Casa de Cultura Calpe

Check below the complete information about the cultural program in the town of Calpe schedule for the rest of May, including events for all ages and tastes:

Friday 18 May

20:30 h.: Presentation of the book “Somiant amb Alexia” (dreaming about Alexia) by Mercè Climent y Francesc Mompò. This book was awarded with the XVII prize of erotic literature of La Vall D’Albaida. This event is organized by the Department of Culture and Youth of Calpe and theInstituto de Estudios

Calpinos.

The same day and same time also takes place the performance of the Rondalla de Calp at the Church of Virgen de las Nieves organized by the  Department of Culture of Calpe.

Sunday 20 May

Casa de Cultura Theater in Calpe will present the screening of the movie “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax”, directed by Chris Renaud. This family film will be screened in 2 sessions one at 17:00 and the other at 19:30

Admission:  € 3.50. Available at the box office 30 minutes before the movie starts.

Casa de Cultura “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà” is located at Masnou Ave. # 1, 03710 Calpe (Alicante), for more information call at 0037 96 583 91 23.

VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

If you want to get more information about this superb property,  do not hesirtate in contacting Grupo VAPF at  www.vapf.com

Fiestas at House of Andalusia

  Calpe´s House of Andalusia is proud to invite to everyone to the 2012 Festival’s Queen Pageant contest and the Holy Cross festivals on 12 and 13 May at Casa de Cultura “Jaume Pastor I Fluxa”.

12 May

18:30 h.: Doors opening and access to the auditorium of the Casa de Cultura.

19:00 h.: Beginning of the show, presentation and Coronation of the festival Queen and junior Queen 2012 and imposition of the Peineta comb and Rociera band awards 2012.

End of event with Andalusia regional anthem.

13 May

18:30 h.:  Gathering of members and supporters of House of Andalusia dressed in traditional costumes

19:00 h.:  Parade from  House of Andalusia  to  Casa de Cultura, following  San Isidro St., Conde de Altea St. , Mosquit Sq., Purisima St., Manuel Miró Sq., Mas Nou Avenue, Casa de Cultura.

19:30 h.: Flower offering to the May Cross, followed by the performance of several music acts. Then, the Cross will be taken to the Parish Church of Ntra. Señora de las Nieves.

For 13 May offerings, all who wish may make reservations and purchase their carnations in House of Andalusia and pick them up on Sunday from 11:00 to 13:00 h.

FiraCalpe 2012

From 10 to 13 May, some of the best shops of Calpe will offer their products and services at a very special price in the framework of  the FiraCalp 2012 Fair, which will include section comprising outlet products, end of season collections, overstocks and crafts.

Among the stores and services providers who will participate in this fair we can find:

AR Hotels and Resorts: Spa services.

El Regal: Soaps, candles and gifts.

Optica Signes: Binoculars, telescopes, eyeglasses and hearing aid devices.

Vazquez Such Bookstore: books, gifts and stationery.

L. Vazquez: Toys, books, stationery and newspapers.

Arquitecnics: Architecture bureau.

Alyman: Professional clothing and advertising.

Caser Insurances

Don’t miss this chance to buy what you need at a special price.

Fira Calp 2012 gastronomic fest

FiraCalp 2012 Cuisine Fair continues for the next days in Calpe offering the best gastronomic alternatives in the Costa Blanca North until 13 May. In this fair you can enjoy delicious dishes at cheap prices.

Check below a complete list of restaurants, dishes offered and its prices:

Antica Roma: lasagna € 2, tiramisú  € 2, mascarpone pizza € 3calzone with nutella and mascarpone € 4.

CA Poldo: hamburger mini € 1, serranito €2; squid andaluza € 3 and bobby veal in sauce € 3.

Cambalache Argentino: Argentinean pie 1 € , lasagna € 2,  veal € 3 and dessert  € 2.5.

Camilo I: Russian salad €1, meatballs € 2; montadito 3 € and octopus stew € 4.

Calpemar: flurries € 2, ice creams € 2, lemon sorbet with champagne € 3 and cup white vanilla ice € 4.

Casa de Cultura: Andalusian pincho € 1,  salad € 2, octopus  in sauce € 3and  bay lobster   € 4.

Cuenca: burger € 2, homemade sausage  € 2, tortilla  € 2, zarajo Cuenca  € 3.

Drácula: beef and lamb mititei € 1, sarmale (meat ball cooked with rice) 1 €; carnati (smoked pork sausage) € 1   pancakes with chocolate and cream € 2.

DRZ: Spanish omelette € 1,   Grilled sardines € 2, serranito ciabatta with potato nest €3; mini chicken burger € 4.

El Refugio: nachos with cheese and sauce € 1, tacos with beef € 2, beef burrito € 3 and Mexican special and corona beer € 5.

El Santo: pizza € 2, sausage € 3, entails € 3 and steak dish € 6

Flandes: waffle with sugar 1 €; crepe with chocolate 2 €; waffle with strawberries and cream 3 € and loin, cheese, tomato and mayonnaise sandwich 4 €.

La Llar de Bárbara: pear with goat cheese € 1, sausage with chickpeas € 2, mushrooms stuffed with shrimp € 3 and goulash € 4.5.

Las Palmeras: potatoes stuffed with meat and cheese € 2, mojito or pina colada 3 € and sex on the beach 4 €.

Mari: sausage € 1, crepes with chocolate € 2, meatballs with tomato sauce 3 € and knuckle of pork with sauerkraut € 5.

78 Sabores y Copas:  homemade cake 1 €, prawns wrapped in potato rosti € 2, fresh pasta or homemade lasagna with sorrentinos capresse € 3 and tenderloin beef sandwich 4 €.

Sasha: slush €1, milkshakes €2,   mojito€3 and daiquiri frozen € 4.

Seydel Vega Catering:  Cantabrian anchovy toast € 2, Iberian ham sanwich € 3, salmon pie €3 and foie gras toast with caramelized apple € 3.

Taberna del Port:  grilled brochette € 1, sausage brochette 1 €, homemade grilled sausage € 1, meatloaf with cheese € 2.

Tango: Argentinean Pie 2 €, offal € 3, Creole sausage € 3 and nachos with chili con carne € 4.

Tequila’s Café-Bar: patatas bravas € 1, nachos with salsa and mozzarella € 2, chicken burrito € 3and Neapolitan pizza € 4.

Kumy’s Yogurtería: frozen yogurt €1, chocolate pancakes €2, waffles with chocolate and cream 3 € and Kumy Mix with fresh fruit and nuts € 3.5.

Camaleón Terraza:  rebujito € 2, strawberry daiquiri € 3, mojito 3 € and chocolate fruit skewer € 1.

Kalea: xistorra sausage € 1, croquettes € 2, stuffed anchovy € 3, stuffed potatoes with foie € 3.5.

Voramar trail

In spring 2011 we wrote about all the different alternatives that resident and visitors of Calpe have if they want to take a quiet stroll along the Calpe´s beach line and enjoy the wonderful spring weather of the Spanish Mediterranean.

Below you can check the best places around the town to take a nice walk along the coast:

Voramar Calalga Route: departing from Calalga cove of Calpe and runs along the coast to Les Bassetes Yacht Club of Benissa.

This route follows a low difficulty trail of 2.5 km that anyone can easily complete (round trip) in about 1 hour while enjoying the view sea ​​and taking nice pictures.

The route begins at the corner of the Rosa de Los Vientos Avenue to the Infanta Cristina Boardwalk, where there is an information sign with indications for the route, although it is very easy to locate yourself at the path form the parking lot. The route starts at the “PR path” at the Calaga Creek parallel street. After reaching Calalga Creek you will find the Mallorquí Creek and Les Bassetes Yacht Club after that.

Once you reach the Yacht Club, you can have a drink, chill out and enjoy the sea for a while before taking the route back to Calpe.

Balcony contest in Calpe

  Calpe City council is organizing for this summer a balcony decoration competition that will take place at the old town of the city.

The winner will get a cash prize of 500 euros and a commemorative plaque

All residents wishing to participate should register at the Calpe‘s Citizens Care Bureau during this month of May in order to get their registration number and the contest terms and conditions.

The decorative elements that will be used in the balconies are up to the choice of each participant, but the decorative elements must remain inside the participant’s property and don’t disturb pedestrian or neighbors houses.

The balconies can be decorated from 1 June and will have a deadline of 30 June to have them completed. The jury will evaluate the originality, use of recycled and ecofriendly material and innovative ideas.

The jury will be composed by the Queen of the 2012 Festival, two members of the town hall and local artists. The ruling will be issued on 15 August.

FiraCalpe 2012

This week, the FiraCalp 2012 gastronomic a shopping fair is going to be held in Calpe. The fair will be open on days 3, 4, 5 and 6 May and on 10, 11, 12 and 13 May at the Plaza Mayor Square of Calpe.

This is a unique opportunity to buy all kind of goods in shops in Calpe at reduced prices at the same time you enjoy the superb local cuisine dishes and tapas that Calpe’s caterers will offer from just 1 €.

The schedule for the first 3 days of the fair will be as follows:

Thursday 3 May, from 19:00 to 01:00 h. in the next morning.

Friday 4 and Saturday 5 May to 11:00 h. to 01:00 h.  in the next morning.

Sunday 6 May from 11:00 to 22:00 h.

Calpe Town Hall

  Calpe Town Council ratified last 13 April the European Bill for Sustainable Development, with the unanimous approval of the “Aalborg +10″ by the town.

These commitments are summarized in ten basic principles of management to be achieved by local authorities:

• Develop participatory democracy.
• Design town management procedures towards sustainability.

• Protect, preserve and ensure equitable access to natural common goods.
• Using resources wisely and efficiently and to promote sustainable consumption and production.
• Take a strategic role in the design and urban planning and addressing environmental, social, economic, health and cultural issues for the common benefit.
• Improve public transport and reduce vehicle traffic.
• Improve the health and welfare of the citizens.
• Create and ensure a dynamic local economy that gives access to employment without damaging the environment.
• Ensure inclusive and supportive communities.
• Take local responsibility for administration of peace, justice, equality, sustainable development and global climate protection.

Carole Saunders, Councilor of Local Agenda 21, said that with the support of all political forces and the involvement of citizens of Calpe, the municipal administration will open to public debate for seeking common goals and commitments.

Seal of Calpe Town

Calpe Mayor recently approved the regulation for the operation of Calpe’s Green Brigade in order to help this group in its work to preserve and protect the environment.

The brigade has the mission of informing, training, promoting and even punishing wrongdoing related to ecology and environment.

Last week, Calpe´s city council approved the full adoption of the rules of service that will provide an administrative text to the Green Brigade, so it can operate as a public office under a municipal law.

The brigade will promote and coordinate activities aimed to the protection of the urban environment and the preservation of natural resources throughout Calpe.

It will promote the development of education, training and awareness in environmental research in schools, community groups and society in general.

A very important part of the Green Brigade mission is to report and prosecute building and city planning development that could affect the environmental balance.

Calpe Book Fair

You still have several days left to enjoy the Calpe Book Fair 2012. Today Saturday 26 and tomorrow Sunday 27 April are great days to stroll around the Plaza del Mediterráneo at La Fossa beach, where lots of books for all choices are waiting for all of us.

The fair will be open until Wednesday 2 May. On bank holidays (next Monday and Tuesday in Spain), Saturdays and Sundays the fair will be open from 10:30 to 22:00 h and during weekdays the time table will be from 10:30 to14: 00 and from 16:00 to 21:00 h.

This esdition of the fair will have the participation of five bookshops of the town: Librería Hermanos Jiménez, Librería AR.t, Librería L. Vázquez, Librería J. Vázquez and Librería Vàzquez-Such.

Definitely this is going to be a good option to enjoy your spare time this weekend in Calpe, walking by the beach and going home with a book that you for sure will enjoy.

IV Calpe Tourist Photography National Contest

“Colors de Calp”,  by Calpe resident Andrés Mañas, won first prize in the fourth annual “Villa de Calpe” National Tourist Photography contest that took place in the town of Calpe, Costa Blanca North. This contest is organized by the Department of Tourism of Calpe and the Photo Club Ifach.

Mañas won the first prize of 300 euros, with a series of five photographs that reflect different aspects of tourism in the township of Calpe.

The second prize went to the collection entitled “La Millor Terreta” by Juan Vicente  Buigues Pastor and the third prize was awarded  to for the collection “Paisatjes de Calp” of Maria Francisca Ivars Cardona.

In the “single picture” contest section the first prize of 100 euros went for “Calp panorámica” by José Luis Fernández from Alicante, the second one (awarded with 75 euros), was for the photograph titled “Disfruta de un amanecer” (Enjoy a sunrise) by Ana Cabrera from the town of Benissa and the third prize went to “Gaudeix Calp 1″ by Joan Buigues Romera from Calpe. The work of this author was also awarded with the second prize and special prize to local author.

Agenda 21 Local

Today we would like to share the information and objectives of Agenda 21 of Calpe, a program developed by the UN and applied by thousands of cities around the world like Calpe. The city of Calpe is responsible for the creation, operation and maintenance of infrastructure, overseeing planning and processes, regulations and deployment of a Local Action Plan. The plan is developed to make a close bond with the citizens, which will be the ones who play the role in educating and mobilizing other citizens in sustainable development and participation matters.

The following in the Decalogue of participation that has to be followed by participants in the Local Agenda 21 program of Calpe:

• To live is to freely and responsibly promote the good, be responsible for oneself and oneself life, and to be responsible for relations with other and coexistence in society.
• Democracy is the predominance of people’s participation in the governance of a community. Without participation, there is a democracy fail.
• Citizen participation is the action of taking part in any social, political or cultural activity, which result contributed to the general interest.
• Citizen participation measures the level of human development of society. Social progress is closely linked to the level of citizen involvement.
• Citizens participate through the options taken in the direction of their daily lives, through civil society organizations and participatory processes opened by public offices.
• From the point of view of the citizen, participation means being willing to devote part of his/her time and life to community needs that are beyond the strictly private or personal.
• From the point of view of the civil society organizations, participation implies a commitment of seriousness, respect for others, honesty, democratic methods, constructive work and dialogue in its internal functioning and its relationship with society and offices.
• From the standpoint of the institutions, participation means creating real channels for the processes of information, consultation and decision. Calpe will open three specific channels for participation: individuals, groups/associations and neighborhood representatives.
• Calpe has major problems and challenges ahead. We need people willing to give the best of them in order to be a better and fairer people.
• By participation we grow as people and we grow as a democratic society.

Theater in Calpe

Today we would like to inform you about the theater plays and interesting movie options available in Calpe by the second half of April. Next weekend, Friday 20 and Saturday 21 April will be a couple of days when you can find several amusement options as we show below:

Both by Friday 20 and Saturday 21 April, you can enjoy the play “We, they and the goblin” performed by Truitatres Theatre Company in collaboration with the Parish of Nuestra Señora Virgen de las Nieves. The play is presented  by Carlos Llopis.

Time: 21:30 h.

Venue: Auditorium.

Admission fee: 7 €.

Advance sales: In the Parish and the I Cristalería Ifach Glassware.

Box Office ticket sale:  1 hour before the function

Also this weekend you can go to the movies in Calpe, particularly to the sessions at the auditorium of the Casa de Cultura in Calpe on Sunday 22 April, when you can enjoy the screening of the film “The Woman in Black” by James Watkins.

Screening at 17:30 and 20:00 h.

Admission fee: 3.50 €.

Salo Blau in Calpe

On Sunday 29 April, Pilar and Pedro Valero will perform Chopin in a piano concert  at 19:30 h. in the Saló Blau of the Casa de Cultura in Calpe.

In the framework of the  I Ciclo Concerti Aperitivo de Pilar y Pedro Valero . The Valeros will performe piano sonatas of Frederick Chopin.

About the performers

Pedro Valero began his musical studies at age 8 years with excellent grades and  the Special Prize at the Conservatory of Music in Murcia. Pedro was pupil of Anselmo J. De La Campa,  Juan José Pérez Torrecillas, Miguel Luis Tosada, Tamas Versmas, Xoltan Cóccix, Aquilles DelleVigne and  Ferena Rados.

Pedro Valero also has recorded works of Chopin and Julian Santos and toured with the prestigious “Quartet of the Moscow Virtuosi” with great public and critical success.

Pilar Valero has conducted courses with: Pierre Hantai, C. Guinovart. Jan D’Haene (analysis and harmony), Blanca Uribe, P. Badura-Skoda, Emile Naumoff. Aquiles del Vigne , Roland Pröll, Maria-Joao Pires and many more.

In 1991 she received a grant from the Belgian Government for studies at the Conservatoire Royal de Mons (Belgium), under the direction of Patricia Montero, earning her a first prize with distinction.

Pilar Valero Currently teaches at the Conservatory of Music in Murcia

The admission fee for this event will be 12 € and can be purchased at Salo Blau (Casa de Cultura of Calpe) from 1 hour before the beginning of the show. The event is organized by  Pal-Music.

Theater in Calpe

During the month of April,   the play “We, they and the goblin” by Carlos Llopis will be presented in Calpe by the Truitatres Theatre Company in collaboration with the Parish of Our Lady Virgen de las Nieves.

The play will be performed on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 April at the Auditorium of the Casa de Cultura  “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà” in Calpe, both days at 21:30 h. The admission fee is 7 € and can be purchased in advance at the parish and the Ifach Glass shop or the day of the event at the box office 1 hour before the beginning of  the play.

Truitatres Theatre is a  Calpe  theater group originally founded back in 2003, due to the request for a Kabila of Moors and Christians in Calpe for setting a small show, as a way of fundraising for the town fiestas. Since its foundation, Truitatres have represented several plays among we can mention  The Other World, The Hunting of the Foreign, Just for Women and  The Curve of Happiness.

Hiking at Vall del Pop

You  have more than two weeks from now to organize your spare time in order to make room in your schedule for Sunday 29 April, 2012 for a hiking session in Murla in the framework of “Déjate Llevar” (Let yourself Go) program.

“The Invisible Castle: a heritage to be discovered”, Hiking activity on Sunday 29 April, 2012.

This 5 km route takes from 4.5 to 5 hours to be completed, and is considered medium-high difficulty. Departure is scheduled at 09:00 h. at Murla, just opposite the Church. The price of this route is 6 € plus optional 2 € for a traditional lunch.

To attend to this activity you must pre-register before Friday 27 April at 13:00.

Those interested in attending can register or get more information at:

Tourist Info Benissa

Avenida Pais Valencia 97.

Tel: 96 573 22 25

E-mail: turismo@benissa.net.

Tourist Info Vall del Pop

Paseo de la Alameda s / n.

Tel: 96648 October 17

E-mail: valldelpop@touristinfo.net

 Tourist Info Teulada-Moraira

Moraira-Teulada road, 51

Tel: 96 574 51 68

E-mail: teulada@touristinfo.net

Calpe's Auditorium

Check below the cinema program in Calpe for the month of April. This is a really great chance to see movies for a very special price of € 3.50 (tickets are sold at the box office 30 minutes before the start of the session) at the auditorium of the Casa de Cultura in Calpe.

April Film Programming Calpe:

Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 April: “John Carter”. Directed by Andreu Stanto. Fantasy adventure film not recommended for children under 7 years, duration 133 minutes, Show times: 17:00 and 20:00 h.

Sunday 15 April: “War Horse”. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Drama film. Length: 148 minutes. Not recommended for children under 7 years. Show times: 17:00 and 20:00 h.

Sunday 22 April: “The Woman in Black”, a horror film directed by James Watkins. Show times: 17:30 and 20:00 h.

Sunday 29 April: “Snow White Mirror Mirror”, a film for all audiences directed by Tarsem Singh, 106 minutes of fantasy. Sessions: 17:00 and 19:30 h.

“El Sant del Dia” Book Launch

“El Sant del Dia” Book will be launched on Thursday 12 April at 19:00 h in Saló Blau of “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà” Casa de Cultura in Calpe, and will count on the attendance of Alfons Llorenç, author of the book. This event is organized by the Culture Council, the Institut d’Estudis Calpins (Institute of Calpe Studies) and the Housewives Association.

Sant del Día refers to the Valencian expression “A quin Sant?” (to which saint?), meaning that the cause or reason of something is being doubted about.

In his book “El sant del dia”, Alfons Llorenç proposes reflections for every day of the year. It places us in the real lives of the saints, in a flat and easy narrative. This book is perfect for a slow read, allowing us to face a story a day and reflect about its content. It is also a perfect reading for those who want to go deeper into the Valencian collective conscience.

Alfons Llorenç was born in Alcoi in 1951, and flaunts an impressive curriculum. Some of his works are: La moixeranga, comença la festa (1988),  L’arbret d’Altea (1988),  Pany i clau (1977), Mons i misteri (1986), Tramar, ordir i viure (1986), La nit de Sant Joan (1986), as well as many scripts and biographies.

Popular Handcrafts Fair in Jávea

During Holy Week holidays in Costa Blanca North, there are endless possibilities to enjoy outdoors activities while getting acquainted with the towns and enjoying the sea activities  arranged for these days.

JÁVEA /XABIA HANDCRAFTS FAIR FROM 6 TO 9 APRIL, as it has become a custom, the Popular Handcrafts Fair arrives again in Xàbia’s Historic City Centre. From 6 to 9 April, residents and tourists are invited to enjoy a varied selection of artisan products, jewelry, leather, glass, silver, fabrics, metal works, chocolates and sweets. There will also be music, dances, puppets and storytellers for kids.

SEA PARTY IN MORAIRA, 7 AND 8 APRIL, at L’Ampolla beach next to the Castle: Kayak and SUP (Stand Up Paddle) basic workshops, Battle of the Bay Race, kayak and SUP competitions in all categories –a great opportunity to see the performance of the best SUP and Kayak professionals-, equipment exhibitions, etc.

MULTIADVENTURE CIRCUIT ON 6,7 AND 8 APRIL, games and fun for the youngest members of the family in Moraira (urban woods).

SKATE WORKSHOP AND EXHIBITION, ON 7 AND 8 APRIL: Workshop for starters and advanced on the parking lot of L’Ampolla beach (Moraira). Both days from 11:00 h to 14:00 h and from 17:00 h to 20:00 h. No previous registering is required.

Casa de Cultura Calpe

Today we are sharing with you relevant information about the exhibitions and conferences taking place during April in Calpe. Two exhibitions will be hosted by Calpe’s “Jaume Pastor i Fluixá”Casa de la Cultura, on 1 Masnou Ave.

From April 4 to 29: “Vicenta Masó Vives’ Fans Exhibition”

Opening: 4 April. Time: 20:30 h. Place: Calpe’s Casa de Cultura Exhibition Hall.

From April 13 to 29: “IV Villa de Calp National Contest of Tourist-themed Photography”:

Decision of the jury: April 13. Time: 18:00 h. Place: Calpe’s Casa de Cultura Entrance Hall. Exhibition organised by the Tourism Council.

Also in April, residents and visitors of Calpe are gladly invited to the conference (in Spanish) titled “Rural Valencian Architecture by Miguel del Rey” to be held on Friday, April 27 at 23:30 h in Saló Blau of Casa de Cultura. This conferenceis organized by the Culture Council in association with Institut d’Estudis Calpins (Institute of Calpe studies).

Rock of Ifach in Calpe

To celebrate the IV Days of the Flora in Natural Marine Protected Areas, a day of conferences has been organised today Saturday, March 31, 2012.

10:00 h: Presentation.

10:10 h: “Al trencall del maror”. A walk to get acquainted with the coastal vegetation, by Pilar Velasco, from Serra Gelada Nature Park.

10:40 h: Flora communities of interest on the shadowed side of  Puig Campana, by Carles Grau. The conference will deal with issues related to the protected areas of Puig Campana and Ponotx.

11:10 h: Break.

11:30 h: Autochtonal gardens, alive gardens. Conference by Joan Torres from Montgó Nature Park.

12:00 h: The water plants of Pego-Oliva’s marshes: dels ullals a les jonqueres, by Ramón Siscar from the Pego-Oliva marshes Nature Park.

12:30 h: Conference “What the Rock of Ifach hides”, by J. Ignacio López-Astilleros from Rock of Ifach Nature Park.

13:00 h: End of the day.

On Sunday, April 1 at 10:00 h, there will be a Free guided tour through the Rock of Ifach Nature Park. It is important to book a spot, as availability is limited.

For additional information and bookings, please call +34 679 195 912, e-mail:ifac.cma@gva.es.

Note that the event is in Spanish and Valencian.

Calpe's Auditorium

Today we are sharing information about the upcoming concerts to be held in Calpe during April 2012, with different styles and themes for all kinds of audiences. Comprehnsive information about the cultural events taking place in Calpe.

Sunday, April 1:  “Ifach Choir Concert” at 20:00 h at the Virgen de las Nieves town church. Conct organised by the Culture Council of Calpe.

Monday, April 9: “Mozart Réquiem”, by the Alicante Province Youth Orchestra. The event takes place at 19:00 h in the AUDITORIUM of Casa de Cultura in Calpe. Admission costs 10 EUR.

Friday, April 27: “Broadway Baby”, to collect funds for Amigos de los niños de Meaux (Meaux’s Children Friends).

The concert will be held at 20:00 h in the Auditorium of Sala de Cultura in Calpe. It is organised by Asociación Amigos de los niños de Emaús. Admission costs 12 EUR and tickets can be purchased at Margaret &Elena card shop on Gabriel Miró Avenue, Calpe.

IV Calpe Tourist Photography National Contest

Anyone interested in taking par at in the IV “Villa de Calpe” National Photography Contest

can register now.

Calpe‘s Tourist Council and Foto Club Ifach organise for another consecutive year the “Villa de Calp” National Photography Contest. This is the fourth edition.

The contests looks to collect original, unpublished images of Calpe, with clear references to its environment and landscapes. Those planning to participate in the contest can do so in any of the two available categories: Collection or single works.

The first prize for the collection category is 300 EUR. To register your works, all you have to do is take your photos before April 10 to any of the Tourist Info offices of Calpe.

The decision of the jury will be made public on April 13 and the participating works will be exhibited in Casa de Cultura de Calpe “Jaume Pastor i Fluixà” until April 29.

Holy Week processions in Calpe

Holy Week comes soon and many of us take this holiday to leave the routine behind and enjoy different activities. Those who chose Calpe to enjoy Holy Week will find this calendar of holy Week 2012 events really useful:

Holy Week 2012 in Calpe:

Friday, 23 March: At 21:00 h, Via Crucis around Arenal-Bol beach Blvd. The starting point is the harbour, from where the Christ statue will be taken to the boulevard, where the Via Crucis will start until Colón Sq.

Friday, 30 March: At 07:00 h, Rosary of the Dawn (Rosario de la Aurora) and Our Lady of Sorrows Mass. Virgin procession after the mass.

Sunday, 1 April: Palm Sunday. At 10:00 h, mass. At 11:00 h, Palms blessing at the El Salvador Hermitage Chapel. Palms procession to the church after the blessing, followed by a Holy Mass.

Monday, 2 April: Holy Monday, at 19:30 h: Holy Mass.

Tuesday 3 April: Holy Tuesday. At 19:30 h, Holy Mass and Penance celebration.

Wednesday 4 April: Holy Wednesday: at 19:30 h, Holy Mass and at 21:00 h, “Cristo de las tres caídas” (three falls Christ) procession.

Thursday 5 April:  Holy Mass at 18:00 h and Last Dinner Mass at 20:00 h. Nazaren Jesus procession at 21:30 h and holy Hour by the Christ at 23:00 h.

Friday, 6 April: Good Friday: at 08:00 h, mourning turns by the Almighty. At 09:00 h, via Crucis to the Hermitage Chapel. At 18:00 h, Good Friday Mass and at 20:00 h, procession.

Saturday 7 April: Holy Saturday: at 23:00 h, start of the Easter Vigil at the Cemetery, and way to the church. Resurrection of Christ.

Sunday, 8 April: Easter Sunday: Mass at 10:00 h. Meeting at S. Salvador Sq. at 11:00 h, for the Encounter of Resurrected Christ and the Virgin. Procession to the church and Resurrection Mass. Mass at 19:00 h.

Ignacio Rodes brings his talent to Calpe

Today we would like to share the busy calendar of music events taking place during March in Calpe. If you are a music lover, be ready to enjoy this musical month in Calpe:

Saturday 24 March:

Guitar recital by Ignacio Rodes, an intense and distinctive artist. To get an idea of the talent of this musician, you can go online and visit his official website www.ignaciorodes.com. But to really see —or listen— for yourself his fantastic performance, come to Saló Blau in Casa de Cultura at 20:00 h. The event is organised by Ilusión-Arte association and the admission fee is €9 for club members and €14 for non-members.

Time: 20:00 h. Location: Saló Blau.

Saturday 24 March:

Unión Musical Calp Ifach band show: This free concert will take place at 20:30 h at the Auditorium. Organised by the Calpe Culture council.

Saturday 31 March:

XII Escola Calpina de Corda chords festival: Alicante Plectro Ensemble, Grup la Marina, Orquesta de Pols and Pua Escola Calpina de Corda will perform to collect funds for Calpe’s Red Cross.

The event will take place at 20:00 h in Calpe’s Casa de Cultura Auditorium as well.

Donation fee: €3.   Get your tickets at the Red Cross office and in the box office of Casa de Cultura 1 hour before the event.

Valencia Fallas 2012

This weekend 2012, the most important Fallas-related events will take place in Valencia, as it is the last one, and Monday 19 March is a bank holiday.

Besides the scheduled events, we strongly suggest you to visit the most important fallas monuments: Town Hall Square Falla, Nou Campanar, Na Jordana, Pilar Square and Jerusalén-Matemático Marzal are the most impressive ones. However, you will surely be delighted with some others you will find on the way.

Fallas 2012 Valencia Schedule (17, 18 and 19 March):

Saturday, 17 March:

At 14:00 h: MASCLETÁ —firecrackers— at the Town Hall Square (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

At 15:30 h: FLOWERS OFFERING to the Virgin of Desamparados.

At 01:00 h: FIREWORKS CASTLE SHOW at Alameda Boulevard.

Sunday, 18 March:

At 13:00 h: Grupo Dinamic Producción de Espectáculos S.L. show to open the Mascletá.

At 14:00 h: MASCLETÁ —firecrackers— at the Town Hall Square (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

At 15:30 h: FLOWERS OFFERING to the Virgin of Desamparados.

At 01:30 h: NIT DEL FOC at Alameda Boulevard.

Monday 19 March, “Día de San José”:

At 11:00 h, the “Falleras Mayores” —Queens— of Valencia and their Courts of Honour will make a flower offering to the image of the Patriarch.

At 12:00 h: Solemn Mass to honour Saint Joseph at the Valencia Cathedral.

At 13:30 h, party before the Mascletà.

At 14:00 h: MASCLETÁ —firecrackers— at the Town Hall Square (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

At 19:00 h, CABALGATA DEL FUEGO —fire cavalcade— along the Ruzafa, Colón and  Porta de la Mar streets.

At 22:00 h, CREMÀ —burning— of the Children’s Fallas —monuments.

At 22:30, burning of the children’s falla awarded the first prize of the Special Section.

At 23:00 h, CREMÀ of the Town Hall’s Square children’s falla.

At 22:00 h, CREMÀ —burning— of every falla in Valencia.

Murla Tower

This year, Benissa, Vall el Pop and Teulada-Moraira have joined efforts to organise an active holidays calendar that will allow participants to get to know the region in further detail.

Find below relevant info about the activities planned for the next few days within this active holidays calendar:

-          “Entre Piedras” route, on Sunday 18 March: This itinerary crosses Benissa-Senija and Llíber, and its main subject is architecture on stone. This 15 km tour takes about 5 hours to complete and is considered of medium-to-low difficulty. Capacity is up to 60 people. The price is €6. The starting point is Concento de los Padres Franciscanos Square in Benissa, and the tour starts at 09:30. You can also catch it from the second starting point at 10:00 h: Church Square in Senija.

-          “El Castillo invisible: Una herencia por descubrir” tour around Murla on Sunday, 29 April: This tour focuses on the moor heritage of Vall del Pop. The tour takes 5 hours to complete even though it covers only 5 km, because it is of medium-to-high difficulty. The tours starts at 09:00 h from Murla’s church and costs €6.

To sign up and request additional information, please refer to: Tourist Info Offices in Teulada-Moraira, Benissa and Vall del Pop (Xalò). You have until 13:00 h of the Friday after the tour to register your attendance.

Fallas Calp 2012

 Calpe Fallas 2012 schedule: Comprehensive information about the events taking place during this festival:

On Friday 16 March at 16:00 h, the plantá starts. It is the installation of monuments to be later burnt. At 19:00 h, attendees will enjoy hot chocolate. At 21:00 h, there will be a bring-your-own-food dinner at the fallas tent, and later there will be a ball.

On Saturday 17 March at 04:30, the “despertá” —wake-up call— will take place at Casal Fallero, and a parade will walk the streets of Calpe. At 13:00 h, there will be a sardines popular feast and sangria for anyone taking part in the party, next to the monument.. At 18:00 h, there will be a greasy pole and children’s’ games. At 22:00, join the Fallera Party with bring-your-own-meal dinner and music at the Fallera tent.

On Sunday 18 March at 07:30, another “despertá” —wake-up call— will take place at Casal Fallero, and a parade will walk the streets of Calpe. At 14:00 h, there will be a paella next to the monuments. At 19:00 h, the Parade of the Court of Honour will visit the streets of Calpe. At 20:00 h, flowers offering to the Dedication of St Mary Major (Nuestra Señora de las Nieves). At 21:00 h, there will be a bring-your-own-food dinner at the fallas tent, and later there will be a ball.

On Monday 19 March at 07:30, another “despertá” —wake-up call— will take place at Casal Fallero, and a parade will walk the streets of Calpe. At 11:30, the parade will pick up the “falleras mayores” and the Courts of Honour at the Fallera Comission. At 12:15 h, the parade will pick up the authorities of Calpe. At 12:30 h, there will be a Holy Mass to Honour St. Joseph, attended by the “falleras mayors”, the authorities and the Comission. At 13:30 h, there will be a Gran Mascletá —great fireworks and firecrackers show— at Plaza Mayor Square. At 19:00 h, the last great party will start at the Fallera tent. At 23:00 h, the children’s monument will be set on fire –Cremá infantile— and the festival will come to an end with the burning of the main monument —Cremá de la falla Mayor at 24:00 h.

Casa de Cultura Calpe

This month we invite you to enjoy the town of Calpe through art with the various exhibitions that are organized on the Casa de Cultura throughout the month, including photo exhibitions, logos competitions, printing techniques and painting.

Today is the last day to visit the photo exhibition “A Century of Theatre in Calpe ” which opened on 2 March. We deeply regret not having reported that before, but still you have a chance to visit it. The photographs are exhibited in the Exhibition Hall of the Casa de Cultura. Exhibition organized by the Culture Department of the City of Calpe.

Open until 30 March,  the logos participating in the Logos Competition  of Local Agenda 21 will be on display at the Entrance Hall of Casa de Cultura as an initiative of the Department of Citizen Participation of the City of  Calpe, several NGO’s and Local Agenda 21.

Starting next Wednesday, 14 March and open until Friday 13 April, you can visit the “Morocco” exhibition by Maria Luisa Borras. Borras’ works are based in printing techniques such as monotypes, etchings and silkscreen prints. The inauguration will be on 14 March at 20:00 h. in the Pedro Pastor hall of the Casa de Cultura in Calpe .

And finally, from 16 to 30 March,  María Ortolá Martínez  will display her  works at the Exhibit Hall, also in the Casa de la Cultura.

Conference at Casa de la Cultura Calpe

Check below is a list of conferences to be held in the town of Calp /Calpe this month, all of which are going to be held at the Saló Blau or the Casa de Cultura  “Jaume Pastor i Fluixá” located in the Masnou Avenue.

Wednesday 14 March: Conference “Women and Politics, parity and empowerment”, by Ms. Rosario Tur Ausina.

Time: 18:30 h.

Admission limited to venue capacity. Event organized by the Housewives’ Association.

Friday 16 March: Conference “Virgin Mary Iconography in Western Europe, Part one” by Mr. Juan Pedro Martinez Solbes. The conference will begin at 20:30 h. and is organized by the Department of Culture and Institut d’Studies Calpins (Institute of Calpe’s Studies).

Friday 30 March: Conference “Virgin Mary Iconography in Western Europe, Part two” by Juan Pedro Martinez Solbes, also at 20:30 h. with the organization of the Department of Culture and the Institute of Calpe ’s Studies

Calpe Town Hall

The Town of Calpe has created the European Citizen Service Bureau in order to improve the service level for local residents from all around  Europe.

This new service in English, French, German and Dutch languages will be added to the one already provided by the Oficina de Atención al Ciudadano (Citizen Care Office/ OAC) offered in Castilian Spanish and Valencian languages.

This service is aimed to improve communication and implementation of administrative procedures to European residents. In the words of Calpe’s mayor: “We are a town where residents are not residents, but are a just like another Calpe-born. We want them to feel at home and feel that the Town listens and understand them”.

This service will be provided two days a week from the Peñon Tourist Info office, located at # 44, Ejércitos Españoles Avenue, in front of Las Salinas. In this sense, Cesar Sanchez has highlighted the strategic location of the office, and the fact that the building is shared by the departments of the OAC and Tourism: “We understand that attention has to be the same. Services must be equal treatment to people visiting Calpe  and people living here all year-round”

The European Citizen Service Bureau will be open from 9:00 to 13:00 h. on Mondays and Wednesdays.

I Slaughter and Traditional Sausages Making Fair in Xalò

On Sunday 4 March 2012, Xaló holds its I Slaughter and Traditional Sausages Making Fair.

At the fair, visitors are more than welcome to taste traditional products, regional wines, a typical brunch with Dulzaina and Tabalet traditional music on the background, music shows, a traditional sausage making exhibition and the first “Figaltella” of Spain (feast of patty-like sausages). The event will take place al morning long at Alameda Boulevard in Xalò, facing the street market area and the Bodegas from 10:00 h to 14:00 h.

Xaló’s First Slaughter and Traditional Sausage Making Fair activities schedule:

09:30h. Opening.

10:00 h: Quartering of pork.

10:30-11:30h. Traditional brunch of slaughter samplers and tastings: 1 EUR per item.

11:30h. Exhibition of traditional sausage making.

12:00 h: End of the tasting session and First Spain’s “Figatellá” (a sort of patty-shaped sausage), 1 EUR per item.

If weather allows (and we are sure it will), it is going to be a great opportunity to go out and discover the food, traditions and hospitable attitude of this Marina Alta region town.

V Benissa Gastronomic Festival

The V Benissa Gastronomic Festival will take place from 2 to 4 March at the Taller d’Ivars art centre, with innovative as well as classic tapas, a diverse agenda of wine tastings along with local sausages, cocktail shows and more. The festival is organised by Benissa’s Town Hall, together with the Commerce and Tourism offices.

Friday 2 March at 19:30 h: Opening of the V Benissa Gastronomic Festival, withsamplers for tasting, from 20:00 h to 23:00 h.

Saturday, 3 March:

Food tastings from 12:00 h to 16:00 h and from 19:00 h to 23:00 h. Tastings.

Wine tastings at the tastings hall at 20:30 h: Free DPO Alicante wine tastings, together with Benissa sausages. With the collaboration of DPO Alicante Wines.

Cocktail show at the tastings hall at 22:00 h. With the collaboration and sponsored by Café Tropic.

Sunday, 4 March:

XI Concurs de Vins de Benissa —XI Benissa Wines Contest—at the Tastings Hall. Info and registrations at Creama Benissa (+34 96 573 21 00) from 10:00 h to 14:00 h.

Tastings from 12:00 h to 17:00 h.

Also, from 2 to 11 March, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy typical Benissa dishes at many restaurants in town, at competitive prices. Take advantage of this initiative and enjoy tasty homemade cocas (pound cakes), octopus salad, bull with tomato, scargots, bay seafood, sausages, bull tail and a lot more in Benissa.

Sand Castle Contest

The Department of Tourism of the town of Calpe is organizing a Sand Castle and Sculpture Contest for the next Easter holidays. The contest will take place from 4 to 8 April in the beaches of Arenal and Fossa, and the enrollment can be made at the Office of Citizen affairs of the City of Calpe, (indicating name, address, ID number, category which you want to compete in and phone number), from today until 28 March. The contest has two categories: children and adults.

This event is aimed to expanding the program of activities during the tourist season of both Easter and summer, as the four finalists of the contest will install their creations of sand on the beaches of Calpe again during the summer.

In the adult category there is place for a maximum of ten artists, while in the junior category twenty.

The contest will consist in the building of  sand castle or sculpture, using only the hands and specific tools for this activity as buckets, shovels or rakes.

The competition rules are available on the website of the City Council and Tourism Site

Andalusian day in Calpe

Check below is a list the program organized by the Calpe Casa de Andalucía Association (Andalusia Club) to celebrate the Andalusia Day Festival;  two days of music, dancing and good food in Calpe.

Sunday 26 February

10:00 h. Opening of the venue and reception of dishes and pastries.

11:00 h. Exhibition of the couture students works.

12:30 h. Appetizer and performance of the House of Andalusia dance groups.

14:00 h. Speech by President of the association and presentation of traditional foods and pastries.

14:30 h. Andalusia Fellowship lunch and tasting of the dishes.

16:00 h. Children’s activities with games and crafts.

Tuesday 28 February

20:00 h. Reception of the town authorities, toast and singing of the Anthem of Andalusia.

Andalusian Association of Calpe House reports that during these two days there will be bar service and request the cooperation of members and supporters to help in the preparation of meals and pastries.

Vall del Pop tour

The Department of Tourism of Calpe Town organizes guided tours for the next few days to the area of the Vall de Pop in a activity called “Almond Blossom Route”

These activities are scheduled for 24, 25 and 26 February and will start with  a bus trip to the Vall de Pop (about 8 km from Calpe) to reach a valley where attendants can contemplate the beauty of the landscape, marked by the flowering of the almond trees this time of year. The meeting point for the departure to these activities will be at  L’Esport Street, next to the Repsol petrol station.

The route is three hours long and low difficulty and the price of the activity is 5 euros for adults and 3 euros for children up to 16 years old.

For more information and registration contact the tourist offices in Calpe or write to the email address: infocalpe@touristinfo.net

Calpe Charity Market

Manos Unidas´ Street Market of Calpe aimed to raise funds to fight against world hunger. This charity market will take place at Fora street every Thursday afternoon from 23 February  until Thursday 1 March at 16:00 h.

In this market you can taste  Chocolate and Doughnuts on Thursday, 23 February (opening day) and 29 February and help with a good cause at the same time you enjoy the local sweets.

This great charity sale will include stands of crochet and bobbin lace, decorative items, clothes, shoes, books, homemade organic soap, homemade jams and cakes.

The German Carnivals Calpe

Calpe Carnival Club has everything ready to celebrate the International Festival of Music and Dance and the German Carnival Festival 2012 in an event that will be held at the sports hall of Calpe on the weekend of 25 and 26 February 2012.

On Saturday 25 February 2012, the “International Festival of Music and Dance” will kick off of the carnival celebrations at 20:00 h. The doors of the venue will open at 19:00 hours.

On Sunday26 February, 2012 “The Carnival Party” event will be organized by members of the Club Carnival Calpe, best known for being the organizers of the famous Oktoberfest in Calpe.

Last year’s carnival, the Calpe’s sport hall was sold out the two days of carnival that included several shows that certainly entertained the attendees, who enjoyed shows as  the Benidorm Ballet of Lourdes Canovas, “La Carlota ” brass band, Altea Streetwise dance performance, Querbeat band.

There is no doubt about that Calpe Carnival Club  knows how to do a great show for all who want to enjoy the carnival festivities in Calpe.

Teatro Principal of Alicante

Check below the schedule of  Teatro Principal of Alicante for the rest of February and March 2012, for sure an entertainment option to take in account in the province of Alicante.

AMIGOS HASTA LA MUERTE  (FRIENDS TO DEATH) of Javier Veiga.

What is the most  would you do for (or aginst) your best friend? Nacho, Angel and Maria :Two men, one woman and two love stories.

Sessions: Saturday 18 February at 19:00 h and 22:00 h. and Sunday 19 February at 18:00.

VENECIA BAJO LA NIEVE (VENICE UNDER THE SNOW) of Gilles Dyrek.

Two old college friends meet after many years to meet their current partners.

Sessions: Friday 24 February at 20:30 h., Saturday 25 February at 21:00 h. and Sunday 26 February at 18:00 h.

DE CINTURA PARA DEBAJO (FROM THE WAIST BELOW) of Felix Sabroso and Dunia Ayaso.

National Premiere

Fierce and hilarious marital battle that includes dirt, tacky scams and extortion attempts of a couple in love and sexual decline.

Sessions: Friday 2 March  at 20:30 h., Saturday 3 March  at 21:00 h. and Sunday 4 March at 18:00 h.

DRACULA (Ballet)

Abandoned in her historical dream, the Blood Countess -surrounded by those she killed to use their tissue and fluid the elixir of everlasting youth-  will be awakened by the tribe that sucks the blood of goodness. In this context, Erzsébet will be dazzled by the women of the clan to take her over time to the presence of Dracula. A single session will be performed on 6 March  at 20:30.

FUGA of Jordi Galceran

Not everything is as it seems in this comedy. Several twists follow one after another until a surprising grand finale.

Sessions: Friday 9 March at 20:30 h. on Saturday 10 March at 19:00 and 22:00 and Sunday 11 March at 18:00 h.

Indiana Jones Exhibition in Valencia

The Principe Felipe Science Museum in the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia is hosting until September 2012, the exhibition “Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology” brought by the National Geographic Society.

This is a great chance to live the adventures of Indiana Jones ™ -the most popular globe-trotting archaeologist- exploring the science and secrets of its many archaeological discoveries. This family activity will allow you to discover when the fiction of the movies meets the archaeological reality and delve into the world of Indiana Jones, thanks to a state of the art recreation over 900 square meters.

Visitors will have access to video-guides to help them to embark on a quest to discover the true origins of archaeological mysteries. In its English version, Harrison Ford himself recorded a greeting, welcomes the visitors and invites them to start their journey to the archeology.

‘Indiana Jones ™ and the Adventure of Archaeology’ elucidates the myths associated with relics like the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail and explore mythical places such as Akator or Mayapore. The exhibition also shows how archaeologists work on projects such as deciphering ancient writings and discover the true origins of the mysterious Nazca Lines in southern Peru.

The individual entry fees is 15 euros for adults and 11.55 euros for children, retirees, pensioners and disabled people

You can reserve tickets by calling 902 100 031, through www.cac.es/entradas or at the box office.

Casa de Cultura Calpe

The musical events taking place in Calpe during February are just a delight for the ears.

The first event  is taking place at Friday 17 February, 2012.  Sofya Melikyan will perform a piano concert at 21:00 h. in the Saló Blau hall of the Casa de Cultura in Calpe. This event is organized by Ilusión Arte Association. Those interested in knowing more about the artist can visit the web www.sofyamelikyan.com available in both English and Spanish.

The tickets can be purchased at the box office 2 hours before each performance for  9 € for members of Ilusión Arte Association and 14 € for non-members. You can also reserve the tickets by phone at 656.714.787 and  609 625595, or by email: ilusionartecalpe@gmail.com.

The second appointment is with the also pianist Sergio Marchegiani, which will offer a concert on Sunday 26 February at 19:30 h. also at the Saló Blau hall of the Casa de Cultura in Calpe.

Sergio Marchegiani began studying piano at the  age of six, and performing before audience at age of ten. He graduated brilliantly in 1990 at the “A.Vivaldi” Music School of Alexandria under the tutelage of G. Binasco (pupil of Benedetti Michelangeli and Cortot) and later he perfected his art in Milan (90-94) with Deckers Kuszler doing further courses with A. Lonquich, Bruno Canino and Marian Mica. He has received several  national and international awards after successful performances in the best Italian cities and theaters, as well as cities such as Oslo, Stockholm, The Hague, Berlin and Moscow.

The ticket price for this concert also costs 14 € and can be purchased 1 hour before the sshow  in the Saló Blau Hall.

The Rock of Ifach

Last January 2012 marked the 25th anniversary of the declaration of Natural Park status to the Rock of Ifach. This decree was taken up in the official gazette 1/1987 of the Council of the Generalitat Valenciana. The rating of Natural Park (nature reserve) has allowed us all to enjoy over the years one of the most characteristic landscapes of the coast of Valencia, as it is protected and preserved.

There are many options we have throughout the year to enjoy this majestic limestone mountain of the Costa Blanca, as there are guided tours at night (during the summer months), talks on flora, archeology workshops and environmental education for children.

All those wishing to visit the Rock of Ifach Park in Calpe on its 25th can make the Red Route that goes for 2 kilometers (round trip) and is considered of low difficulty until the tunnel crossing and elevated difficulty after that point. The top of the muntaing can be reached after 1 hour and 30 minutes hike from the Visitors Center of the park. This route can be done virtually all year round, although not recommended during the months of October and November due to sudden rain showers

The Rock of Ifach Visitor Centre is located at  Illa de Formentera Street. For more information you can call to the phone numbers: 96 583 75 96 and 679 19 59 12

Opening hours:

Fall / winter:

Monday to Friday 8:30 to 14:30 h.

Weekends and holidays: 9:30 to 14:30 h.

Spring / Summer:

Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:30 h.

Tuesday: 9:00 to 14:30 and 16:30 to 18:00 h.

Weekends and holidays: 9:30 to 14:30 h.

"The Treasure Chest" theater play

Gomets Theatre Company of Benidorm will perform the children’s musical play  “TheTreasure chest” on Saturday 11 February , 2012 at 18:00 h. in the auditorium of the Casa de Cultura in Calpe.

“TheTreasure chest” is about a fun group of characters that inhabit the world of imagination, where they find a magic treasure chest full of wonderful treasures that invite to sing along about how to sleep an elephant, knowing  a car’s speed  or who eats the noodles.

This show allows kids to interact with the characters during a good part of the 55 minutes length of the play. This play is particularly aimed to children between  0 and 6 years old, although parents also use to have lot of fun with it.

The ticket price is 4 € and can be purchased at the box office one hour before the performance or in advance at Servicam: www.servicam.com or at phone number 965117117.

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.