Festival Calendar
Festivals and Events in Costa Blanca & Costa Cálida
Your guide to the year's biggest festivals, from Hogueras de San Juan to Moors and Christians parades. Never miss a celebration on Spain's sunny coast.
Your Year-Round Festival Guide
Living in Spain means living life to the fullest—and nowhere is this more evident than in the festivals that punctuate the calendar year. From the fire and fury of Hogueras de San Juan to the solemn beauty of Semana Santa processions, Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida offer celebrations that will become highlights of your year.
Whether you're considering relocating to Spain or already settled in your new home, this calendar helps you plan around the region's most spectacular events. Some are intimate local affairs; others draw visitors from around the world.
| Month | Festival | Location | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cabalgata de Reyes | Alicante, Benidorm, Torrevieja | Three Kings parade with sweets for children (5 Jan) |
| February | Carnaval | Torrevieja, Alicante, Murcia | Costumes, music, and street parades |
| March | Las Fallas (local) | Benidorm, Alicante | Smaller versions of Valencia's famous fire festival |
| March/April | Semana Santa | Cartagena, Orihuela, Murcia | Renowned religious processions |
| June | Hogueras de San Juan | Alicante | Region's biggest festival with bonfires and fireworks (20-24 Jun) |
| July | Romería del Carmen | Los Alcázares, San Pedro del Pinatar | Sea processions honoring sailors (16 Jul) |
| July | Moros y Cristianos | Villajoyosa | Spectacular historical reenactments |
| July | La Mar de Músicas | Cartagena | International music festival by the harbor |
| August | Fiestas Patronales | Torrevieja | Concerts, fairgrounds, and local traditions |
| September | Cartagineses y Romanos | Cartagena | Romans vs Carthaginians—Murcia's biggest historical festival |
| October | Fiesta Nacional | Throughout the region | Markets and events for Spain's national day (12 Oct) |
| Oct/Nov | Wine Festivals | Jumilla, Yecla | Harvest celebrations with local gastronomy |
The Unmissable Festivals
Some festivals are so spectacular they deserve special attention. These are the events that define the character of their host cities and draw visitors from across Spain and beyond.
Hogueras de San Juan
Alicante's answer to Las Fallas runs June 20-24. Giant sculptures burn at midnight on the 24th, preceded by daily fireworks and street parties that transform the city.
Cartagineses y Romanos
Cartagena's September festival recreates the Punic Wars with 4,000 participants in period costume. Ten days of battles, markets, and theatrical performances.
Semana Santa
Cartagena and Orihuela host some of Spain's most acclaimed Easter processions. The solemn parades feature centuries-old religious sculptures carried through candlelit streets.
For Hogueras, book accommodation months ahead—Alicante fills completely. Semana Santa in Cartagena is similarly popular, with the best viewing spots claimed early. If you're buying property in these areas, you'll soon learn to plan your calendar around these dates.
Moors and Christians: Living History
The Moros y Cristianos festivals commemorate the medieval battles between Moorish and Christian forces. What makes them special isn't just the historical reenactments—it's the months of preparation, the elaborate costumes, and the whole-town participation.
Villajoyosa's July celebration is the most accessible on the coast, featuring a mock beach invasion and three days of parades. Inland towns like Alcoy and Elda host even larger versions in spring, with some festivals dating back centuries.
Each town has its own patron saint festival (Fiestas Patronales), typically running a week in summer. These feature evening concerts, funfairs, food stalls, and fireworks—perfect for experiencing authentic Spanish community life. Torrevieja's August fiestas and Murcia's Feria de Agosto are among the largest.
For those interested in learning Spanish, festivals offer perfect immersion opportunities. Locals are proud of their traditions and happy to explain the history behind each celebration.
Weather and Practical Tips
The good news: most festivals fall during the region's best weather months. Summer celebrations mean warm evenings perfect for outdoor events, while spring and autumn festivals enjoy mild temperatures ideal for walking parades and standing crowds.
Weather Right Now
Book Accommodation Early
Major festivals fill hotels weeks or months ahead. If you own property in the area, consider inviting family to share the experience—it's a perfect excuse for visitors.
Expect Road Closures
Parades mean street closures. Plan your driving accordingly, and consider using public transport or walking for city-center events.
Embrace the Schedule
Spanish festivals run late. Main events often start at 10pm or later. Adjust your sleep schedule and don't plan early morning activities the next day.
Join the Locals
Festivals are community events, not tourist shows. Dress up for Carnaval, applaud the processions, try the festival foods. Participation is welcome and expected.
Make Spain Your Home
Experience Every Festival Season
Living in Costa Blanca or Costa Cálida means a front-row seat to Spain's most vibrant celebrations. From your own terrace, you'll hear the fireworks and feel the community spirit year-round.
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