Altea Festivals: discover everything about this Tourist Interest Site of the Valencian Community

What are the most famous festivals of Altea?

1. Patron Saint Festivals of Altea

We are talking about a festival declared a Tourist Interest Asset of the Valencian Community, and these traditional patron saint festivals of Altea certainly deserve it. They take place during the fourth weekend of September in honor of Cristo del Sagrario.

During these days, various religious acts take place, but the most beautiful and important are the lovely flower offering to the Virgin of Consolation, the reenactment of Cristo's Arrival in Altea, and the Entrà de la Murta.

2. Moors and Christians

Coinciding with the Patron Saint Festivals of Altea, these famous Moors and Christians celebrations take place, common in many municipalities of the region. These festivals in Altea, in honor of San Blas, are known for two parades full of costumes, joy, gunpowder, and music.

First, a concert is held at the Palau de Altea performed by the Altean Philharmonic Society and the Altea la Vella Musical Recreational Society. A few days later, the parade of Moors takes place, followed by the Christian parade, along with various dances and celebrations throughout the town.

3. Castell de L'Olla

Gunpowder and the Valencian Community always go hand in hand, and a proof of this is one of Altea's festivals, Castell de L´Olla. This is a great fireworks castle that has been celebrated for over 30 years—pure tradition!

It is performed from water platforms located in the bay, making the beauty of the fireworks, combined with their reflection in the water, something that the over 50,000 visitors who attend each year do not want to miss. It takes place on the Saturday closest to the feast of San Lorenzo, so check when it happens this year so you don't miss this pyrotechnic spectacle, also declared a Fiesta of Tourist Interest by the Valencian Generalitat.

4. Festivities of Cristo de la Salud

An epidemic of cholera was prominent around 1830 in this area, but thanks to the intervention of the Holy Christ of Health, the inhabitants of Altea managed to avoid this deadly disease. Since then, the town pays homage to this miracle with various religious activities, as well as recreational activities for the little ones and, for the more culinary adults, paella contests.

5. Fiestas del L´Ábret de Sant Joan

We are talking about one of the most striking festivals of Altea. Unlike the others, it has a Pagan origin, celebrating the fertility of the land. This festival begins with the “Plantà de l´Arbret”, when the elders cut down a large poplar on the riverbank, which they have to carry up to the town square. At that moment, the poplar stands vertically on the ground, and the youths of the area have to climb the tree to place a piece of clothing at the highest point they reach.

The rest of the festivities during these days include music and dance, fireworks, the traditional bonfire burning, and lots of fun.

As you can see, the festivals in Altea are very varied, and in addition to these more local ones, throughout the year the municipality is full of life and festive and cultural activities you can't miss.

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