.

Venue: University building Assembly Hall.

Friday 20

18.30 h. Official Opening of the Exhibition.

During the days the Fair will run,  the following events (until 26 January), will be amusing everyone:

- Wine-Tunnel. Wine and tapas tasting in the Placeta Vella and Fco Sendra Street. Organizers: Puríssima Xiqueta Fiesta Committee.

- Craft fair at Purissima St.

- Market-exhibition of new vehicles, equipment and motorcycles at Nou and Sant Pere streets, Paseo Dolores Piera and  Jaume I Square.

- Exhibition: “Crafts Workshop: Retrieving old traditions” at Pais Valencia Avenue 97, (Pasaje Taller d’Ivars).

- Exhibition of “Kribi Heral” I finalist of the Salvador Soria Painting Contest 2011. Workshop Showroom d’Ivars. Venue:Taller d’Ivars exhibition hall . Open until 12 February.

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

La Boheme in Teulada-Moraira Auditorium

  Teulada Moraira‘s Auditorium is pleased to host on 11 and 12 February, the national premiere of G. Puccini’s opera “La Boheme” performed   by Lírica Ópera 2001Company and with the participation of 45 musicians of the Symphony Orchestra of Pleven (Bulgaria) and 30 international singers.

This in another landmark in the Teulada Moraira Auditorium and Marina Alta’s cultural offerings, and is expected to sell out the show, as it happened with the performance of the Nutcracker by Ballet Moscow last Christmas season.

Luis Miguel Lainz -The director of Lírica Ópera 2001Company- expressed satisfaction for being the first to offer this beautiful opera in this Auditorium. Lírica Ópera 2001 was born in Paris and has performed since 1991 in many Spanish and European cities.

“La Bohème” (opera involving over 110 people, including  45 musicians and 30 choir members) was created by Puccini  after the success of Manon Lescaut (1893),  and was based on the work by Henri Murguer , “Scenes de la vie de Bohème”.This opera  was represented for the first time in February of 1,896 at the Teatro Regio in Turin .

This is a unique opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful works of the Italian lyric.  The dramatic power and melodramatic script, make of La Bohème one of the indisputable masterpieces of the genre.

Those interested in attending can purchase tickets at:

-Teulada Moraira Auditorium Box Office, open from 11.00 h to 13.00 h and  from 18:00 h. to 20:00 h. on Wednesday, Thursday and Frida, or  2 hours before each performance.

-Teulada Town Hall, from 9:30 h. to 14:00 h. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

-Espai La Senieta Moraira: from  9:30 h. to 14:00 h. Tuesday and Friday.

-Servicam (CAM Bank ATM)

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.

Modern style apartment in Miramar de Montecala

Today, calpecostablanca.com features the apartment of the month: It is a modern style apartment in Cumbre del Sol Residential Estates, in Poble Nou de Benitachell, only 14 km from Calp —Calpe.

The apartment was furnished following the latest trends in interior design, resulting in a functional space. The chosen style was modern/contemporary.

This 2-bedroom, 102 built m² apartment has fantastic views to the sea from its 20.75 m² large terrace. Just look at the photo and see for yourself the fantastic result.

One of the key features of this estate is the breathtaking views to the sea from virtually any point of the complex, and exceptional communal areas. To date, there is a variety of 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, and 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments on sale: All of them are decorated in modern style —except for two, decorated in rustic style.

The company in charge of building and marketing these properties is VAPF. For additional information, please call them at +34 965 734 017.

Calpe Town Hall

The Calpecostablanca.co.uk blog team would like to thank all the readers of  this blog and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Year 2012.

Over the next year will keep you informed of all news of the town of Calpe / Calp, including the most important festivals such as the Moors and Christians celebrations in honor of the Virgen de las Nieves and the Oktoberfest beer festival as well as all relevant information to all residents of Calpe and for convenience of all who choose this wonderful city to enjoy some days or weeks of vacation, including updates in local accommodation in hotels, hostels, campsites, etc..

We will continue informing in 2012 about the cultural programming, exhibitions held in the town, theater plays, lectures and conferences in Calpeas well as all events, fairs and markets organized along the year.

We look forward to keep on having you as a loyal reader in 2012 and we wish with all the best in this holydays season and upcoming new year

Local Agenda 21 Contest

The city of Calpe and the Department of Citizen Participation, has opened a contest for local school students to design the new logo and slogan for the Local Agenda 21 (action plan of the related to sustainable development).

The contest is open to all students in Calpe under the following rules:

1. Open to all students studying in public schools in Calpe.

2. There are two categories: slogans and logos-drawings.

3. The logos-drawings have to be related to any natural, cultural or symbolic idea that can be used as an image of the future Local Agenda 21 Calpe. It will be positively assessed any reference to the city and surroundings.

4. Drawings should be submitted in A4 (21 x 29.7 cm), size being valid both vertically and horizontally oriented and using any method of painting (watercolor, oil, pencil, wax …).

5. All papers must have in the back the student’s personal details:  name, age, address, telephone and school.

6. The Town of Calpe will select the drawing and slogan that will serve as the Local Agenda 21 Calpe image.

7. The council reserves the rights to use the selected works as it sees fit, and declare void the contest if the council members consider so.

8. The collection of the works will take place in schools in Calpe from 6 to10 February 2012.

9. Calpe Town Council will award two prizes, one for each category (logo and slogan). In addition, there will be special mention of the winners in local media.

Tour of La Marina Alta 2012

Check below an advance of the schedule of the 26^th edition of the Tour of the Marina Alta. The first stage of the Tour will take place in Jávea on 15 January, 2012. Once again, Calpe will be seat of the urban circuit race mode of the tour (19 February, 2012).

Stage I: Jávea on 15 January 2012, road mode along same circuit as 2011.

Stage II: The Vila (C.C. Aitana) on 22 January in road mode. The tour will follow the La Vila-Orxeta-Finestrat-La Vila circuit in three laps.

Stage III: Altea La Vella (C.C Altea) on 29 January in road mode along the same route as in 2011 edition.

Stage IV: Xalò (Jalón) on 5 February. Timed climbing mode in the same route followed ​​in 2011.

Stage V: Denia on 12 February, road race mode.

Stage VI: Calpe on 19 February. Urban circuit race mode.

Stage VII: Pedreguer on 26 February, road mode.

Stage VIII: Parcent on 4 March, also in road mode.

For full information of the Tour of the Marina Alta 2012 check www.voltaalamarina.com 

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

Late night opening chemists in Calpe

Below you can find the complete information (dates, addresses and phone numbers) about open late chemists—pharmacies on duty— in Calpe  during Christmas 2011, from 22 until 31 December 31.

Thursday,  22 December: José Luis Villanueva Marques Pharmacy. Avenida de Europa n º 6.

Friday. 23 December: Rafael Calatayud Ivars, 32 Conde de Altea Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 830 076.

Saturday, 24 December: Francisco Savall Mascarell, 15 Los Almendros Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 831 196.

Sunday, 25 December: Francisco Savall Mascarell, 15 Los Almendros Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 831 196.

Monday, 26 December: Rosa Zafra López, in La Canuta residential estate, 1-F, El Tosal. Phone number: +34 965 833 608.

Tuesday, 27 December: Maria Carmen Buigues, 21 Benidorm Street, Perlamar building, premises 12 and 13. Phone number: +34 965 838 427.

Wednesday, 28 December: Eduardo Franco Calvo, 10 Corbeta Street, Apolo VII building, premise 4. Phone number: +34 965 836 740.

Thursday, 29 December: Francisco Javier García, 2-4 Rosa de los Vientos Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 831 349.

Friday, 30 December: José Luis Villanueva Marques Pharmacy. Avenida de Europa    nº 6.

Saturday 31 December: Rafael Calatayud Ivars, 32 Conde de Altea Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 830 076.

Caritas Charity Campaign

Today we want to make a special call for solidarity with those in need that are having a difficult time this holiday season.

With the motto “Live simply so others may simply live” Caritas organization of Calpe began the Christmas 2011 charity campaign on Saturday 17 December and will be working on that until Epiphany day, January 6, 2012.

Contributing is simple: you just have to purchase a kilogram of any food (that’s why the name of the program is “Operation Kilo”) and leave it in the baskets and carts at collection points (stores and supermarkets in Calpe) and in placed in previous years Caritas Calpe solidarity, in Nuestra Señora de las Nieves and Nuestra Señora de la Merced churches and Azorin School.

You can find “collection carts” at several supermarkets around the town as Consum, Más y Más, Super Athena MaxCoop and Sol y Mar Supermercados.

You can contact Caritas volunteers vía their website  or in the collection points.

Arenal Beach in Calpe

The annual study of the quality level of the Calpe’s sea has just determined that the Mediterranean waters in Calpe’s coast are excellent.

Instituto de Ecología Litoral (Coastal Ecology Institute) has published the results of its annual test of sea grass in the province of Alicante, and Calpe particularly has received an excellent grade due to the increase of this plant in Calpe’s shoreline.

The study carried out involved the installation of a series of sampling stations at different points along the coast and the subsequent collection of data which permitted the evolution of Posidonia (Mediterranean tape weed), an essential plant in the sea ecosystem that only can grow healthily in high quality sea waters.

The Environment Department of the town along with the Real Club Náutico de  Calpe (Royal Yacht Club) organized a diving expedition in order to measure density of the seagrass at different depths in La Fossa beach. The divers found that the sea grass has increased its population in comparison with previous years.

According to the Coastal Ecology Institute, Calpe has a “top shape” Posidonia this year.  The Ocean Posidonia underwater fields are one of the most complex ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea as it represents an area of ​​shelter, feeding, egg-laying and breeding of many sea species and also oxygenates the water and retains the sediment thus preventing the loss of sand in the sea bottom and beach.

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.

VII Half Marathon Sierra D'Oltà Calpe

The 7^th Serra D’Olta-Calpe Mountain Half Marathon will be held next Sunday 18 December, starting and finishing at the Calpe’s sports hall. This half marathon will be performed in two different categories: walking and jogging. For walkers the competition distance is 17.8 km and 21.5 km runners.

All those who wish to participate in this  medium difficulty competition can register until Thursday, 15 December at 14:00 h. at Somsport website

The admission is limited to 400 participants (walkers and runners altogether), so make sure to register early to secure a place. Those who choose the option to participate in the walking mode will start at 08:00 h and must complete the course in a maximum of 5:30 hours. For runners the race will begin at 09:30 h and must finish the course within the next 4 hours.

The registration fee is 10 € in both categories and all participants who completed the race will get a commemorative T-shirt.

There will be trophies for the top three finishers in running mode and also trophies for the first three local runners in arrive.

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

Walking and trekking in Calpe

The Príncipe de Asturias Ecological walking Trail is an easy route suitable for those wishing to take a walk along the coastline of Calpe in zero difficult path, especially if you are going with children and pets.

The trail starts near the fishing port, right on the El Raco cove, at the foot of the Rock of Ifach. You will find a parking lot, about 50 meters from the start of the route, where you will see a nice and even promenade ideal for enjoying the views of the Sierra de Olta, Serra Gelada, Puig Campana and the Sierra de Bernia mountain ranges.

There is an information panel at the beginning of the promenade which shows the parts of the route and introduces us to the path that goes along the stone walls near the Rock of Ifach and the sea. The route ends at the helipad designated area, where you can enjoy the wonderful views of the sea. The round trip route from the fishing port takes no more than half an hour to be completed.

Those who prefer a little more of challenging or just working out a little bit can make the Rock of Ifachpath all the way through tunnel and climb to the top of the Rock, but keep in mind that this trail is not advisable for young children.

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 Royal Yacht Club

During next weekend the program of Real Club Nautico de Calpe (Calpe’s Royal Yacht Club) will be very busy, because during the next few days three different championships will be held (if weather permits), for the delight of  both participants and spectators.

-Spinning Fishing Championship on Saturday 26 November, 2011.

-7th Test 5 Club Trophy 2011, Saturday 26 November, 2011. This will be the one before the last round of the 2011 edition of this trophy. The last test will take place on Sunday 11 December at the Club Nautico Campomanes in Altea, and will be the grand finale for both sailing fall season and the 5 Clubs trophy 2011.

- Regional Rowing Test, Sunday 27 November, 2011.

To end the season (andyear), there is another event organized by the Calpe’s Royal Yacht Club: the 2nd Round of the Tom 28 sailing League Christmas Trophy on Saturday 17 December 17.This will be a great opportunity to enjoy the sea, water sports, weather and beauty of Calpe in Alicante province.

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

Sailing in Calpe

If you are going to be next weekend in Calpe, this information will certainly help you to make the most of your time during your stay in this wonderful city.

Check below the leisure activities and excursions organized in Calpe on Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November.

Tomorrow, Friday, 11 November, 2011 there will be a guided tour through the natural park of Las Salinas, where you can observe the local flora and fauna. After that, the tour follows the Voramar – Les Bassetes route (Voramar Path), all the way to Calalga Cove. The tour leaves at 10:00 h from the Tourist Info office of Rock of Ifach and the price is just 2 €.

Saturday 12 November: tour to the Old Town of Calpe visiting the narrow streets of the municipality, local museums, and the Church and the Chapel of San Salvador. The meeting point for the tour will be the Casa de Cultura “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà” at 18:00 hours. Price of the tour: 2 €.

Sunday 13 November: The Royal Yacht Clun of Calpe has scheduled a sailing baptism in the club seat. If there is good sea, participants will learn how to handle the sail with the guide of an instructor. This activity takes about 2 hours and starts at 11:00 h. Price: 20 €.

Also, every Saturday and Sunday are organized boating, diving baptisms, snorkeling, kayaking, diving and adventure activity in CEMAS Dive Center (Gibraltar St, 4). If you want to participate you must register in advance at the tourist offices in Calpe.

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.

Voramar trail

Today we want to share with you another popular Voramar (trails along the coast),  hiking route in Calpe, ranging from Arenal-Bol beach to Manzanera Cove, just by the Ricardo Bonfil buildings and the apartment for sale by Grupo VAPF in Calpe.

The route starts at the Arenal-Bol beach, down the stairs between Calpe bay and Sol y Mar Gran Hotel (which has a paid parking for public use). Once on the beach, you can see the beginning of the trail at your right hand in a path that climbs up a paved promenade, from which you can have splendid views of the coast.

After about 150 meters we find a fork in the road, where you have to follow the main road (the stone road). After few minutes walking, this road becomes a path of sand and white stone, and few meters later you descend a staircase leading to a paved road before continuing on an open plain path until you see a stair that lead up to cobbled remains of a sea pool and beach. From that place you can continue along the rocky wall that leads to Manzanera cove from where you can enjoy magnificent sea views of the Bay of Calpe.

This simple and easy route has a total length of 2 km (round trip) and takes about 50 minutes to complete it. Don’t forget to bring your camera to make photos of the incredible sea views.

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.

Cala Calalga

Today we propose this nice, low impact excursion to enjoy the great views of Calpe coastline while working out. This is one of the two routes are in Calpe coast that connect adjacent coves, like the Calalga-Voramar route, which -as the name suggests- runs from Calalga cove of Calpe to Les Bassetes Yacht Club in Benissa.

The seaside path is in very good conditions for a comfortable walking, so you only need regular sneakers to walk the 2.5 km from one cove to the other. A walking round trip takes about 1 hour, but if you go quietly enjoying the sea views and taking pictures, it might take a little longer.

The route begins at the confluence of Rosa de Los Vientos Ave. and Infanta Cristina promenade. At this point there is an information sign indicating the route by a parking lot, so there is no way to getting lost. The route starts up at the Calaga Cove parallel street (path PR), towards Mallorquí cove and then Les Basset Yacht Club, where you can buy refreshments before starting your way back to Calalga cove.

If you are fit enough, you can keep the path all the way along the coast of Benissa (Les Bassetes, Fustera Beach, Pintes Cove and Llobella Cove).

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.

ITV Calpe

The mobile unit of the ITV (technical inspection of vehicles / Spanish MOT), will be located in Calpe from today 24 October to 16 December, 2011.

All Calpe´s residents can have their cars inspected without having to travel outside the municipality. The mobile inspection garage will be operating at la Marina Ave. by La Fossa beach  entry, opposite to Ifac Hotel .

The technical inspection service will be open from Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 20:30 hours. To access this service you must make an appointment by phone to 902196196. If you want to get your car check on the same day, you have to call directly to the UTV Station to 609 83 21 32.

This October, all cars and motorcycles older than 4 years from manufacturing (Spanish registration from FWD and FXY and older) will have to pass the inspection. Don’t forget to bring with you the Technical Data Sheet, registration certificate and proof of Insurance of your car.

The fee for inspection services will be provided by phone when you make the appointment, and it will depend on the kind of vehicle request the inspection appointment. For your convenience, you can pay in cash or credit / debit card.

Casa de la Cultura Calpe

Earlier this month we wrote about the cultural programming scheduled by the city of Calpe and the Casa de Cultura “Pastor James I Fluixà”. Today we continue that information with the event schedule programmed from October 27 to 29.

Thursday 27 October:  concert and presentation of  the new record of Carlos Altafulla “En la Mano de Dios” (“In the Hand of God”)

Time: 20:00 h

Venue: Auditorium of Casa de Cultura

Friday 28 October:  Benefit concert for Denia Help, organized by the Gilbert and Sullivan

Time: 20:00 h

Venue: Saló Blau, Casa de Cultura

Admission:  10 €. You can buy te tickets at Margaret & Helen’s Card Shop.

Saturday 29 October: PTV Clowns presents “Adivinaguas” clown show for children featuring Hula and Piojo, two friends who are involved in fun adventures in their attempt to protect and preserve the Aquatic world. The admission for this event is free, but you have to collect an invitation at the Culture Council of Calpe.

Time: 18:30

Venue: Auditorium of Casa de Cultural

We take this opportunity to inform you about the request for cooperation aimed at all the citizens of Calpe who want to help in the making of the local nativity scene. Objects related to Bethlehem scene are needed, so all those interested in helping can get more information at the Casa de Cultura (Av. Masnou No. 1) or at the phone number 96 583 91 23.

Street Market in Calpe

Here you can check a summary of the latest news and information of interest from the town of Calpe.

The weekly market returns to its usual location until solved the administrative problems related to the street works of the Puerto de Santa Maria Street. From last Saturday, 15 October the market returned to its original location in Norte Ave and Puerto de Santa Maria Street.

The reason of this change of schedule is because the streets works to be performed in Puerto de Santa Maria has been delayed by administrative problems, so from the Council of Economics, Business and Employment decided that the market returned to its usual location in order not to harm sales until administrative problems get solved.

The Council of Healthcare begins awareness campaign for influenza’s risk groups

The Council of Healthcare -under the direction of Gabriele Schafer- has notified that from early October on the ongoing seasonal influenza vaccination is particularly recommended for people belonging to risk groups.

Vaccination is recommended for children and young people subjected to prolonged treatment with salicylates, pregnant women in second and third quarter, the chronically ill patients, people over 60 years old , health workers, special services personnel and those working in the poultry business .

Influenza Campaign is coordinated by the Public Health Centre in Denia through Health Promotion Unit in collaboration with other primary care centers. People who need to be vaccinated should see their family doctor in order to make an appointment for the vaccination.

Benidorm Half Marathon

The enrollment for the 28^th annual Benidorm International Half Marathon 2011 –which will take place next 26 November, 2011 at 18:00 h- is already open to all interested at the official website www.benidormmediamaraton.com

As in previous editions of this event, the Marathon is organized by the Sports Council of the city of Benidorm, along with the Groupo Brotons, and the collaboration of the Athletics Club Benidorm.

This event -open to all athletes older than 18 years old- will follow different circuits depending on the categories according to age, physical condition and gender of the runners: absolute (under 35), Veterans A (35-44 years old), Veteran B (45-54 years old), Veteran C (55-59 years old), veteran D (60 and older) and  disabled athletes.

The starting time of the race will be at 18:00 hours on the Avenida Mediterraneo by Medico D. Miguel Martorell Street, and the finish line will be at the beginning of SS.MM. Los Reyes de España Square. The circuit will be 21097.50 meters long and counts with the approval of the Spanish Athletics Federation.

All runners will get a bag containing a t-shirt and a pair running eyeglasses. There will be cash prizes to the first three runners in arrive in each category, and winner in each category will also get a trophy plus a week’s holiday in a hotel in Benidorm.

Those interested in to inquire about the race can contact the phone 966 815 472 and for questions regarding the registration in the race, you may get information at 965 953 216 from  8:00 to 15:00 hours.

Moors and Christians in Calpe

Below we bring you the agenda of upcoming fiesta of  Moors and Christians 2011 in the town of Calpe. This year the festivities begins on Friday 21 October  and will run until Tuesday 25 October.

Friday 21 October

13:00 h. Bells toll and fire crackers.

19:30 h. marching band parade.

20:30 h. great opening of the fiesta, flags hoisting, parade and offering of candles.

24:00 h. parade and reenactments

01:00 h. Dance of the Flag Bearer of the Association at the Plaça del Mosquit.

Saturday 22 October

11:30 h. Concentration in City Hall.

12:00 h..Mass in the Plaza Mayor fire crackers show and procession with the Holy Christ statue to the church

19:30 h. Concentration in City Hall.

20:00 h. solemn procession and firework show at the Plaza Mayor.

24:00 h..Ball organized by the Christian Side in the Plaza San Salvador.

Sunday 23 October

19:00 h. Parade with the entry of Christian and Moor sides

1:00 h. parade and reenactments

01:30 h. Ball organized by the Moor Side.

Monday 24 October

11:00 h. Landing and the first battle reenactment .

18:00 h. Children’s Parade.

21:00 h. Speech, 2nd Battle and “Miracle”

Tuesday 25 October

20:00 h. Mass for the Dead

New Street Market Location

Calpe’s street market held every Saturday morning has temporarily changed its location, due to the comprehensive refurbishment and improvement works taking place at Puerto de Santa Maria Ave. The Saturday Market will be temporarily relocated from Saturday 8 October as it follows:

1 .- Puerto de Santa Maria Avenue (from the junction with c / Murillo): Fruits and Vegetables.

2 .- Benissa Street:  Fruits and Vegetables.

3 .- Avenida del Norte: Clothing and accesories.

4 .- Padre Manjon St.: Access to market

5 .- San Isidro St.:  Clothing and accesories.

6 .- Masnou Ave.: Clothing and accesories.

We will keep you informed about the completion of the street improvement works and when the market returns to its original location.

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

Oktoberfest 2011 in Calpe

Everything is ready in Calpe for the 2011 Oktoberfest Beer Festival. This year’s Oktoberfest in Calpe will be held from 6 to 16 October in the tent located behind the Tennis Club (15.000 m2 tent in the Partida Gargasindi).

Below there is the full schedule released by Carnaval Club Calpe -organizers of this fantastic party in Calpe- to keep yourself informed about all the planned events, among which you can find Paulaner beer drinking and German  typical disheseating :

Thursday 06-10-2011 at 20:00 h: Great inauguration, opening of a Palauner keg by the town mayor, 2010 Festivity Queen’s farewell and coronation of Queen of Oktoberfest 2011.

Friday 07-10-2011: Classic drinking music and beer mugs rising contest

Saturday 08-10-2011:  Steinsberger oldie night with classic music of the years 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and Night Fever Party with “Steinsberg Partyexpress.”

Sunday 09-10-2011 at 11:00 h: Apperitive and “New Orleans Hot Dogs” jazz band concert and later that day Andy-Zicke Zacke Heu Heu.

Monday 10-10-2011: Music with the performance of Steinsberg and Doris and Bernd.

Tuesday 11-10-2011: Nostalgia show with music of the past 20 years with Dori, Cherilyn and Steinsbergem.

Wednesday 12-10-2011: Snacks at 11:00 h with live country music and evening performance of Steinsberg and sawing logs contest.

Thursday 13-10-2011: Nonstop party with Steinsberg, and “Oldies but Goldies” show with Doris and Cherilyn.

Friday 14-10-2011: More beer and food, live music with Steinsberg and a new edition of the log sawing contest.

Saturday 15-10-2011: Party with Steinsberg music from the 70’s to contemporary acts.

Sunday 16-10-2011: Paella contest and nonstop music until the end of the party.

Oktoberfest at Calpe

The schedule is already for the 2011 Oktoberfest Calpe organized by the Carnival Club Calpe. This year the beer festival begins on 6 October and ends on 16 October, 2011. This festivity wil take place at the Oktoberfest tent behind the Tennis Club of Calpe.

We will be informing about all the actions that the Carnival Calpe Club has prepared to celebrate the 2011Oktoberfest Calpe, which already has over 30 years of life and each year manages to gather a crowd from both the surrounding municipalities and the rest of Europe.

Next year, the Oktoberfest will change their dates of celebration to the last week of October and take advantage of dates where there is no other event or festival in the municipality. This decision stems from an agreement among members of the Carnival Calpe Club and local hotels and restaurants, preventing convergence of several fiestas and events in the municipality during the same period and, in this way, extend the tourist season during the early autumn and not coincide with the October bank holiday. Most of the Calpe’s stores and restaurants are  helping to promote the event in its stores. 

Calpe Town Hall

Here you can check the information about the latest news from the town of Calpe for the convenience of all residents and visitors of the town.

New citizen’s care bureau: Calpe Town Council just opened a new office of citizen services at the premises of the tourist office in Las Salinas, at the Fossa beach. This new office is designed to serve the citizens living in the metropolitan area, which need to do any kind of administrative tasks. The public opening hours will be Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 15:00 hours.

Calpe, home of the Spanish football 7 league:

Calpe will host all 7 football games in the region organized by the Spanish Football Federation this year. A total of 20 teams from all the Valencia Region will gather every weekend to compete in Calpe in the second edition of this league which is defined as “the best national football 7 competition.”

New town shops website(www.portaldelcomerciante.com): This new website has been created by the Agency for the Promotion of business innovation, as a service of the Calpe City Department of Economics, Business and Employment Council aimed at promoting the commercial sector of the municipality and provide advice and expert information to merchants and entrepreneurs in Calpe.

Kitesurf Calpe

There are associations and sports clubs in Calpe, where to practice almost every sport: Pilota Valenciana, football, gymnastics, basketball, cycling, chess, badminton, tennis, archery, football, hiking, kite surfing, fishing and more. Check below the contact information of the main sports associations and clubs Calpe:

- Pelota Valenciana Association: Antonio Ramos St. # 29.

- Moto Club Ifach-Calpe: Urbanization Pla Senieta 13A, House number 4.

- Calpe Football club (Veterans): Puerto Santa Maria Avenue # 1, 3-D.

- Calpe Football Club: Pla La Senieta Football Field, telephone 965 83 54 44.

- Les Marines Gym Club Alicante St# 4, contact telephone 606 793 180.

- Calpe Basket Club: municipal sports pavilion, Senieta Pla phone 96 583 69 50.

- Calpe Bicycle Club: Main St. # 17.

- Chess Club: Casa de la Cultura Jaume Pastor i Fluixà.

- Badminton Club: contact at the municipal sport hall Plá Senieta.

- Rhythmic Gymnastics Club Calpe: Valencia Ave # 15, telephone number 965 837 108.

- Calpe Tennis Club: Casanova Avenue # 1.

- Archery Club: Adelfas, # 6-B.

- Calpe hiking club:  the Hermitage stairs, P.O Box 99.

- Kitesurf Ifach, Plaza Constitución at the Punt Jove.

- Patio Golf Society: Patio de la Fuente restaurant, Dos de Mayo # 16.

- Ifach Barcelonista Fan Club:  La Ermita St.  # 10.

- Sport Fishing Club:  ”Bar Jose” at the Ifach square

- Madridista Fan Club: Santiago square at “Bar La Familia”.

- Valencia Fan Club: Maestro Serrano St. # 6, phone 656 999 090.

- Hunters Society “El Estornino” Glorieta park, Associations old house.

- “The Ifach” Pigeon Society: Campanario St. # 12.

- Sport Fishing Society: Portalet St., Enginent building #  3 º -2.

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.

Training courses for adults in Calpe

Admissions are now open until 28 September 2011, to sign up for a series of training courses for adults in Calpe 2011-2012.

The courses and workshops for adults (FPA in Spanish) are for people 18 and older. The new academic year will include literacy campaigns, courses for new readers, basics, orthography, a maths workshop and a course to graduate from basic secondary school.

There are also courses targeted at people 25 and older: Preparation for admission to university, Spanish for immigrants, English lessons and basic Valencian language lessons —also medium-advanced to approve the official test by the “Junta Qualificadora de Coneiximents en Valencià”.

On a different note, there are other craft-oriented courses such as: macramé, patchwork, fabric and silk painting, bobbin lace, dressmaking, gold and silver leafing, ceramics, furniture restoration, etc.

Admission will be open until next 28 September. Those interested in any of these activities can sign up at Casa de Cultura. You will need a copy of your passport, a passport photo and a school certificate for those who want to attend ESO (secondary obligatory learning).

Apartaments with spectacular views in Cumbre del Sol

This superb house is for sale in Cumbre del Sol (Poble Nou de Benitachell), just  7 km from Javea and 4 km from Moraira.

If you are looking for a house at a good price, you cannot miss this great opportunity. This Estate is a distributed in 2 floors with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully fitted kitchen, living room with fireplace, and a very comfortable separate guest flat with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, living room and kitchen.

Furthermore, this house has a parking for 2 cars, full storeroom and fully equipped utility room (with half bathroom included).

The large terrace has a Jacuzzi, and the beautiful Mediterranean garden is furnished and has stunning sea views.

Here you can see the photo gallery of this wonderful house in Cumbre del Sol

Those interested in more information or who want to arrange an appointment to visit this house contact VAFP Group.

Kids' Motor Skills in Calpe

  Calpe sports schools offer this year the new multi-sport classes and psychomotor skills lessons for children born between 2004 and 2007 with the aim of guide and train them in sports at an early age. This innovative alternative is a new sport modality in addition to already being offered every year in town like, football, basketball, gymnastics and Valencian pilota.

The multi-sport activity is specially designed for children between 6 and 7 years old (born in 2004 and 2005), with the aim of introducing them in different sports activities (football, indoor football, gymnastics, Valencia pilota, basketball, archery, athletics, swimming) so they can  know all sports available and can choose what they like to take for the next years. Classes will be held two days a week and will be taught by qualified sports trainers.

Regarding the psychomotor skills, this activity is aimed to children between 4 and 6 years old in order to help the child development through games and physical experiences, developing the physical, cognitive and social aspects, with games of balance, coordination and personal relationship with other kids. Motor skills sessions look for a help the children to get to manage their actions in an independent way. The classes are taught by graduate personnel in physical education.

The price of tuition, as in all sports schools, is 93 euros. Those interested in information or registrations, please contact the offices of the Department of Sports in the Municipal Sports Hall from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 20:00 hours.

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.

The Royal Nautical Club of Calpe

Today you can check the information about the upcoming competitions and sailing events to be held at the Real Club Náutico de Calpe (Royal Yacht Club of Calpe), during the month of September 2011.

Sunday 11 September: The 5th Test of the 5 Clubs Trophy is taking place at Club May the Club Nautico de Moraira. This event will open the autumn season of the sailing activities in the region.

The venues and schedule for this autumn 5 Clubs Trophy tests will be as follows:

• - Saturday 22 October: Club Nautico de Altea.
• - Sunday 27 November: Real Club Náutico de Calpe.
• - Sunday 11 December: Yacht Club Campomanes.

Those interested in participating in any of the other tests must complete the registration form in which they reflect the info for the boat (license number, skipper, length, width, and depth) and crews (name, license number). The registration form can be found on the website of the Real Club Náutico de Calpe www.rcnc.es.

Saturday 24 September: Trolling Fishing Championship at RCN Calpe. This fishing championship will gather many fans of fishing sports in the bay of Calpe. The traditional technic of trolling consists on dragging the rig from a boat or from the shore. The Real Club Náutico de Calpe expects a high turnout and encourages all professional and amateur anglers to request information and complete the registration form in the club offices or website.

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.

Virgin of El Rocío festival

From 8 to 11 September, the town of Calpe will celebrate the XI Pilgrimage of the Virgen del Rocio. This festivity is an established activity in the municipality that is organized with the collaboration of the Casa de Andalucía (Andalusia House) Association of Calpe. Check below the program with the most remarkable activities in the framework of the pilgrimage.

Thursday 8 September, 20:00 h: tents assembly and preparation of Pilgrimage in the La Cometa Hermitage in Calpe. Later there will be a “bring your own meal” dinner.

Friday 9 September at 21:00 h:  Comedy Night featuring local performers of the House of Andalusia and then (around 22:00 h) a Night of Sevillanas and Rumbas Music and dance with the traditional singing of Salve Rociera –hail Virgin of the Rocío.

Saturday 10 September at 17:00 h: Gathering of pilgrims in the Hermitage of San Salvador with carriages and horses in San Isidro Street (by the hermitage hill). At 20:30 h there will be a horses riding and dressage exhibition. Later,
at 22:00 flamenco performance by the “Esencia Flamenca” and “Zambra” groups at the Andalusia House of Calpe. Finally, the musical night will end with “Géminis” musical band performance at 22:30.

Sunday 11 September at 09:00 h: Pilgrims waking and proclamation by Antonia Mª Avargues Pastor. At 13.00 h. the  Holy
Mass will be sung by the “Sentimiento Andaluz” Rociero Choir and at 14:00h everybody is invited to an Andalusian stew.

Do not miss this chance to enjoy the soul, singing, dancing and Andalusian traditions in Calpe.

Late night opening chemists in Calpe

These are the chemists opening all night in Calpe in September 2011, with addresses and phone numbers:

Saturday 03: Eduardo Franco Calvo, 10 Corbeta Street, Apolo VII building, premise 4. Phone number: +34 965 836 740.

Sunday 04: Eduardo Franco Calvo, 10 Corbeta Street, Apolo VII building, premise 4. Phone number: +34 965 836 740.

Monday 05: Francisco Savall Mascarell, 15 Los Almendros Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 831 196.

Tuesday 06: Juan Miguel Calatayud Ivars, 7 La Niña Street. Phone number: +34 965 830 609.

Wednesday 07: José Pol Yanguas, in 10 Ifach avenue. Phone number: +34 965 831 802.

Thursday 08: Eugenio José Oller Pons, 12-14 Juan Carlos I Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 833 608.

Friday 09: Rosa Zafra López, in La Canuta residential estate, 1-F, El Tosal. Phone number: +34 965 833 608.

Saturday 10: Maria Carmen Buigues, 21 Benidorm Street, Perlamar building , premises 12 and 13. Phone number: +34 965 838 427.

Sunday 11:  Maria Carmen Buigues, 21 Benidorm Street, Perlamar building , premises 12 and 13. Phone number: +34 965 838 427.

Monday 12: Rafael Calatayud Ivars, 32 Conde de Altea Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 830 076.

Tuesday 13:  Francisco Savall Mascarell, 15 Los Almendros Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 831 196.

Wednesday 14: Juan Miguel Calatayud Ivars, 7 La Niña Street. Phone number: +34 965 830 609.

Thursday 15: José Pol Yanguas, in 10 Ifach Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 831 802.

Friday 16: Eugenio José Oller Pons, 12-14 Juan Carlos I Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 833 608..

Saturday 17: Saturday Rosa Zafra López, in La Canuta residential estate, 1-F, El Tosal. Phone number: +34 965 833 608..

Sunday 18: Rosa Zafra López, in La Canuta residential estate, 1-F, El Tosal. Phone number: +34 965 833 608..

Monday 19: José Luis Villanueva Marques Pharmacy. Avenida de Europa n º 6.

Tuesday 20: Rafael Calatayud Ivars, 32 Conde de Altea Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 830 076.

Wednesday 21: Farmacia Savall Mascarell Francisco Av Los Almendros 15.

Thursday 22: Juan Miguel Calatayud Ivars, 7 La Niña Street. Phone number: +34 965 830 609.

Friday 23: José Pol Yanguas, in 10 Ifach avenue. Phone number: +34 965 831 802.

Saturday 24: Eugenio José Oller Pons, 12-14 Juan Carlos I Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 833 608..

Sunday 25:  Eugenio José Oller Pons, 12-14 Juan Carlos I Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 833 608..

Monday 26: Francisco Javier García, 2-4 Rosa de los Vientos Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 831 349.

Tuesday 27: José Luis Villanueva Marques Pharmacy. Avenida de Europa n º 6.

Wednesday 28: Rafael Calatayud Ivars, 32 Conde de Altea Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 830 076.

Thursday 29: Francisco Savall Mascarell, 15 Los Almendros Avenue. Phone number: +34 965 831 196.

Friday 30: Juan Miguel Calatayud Ivars, 7 La Niña Street. Phone number: +34 965 830 609.

Calpe Town Hall

In today’s post we will inform all residents and visitors of the municipality of Calpe some of the latest’s City Council releases and official information about town matters:

Entrepreneur Calpe for 1 €

Calpe Town Council will exempt from paying municipal taxes to new businesses that decide to open hotel in the historical district. Thanks a campaign that aims to encourage job creation and boosting of local business, during the first year of operations new business won´t have to pay taxes for occupation of public roads, planning permission for the local refurbishment as well as licensing and opening.

All new entrepreneurs just have to pay a symbolic € 1 fee to set up shop in Calpe. Those interested in more information have to contact the Local Development Agency of Calpe.

Clean Calpe

Calpe Town Council has launched a public awareness campaign in order to encourage residents to respect the schedules of garbage collection.  The goal of this project is to be kept Calpe clean and tidy.

The main idea of this plan is to ask citizens to throw the garbage the very same day of the scheduled collection in order to avoid having bags all day on the street container causing a bad image and smells. People who don’t follow this measure will be fined.

Mayor Cesar Sanchez has called on people to cooperate with this initiative.

The schedule established for any citizen or shop in Calpe to dump waste in the containers will be as follows:

1. – Downtown: from 21:00 to 24:00 h

2. – Rest of the town: from 20:00 to 24:00 h

3. – Underground Containers: from 08:00 to 24:00 h.

The penalty for failure to comply with established schedules will between 50 and 150 €.

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.

Calalga Cove

Today we would like to share some good news about tourist spots in Calpe with our blog readers: Cala Calalga in Calpe is now open to visitors.

This nice cove is located at one end of Levante beach, not far from Mallorquí cove and next to Calalga Park.

This beach with a coastline of about 100 metres needed an overhaul to receive visitors as they deserve.

The improvement works included the repairs of the path to enter the cove and the breakwater that was in very bad conditions due to the severe weather last year.

The footbaths were also repaired —they did not supply any water before— and the walls were inspected to avoid any accidents in the future.

Now, anyone spending holidays in Calpe this month will be able to enjoy Cala Calalga, one of the most beautiful ones in Calpe. Calalga is a quiet cove with a sandy and gravely shore, perfect for those who want to escape the summer crowds and enjoy its waters.

The cove is fully equipped with lifesaving services, bus stop, footbaths, signalling and a wide range of hotels and restaurants at walking distance.

Conditions of the beaches of Calpe

This week we would like to echo a story that has been published by the Town Hall of Calpe, informing to all residents and visitors about a new service of daily update reports on swimming conditions status of  the coves and beaches in the area of Calpe.

In particular, this service will reort the state of the Arenal Bol beach,  Puerto Blanco beach, La Fose-Levante, Morell cove, Calalga cove, Roig beach and El Raco beach.

Those wishing to access these reports may do so through the following link which contains updated information about the flag colour flying in each beach of Calp, so that anyone knows whether if the place is suitable for swimming or not (it is in Spanish).

In any case, to  make a correct interpretation of the information, check below the meaning of each kind of flag that can be found on the beaches of Calp and the rest of the Mediterranean Sea:

A red flag indicates that bathing is prohibited; the yellow flag indicates that the swimming is not advisable; the green flag indicates that we can swim without any problem. We can also find the white flag with two jellyfish drawn on it which indicates that there is a jellyfish alert; white flags without drawings indicate a missing person and the blue flag indicates that we are on a top quality beach awarded as excellent because of its waters as well as the services offered to the tourists.

Aerobics on Calpe beaches

The council of Sports of the City of Calpe has organized summer sports activities in the Arenal Bol beach from August 4 until September 29, to get in shape by practicing aerobics and gymnastics on the beach.

Those interested in working out on the beach are invited on Tuesdays and Thursdays for rhythmic gymnastics class from 08:30 h to 09:15 h and aerobics class from 09:30 h to 10:15 h. All those interested in these activities just have to show up at Arenal Bol beach by Alemania Street in schedule. These activities are free of charge.

Calpe’s Arenal Bol beach – one of the largest and most popular beaches of the municipality- has a wide range of services available to all visitors who want to enjoy this clear water urban beach, bordered by a beautiful promenade.

This well-equipped beach offers during summer months a very complete service area specially designed to allow disabled citizens and visitors to access bathroom, changing rooms, toilet, shower and shady tent. This facility (located at the beach, by Holanda Street) provides amphibious wheel chairs and crutches to all who require it .

Arenal Bol beach also has shade and beach chairs and water sports gear (jet skis and scooters) rental during the months of July and August from 09:00 h to 18:00 h. Among other services we can find lifeguard service, tourist information point, watchtower, eco toilets, night lighting, daily water chemical analysis, permanent local police beach station, fresh water feet washing taps, ambulance, public telephone, bus stop, taxi, etc.

For sure this is one of the best equipped beaches in town to enjoy a fantastic holiday.

The Rock of Ifach at sunset

During summer, we have the opportunity to enjoy the warmth of the night. If, on top of that, we are spending holidays in Calpe, this means there is a wide range of activities and events awaiting us.

Today we would like to inform our readers about the night tour to the Rock of ifach in Calpe on Tuesday 23 August 2011 at 21:00 h to enjoy nature and the beautiful views of Calpe as the sun sets.

The excursion will have a break to have dinner at the picnic area of the park.

We recommend you bring your own sandwich and drink. Those interested in taking part in this tour must register first, as availability is limited. e-mail: ifach_cma@gva.es or phone at +34 679 19 59 12. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy nature and privileged views while expanding our knowledge of the area. For those interested in additional information about the Rock of Ifach Nature Park in Calpe —officially declared a nature park on 19 January 1987— there is the website of Nature Parks of the Region of Valencia. There, you will find information about its rich historical legacy, flora, fauna, area, etc.

Besides this, the town hall of Calpe is organizing 2 excursions closely linked to the rock of Ifach:

EXCURSION TO THE VILLAGE OF IFACH: A guided tour to the archaeological site of the Pobla d’Ifac, where visitors will discover the wonders of this village. Every Friday of August and September until the 15^th at 08:45 h, the group starts the journey from the foot of the Rock next to the parking lot. Please register before joining at the any of the tourist info offices in Calpe.

EXCURSION TO THE ROCK OF IFACH: Guided hiking tour through the Penyal d’Ifac Nature Park, where visitors will enjoy nature, will go to the Interpretation Centre and will go up to the tunnel and through the viewpoints.

This tour takes place every Friday of August and on the first 15 days of September from 10:00 h. the starting point is the Interpretation Centre of the rock of Ifach and participation should be booked at any of the tourist info offices of Calpe.

New DVD about Cumbre del Sol

Our sponsors —Grupo VAPF—  have worked hard on the creation of a new DVD about Cumbre del Sol residential estate. Now it is ready.

This video brings you closer to the estate as it is now. The excellent images on high definition and the impeccable production was a product of the intervention of film professionals.

The video has audio in 5 languages.

Besides the extensive report on Cumbre del Sol Residential Estate in Benitachell, this new DVD dedicates a section to the most important neighbouring towns and cities: Benidorm, Calpe, Teulada-Moraira and Jávea.

It also contains exclusive images of Costa Blanca and general information about the services and facilities available in the Region of Valencia, such as universities, airports, healthcare centres, schools, etc.

The video also brings new images of Cumbre del Sol —the estates with houses, the breathtaking views to the sea from these properties and the apartment complexes—, Moraig beach, Llebeig cove and Testos cove (gorgeous Benitachell coves), panoramic views of the coast where Cumbre del Sol is located, etc.

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.

I Barceló Rum Latin Party in Calpe

The I Barceló Rum Latin fiesta in Calpe is taking place this Sunday 14th August at 22:30 h, at indoors area of the Calpe sports centre —address: Valle de L’Aguart Ave.

This party organized by the 2012 fiestas commission of Calpe aims to raise funds for the fiestas in Calpe in 2012.

If you want to attend the party, get your tickets. They started selling them on August 1^st. Admission costs €6 when bought in advance and € 8 at the moment of the event in the Sports Centre. The ticket is valid for a drink.

In the party, there will be Barceló Rum giveaways and tickets valid for a meal and admission to the wellness centre of S/H Hotel in Calpe. Habano, a Cuban music band with 6 talented musicians and 2 DJ, Ramón from Valencia and David from Calpe, will be bringing their live music to the party.

There will be various shows by talented music school groups, on different Latin styles: Salsa School Spain (Benidorm), Ritmo Latino (Calpe), Los Amigos de la Salsa (Jalón), Salsa en Calpe (Calpe) and Salsa s’alça (Gandia).

For additional information, send an e-mail to comisionfiestascalp2012@gm​ail.com. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy Latin rhythms in Calpe, dance, get fantastic prizes and contribute with the 2012 fiestas commission of Calpe.

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.

Gran Hotel Sol y Mar

Gran Hotel Sol y Mar in Calpe (Alicante), ranks among the ten best beach hotels in Spain.

The Spanish hotels price comparison portal per excellence, trivago.es, recently published the ranking of the ten best hotels by the beach in Spain in 2011: one per autonomous region or coast.

Gran Hotel Sol y Mar shows again in the Top Ten of beach hotels in Spain for the second consecutive year. To top this recognition, it was the best assessed hotel in the region of Valencia.

The ranking id based on the ratings given by the users of the trivago community and the hits per hotel page in the trivago website. Many of the hotels are large lodging complexes such as Sol y Mar, with a large array of services, facilities and activities to make the most of your holidays.

Gran Hotel Sol y Mar is a 4-star hotel just in front of the beach in Calpe. This hotel was built in 2008 and has one of the best views in the Costa Blanca, an exclusive beach club, “La Champagneria”, a spa and a nice infinity pool that visually connects with the Mediterranean Sea. This beautiful scene has been chosen as one of the images of the latest Hosbec advertising campaign this summer (Hosbec is Spanish short for Business Association of Benidorm and Costa Blanca hotels)

For additional information about this as well as the rest of lodging options in Calpe, you will find comprehensive information collected by us about hotels, hostels and campings sites in Calpe here.

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.

Saint Mary Major

In next few days in Calpe, the FIESTA takes over town: the Dedication of Saint Mary Major —Fiesta de la Virgen de las Nieves— started on Wednesday 27th July and will last until Saturday 13th August.

These are the most relevant events taking place during this festival in Calpe:

The lighting of the streets and the “Cridà a la Festa” (opening speech of the festival) will be held today, Monday 1^st of August at 21:30 h, from the terrace of the Town Hall. At 00:00 h, there will be a street party at Plaza Mayor Square.

On Tuesday 2^nd August there will be a puppet show and workshops for kids at 18:00 h. At about 21:30 h, there will be a parade along the streets of Calpe, and at 00:00 h, the Mítica Orchestra will be playing at Plaza Mayor Square.

On Wednesday 3^rd August at 19:30 h, the “Legends” Disney musical for kids will be held. At 23:30 h it will be the turn of “Los 40”, the musical, with modern music. The show will close with the Waka Orchestra.

On Thursday, 4^th August at 20:00 h, there will be a Holy Mass and a Flowers offering for Saint Mary Major. At 22:30 h, there will be a duel between the Valparaíso and Pirata orchestras.

Friday, 5^th August at 12:00 h: Mass on the Ntra. Sra. Virgen de las Nieves church and firecrackers show. In the afternoon, at 20:30 h, procession and at 01:00 h of the next day (technically), show by the Mundo orchestra.

Saturday, 6^th Augusta at 00:00 h: mascletada —firecrackers show— at Plaza Mayor Square, followed by street party with foam.

Sunday, 7^th August: Bull-related events start on this date, with a schedule of bullfighting sessions at different times, so that everybody can attend. At 12:00 h, entrance of bulls into the bull ring —event for kids— and “embolado” bull (with horns set on fire). In the afternoon, great cavalcade on fancy dresses and bulls from 00:00 h to 03:30 h.

From Monday, 8^th August, to Saturday, 13^th August, there will be more bull-related events in Calpe: bullfighting from 19:30 h to 22:00 h and at night, from 00:00 h to 03:00 h there will be running with cows, releases of bulls on the streets, running with bulls and bulls with horns on fire —embolados.

Anyone attending these events should note that the embolado bulls will be running in Calpe on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 02:30 h to 03:30 h.

It is going to be 16 party days with music shows, fireworks, musicals, parades, cavalcades, bulls, religious feasts, etc; something for everyone in Calpe during August 2011.

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.

The Beach Arenal - Bol in the town of Calpe

The Youth Council of Calpe’s Town Hall has just recently started the “Biblioplaya” project, set in Arenal-Bol beach. This initiative aims to bring a comprehensive literary offer—books, magazines and even newspapers— closer to beach visitors, to integrate reading into the beach experience.

The Biblioplaya, which is how this mobile library at the beach is called, is a tent attended by Youth Office staff every day from 10:00 h to 13:00 h and from 17:00 h to 20:00 h in both July and August.

Besides the reader service tent, the Biblioplaya has tables, chairs and even school material for the smallest members of the family, So that they can escape the hot sun and play in the tent while learning.

In the last years, this service gained increased popularity, especially among those who attended to play some ludo or chess, or even release their inspiration with the drawing sets available at the tents.
All the services offered by the Biblioplaya are totally free of charge.

This video shows you the start of the procession, one of the most moving parts of the fiesta.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=guoGbccZOrM

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).

The weather in Calpe on the last week of July

It is the last week of July and also the last week of holidays of this blog’s editorial team. As it happened last week, we will not be able to publish details on the weather forecast directly on this website —as we usually do.

However, that does not mean we will not keep our readers informed about the weather forecast for the rest of the week —as we do every Monday— for the town of Calpe, in Spain’s Costa Blanca north region.

Click on this link to check how the weather will behave from the 25th to the 31st July 2011.

To know the weather in Jávea this week, please click here.

Starting next week, we will return to the usual weather forecast format in this blog.

House on Sale

Today, we would like to share with our readers some fantastic photos of a house on sale a few km from Calpe: It is a house at Cumbre del Sol residential park in Poble Nou de Benitachell, only 16.8 km away from Calpe, 7 km from Javea and 4 from Moraira. This residential park is popular in the region because of its exclusive custom built properties and incomparable sea views.

If you wish to take a look at the house built and now marketed by VAPF, we invite you to visit the photo gallery of this house, nº 35 at Lirios Residential Estate.

The Lirios 35 house is 288 m² large and is built on a 700 m² plot with panoramic views to the sea, at Lirios Residential Estate in Cumbre del Sol Park.

This complex is set within the municipality of Benitachell, Alicante.

The house is built in neoclassic style and comprises two floors with 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. It is priced at € 832,000.

The top floor holds the master bedroom, a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub on a corner and a shower; there is also a second bedroom with a built-in closet, another bathroom, a dining room and a fully equipped kitchen with access to the BBQ area. In addition to this, there is a living room with a fireplace and direct access to a nice veranda with views to the sea.

The ground floor includes the third bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a fourth bathroom with a shower plate, a gym with an area dedicated to sauna, a storage room, an installations room and finally, a spacious hall with access to the veranda and to the swimming pool.

The swimming pool is part of a large terrace including a shower and surrounded with a metallic railing, everything with beautiful views to the sea.

If you are interested in getting to know the Cumbre del Sol area and more specifically the Lirios estate, you can do so now without moving from your sofa by visiting this virtual tour to Lirios Residential Estate. This video was shot from the terrace of one of the custom built houses of the complex. As an additional feature, you can set the virtual tour to day or night, as the video was shot in both times. We are sure you will enjoy the contrasting views.

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.

Many artists have pictured its scenery in a million different ways. This is a beautiful example: a Benitachell sky timelapse during sunrise:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UAMPD_5Vbg

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.

The weather in Calpe this week

Because editors also have holidays, this week we will not be detailing the weather forecast in Calpe as we usually do.

However, that does not mean we will not keep our readers informed about the weather forecast for the rest of the week —as we do every Monday— for the town of Calpe, in Spain’s Costa Blanca north region, province of Alicante.

Click on this link to check how the weather will behave from the 18^th to the 24^th July 2011.

To know the weather in Jávea this week, please click here.

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

Live music at Xirinbala

July is a great month to discover and enjoy Benissa, a town in Spain’s Costa Blanca north. This place filled with history has a beautiful historic city centre, a breathtaking coast and an unparalleled calendar of cultural activities in July 2011.

-          La Mar de Cine —we would call it “an ocean of films” in English: Season of outdoor film screenings at Fustera beach every Thursday at 22:00 h. Free admission. These will be the screened films in July (all of them with audio in Spanish): You will meet a tall dark stranger (14^th July), 3 metros sobre el cielo (21^st July) and Tangled (28th July).

-          III Tapas Crawl Benissa, from 8^th to 31^st July, Monday through Friday. On Fridays, the Sifasol music band will play. Tapa + drink: €2. These are the participating bars and resturants: bar Restaurante Tapas Vizcaino, Restaurante Casa Eusebio, bar Trinquet, Pizzería L’Orenga, Cervecería Restaurante Bon Gust, bar La Xarradeta, Fusión bar, bar Los Faroles, bar Restaurante El Rebost, bar La Picaeta, Cafetería Pastelería Plaça 5 Dolç i Salat, El Nou Chaplin, bar Cafetería L’Esplai, Café Tropic, Heladería La Jijonenca.

-          Xirimbala kiosk’s summer nights at Baladrar cove. It is located on the Moraira-Calp road. This is one of the most typical, authentic and special corners on the coast. It is perfect to enjoy a good breakfast by the sea, listen to live music on Mondays night, have an Argentinian BBQ on Thursdays night, broiled sardines on Fridays night, tapas menus, full moon parties, etc. Chek out their website here.

-          Bloc and street parties in Benissa: There is a party almost every weekend:

• Partida Pedramala, 15^th to 17^th July.
• Party at Benimarco, at partida San Jaime, from 23^rd to 29^th July.
• Party at Santa Ana, on Tuesady 26^th July.
• Party at Lleus from 29th to 31st July.

This is a great month to discover Benissa, a very special town in Costa Blanca north with a popular kitchen, a coast with dream coves and a cosmopolitan and medieval historic city centre, all this mixed with a comprehensive calendar of cultural, leisurely and food events and activities.

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.

This week, we were lucky to find a nicely produced video about the start of the race. Here it is, for you:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSdwRwE3VjQ

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.

The weather in Calpe this week

This week, the weather in Calpe will surprise us with a day more typical of tropical lands instead of Mediterranean, with heavy electrical storms, rain and heat.

Monday, 11th July: Morning with some scattered clouds, while  the rest of the day will be clear. Temperatures ranging from 30°C to 23°C and mild winds, blowing south at 29 km/h.

Tuesday, 12th July: Cloud intervals as the afternoon approaches. Temperatures will remain as on Monday, while the wind will only decrease 4 km/h.

Wednesday, 13th July: The highest temperature increases up to 32°C in this rainy day with electrical storms. The lowest tem goes down to 22v while the wind returns to 29 km/h, but southwest.

Thursday, 14th July: Sunny day with the lowest temperatures being 22°C and the highest, 31°C. Winds continue on the same direction, but with a lower wind speed of 18 km/h.

Friday, 15th July: Winds will calm down to 14 km/h. They remain on the same direction. Clear skies and temperatures ranging from 29°C to 23°C.

Saturday, 16th July: No changes at all. Typical summer day. Temperatures ranging from 31°C to 21°C and mild winds, blowing south at 29 km/h.

Sunday, 17th July: The highest lowers to 27°C and the wind increases its speed in 3 km/h. Rest of conditions just like on Saturday.

If you want to know the weather in Jávea this week, click here.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Virgen del Carmen —Our Lady of Mount Carmel— is the patron saint of the sea, the fishermen and the Spanish Army. Every 16^th July, many places in Spain and the rest of the world celebrate this day with joy.

This feast takes place since 1940 in Calpe, where the Brotherhood of Fishermen is responsible for the organization of all the traditional acts taking place every 16^th July.

The schedule of events does not change much year after year, given the traditional nature of the feast:

Parade with the music band.

The parade will end with a flowers offering.

Afterwards, the virgin will be taken out in a procession along the port.

A boat will come to the dock and wait for the virgin to arrive, will collect a beautiful flower crown and throw it to the sea as homage to the fishermen and sailors who have disappeared in the sea.

The procession ends with a fantastic fireworks show at the harbour of Calpe.