Holidays and Fiestas in Guardamar
January 5th – Night before Epiphany
In Spain the year begins with the Christmas celebration. Although the 25th of
December is celebrated, traditionally, presents aren't exchanged until the 12th
night (the night of the 5th of January). This is known as Epifanía del señor
(epiphany) or Reyes Magos (the three wise men or three Kings: Melchor, Casper
and Balthazar). 
In the story of the birth of Christ, three wise men bought gifts for baby
Jesus, and this is why the Spanish use this time to exchange gifts in
celebration of this event. There is a '3 Kings parade' on the evening of the 5th
of January including the three wise men, normally on camels or horses, and they
throw sweets out to the children that line the streets. The parade normally ends
at the town hall where the three wise men hand out gifts to all of the children.
Traditionally Spanish children polish their shoes and leave them outside the
door to show the three wise men that they have been good, and then the three
wise men will leave them presents (in a similar way to Santa leaving gifts under
the Christmas tree). In the morning, the presents are waiting for all of the
good boys and girls, and their polished shoes are full of sweets.
January 6th - Epiphany
The 6th of January is a national fiesta and is sometimes referred to, by the
British, as 'the Spanish Christmas day'.
March 17th to 23rd – Easter
As everyone knows, the dates when Easter is celebrated varies from year to year,
but in Spain they are the same as the U.K.. In 2008, the celebrations begin on
the 17th of March and the last one is the 23rd of March.
Easter sees a selection of processions including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday,
Good Friday and Easter Sunday, which depict the stories of the events leading up
to the crucifixion of Jesus, and subsequent resurrection. The Easter parades are
an important tradition in Spanish life and the majority of the local people are
involved in one way or another. Band music plays a significant part of the
parades and sets the mood of the story that is being told. Children and adults
take great pride in representing their band by playing in the street carnivals,
and the music is of a high standard.
Holy week in Guardamar 2008 : March 17th
21:30 - Procession (re-enactment of the ‘Arrest of our Lord') starts and
finishes at the church on the main town hall square (Plaza de la constitución).
March 18th
21:30 - Procession (re-enactment of ‘Pilate washing his hands') starts and
finishes at the church on the main town hall square (Plaza de la constitución).
The re-enactment takes place at the Plaza Baluart at approximately 22:30.
March 19th
20:30 - The image of ‘Nuestro Padre Jesus de la Caída' arrives at the church on
the main square. It is brought along Miguel Hernandez and Ing. Mira
21:30 - Procession (‘Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Caída' and ‘Stama. Virgin de los
Dolores'- Lady of sorrows) starts and finishes at the church on the main town
hall square (Plaza de la constitución). March 20th
18:00 - Holy Mass at the church on the main square. Followed by Solemn Mass and
Eucharist to celebrate the ‘Lords supper'
20:00 - The image of ‘Senor Del Monte' arrives at the church on the main square.
It is brought along Miguel Hernandez and Ing. Mira
23:30 - Silent procession (‘Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Caída' and ‘Stama. Virgin
de los Dolores'- Lady of sorrows) starts and finishes at the church on the main
town hall square (Plaza de la constitución). The ‘Holy hour' begins.
March 21st
08:00 - Procession (‘Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno' and ‘Stama. Virgen de los
Dolores'- Lady of sorrows) starts from Calle de la Amargura.
17:00 - Holy Mass
21:00 - Procession (‘Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Caída', ‘Stama. Virgin de los
Dolores', ‘Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno' and many more) starts and finishes at
the church on the main town hall square (Plaza de la constitución). March 22nd
10:00 - Holy Mass to celebrate ‘the resurrection of our Lord'. March 23rd – Easter Day
09:00 - Holy Mass
10:00 - Procession (re-enactment of the ‘Meeting with the Blessed Mary') starts
and finishes at the church on the main town hall square (Plaza de la
constitución). The re-enactment takes place along Eng, Mira. March
19th – Father's day
This is San José day, or better known as ‘día del padre' which is the equivalent
to the British Father's day. It is traditionally celebrated by having a day off, as it's
one of Spain's national fiestas. May 1st – Labor day
This is a national fiesta, so everyone gets another day off to celebrate ‘fiesta
del trabajo'.
May 4th – Mother's day
This is not a national  fiesta, but always happens on the first Sunday in May,
this year being Sunday the 4th of May.
June 21st-24th - Saint John's Bonfires
From the 21st to the 24th of June, Guardamar celebrates the festival of Saint
John's Bonfires.
On Guardamar beach you will be able to see the evening bonfires to celebrate
this fiesta.
July 18th-27th - Moors and Christians
Some of the most
 entertaining parades are the ones to celebrate the history of
the Moors and Christians, in 2008 these parades start on the 18th of July and go on until the 27th of July. They tell the story
of the beach invasion and storming of the castle and include mock fights in period costume, as they re-enact the battles between the Moors and Christians.
July 18th
21.30 - Procession of the ´Damas´ (this year's local Queen of the fiesta and her
two maids of honours) and key members of the organising committee. Route – Plaza
del Rosari, Carrer Gratitut, Plaza dels Llauradors, C/ Major towards Plaza de la
Constitució (town square).
22.00 - Opening address
22.30 - Presentation of the flags and standard bearers.
23.00 - Coronation Ceremony of this year's ‘Dama de Guardamar' (Lady of
Guardamar). The recreation, in traditional costume, of the age old legend of
L´Encantá – a spectacle of light, water and fire. An eye-catching performance
that tells the story of a young girl who falls under a magic charm and can only
be released by a brave soldier, who first has a battle against the forces of
evil, a dragon, in order to free her. The curse can only be broken if he bathes
her feet in the Segura river. The “happy ending” is that he kills the dragon and
washes her feet in the river. They live happily ever after.
24.00 (Midnight) - Opening of the ‘Town Council Party Zone', which is situated
in the La Redonda football ground, near the industrial estate. This is an
invitation to dance the night away to the music of some of Guardamar´s best
D.J.s. July 19th
10.00 – 14.00 - Model aircraft exhibition in the Avda Els Pins.
13.00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and firework rocket throwing (town
square).
22.30 - Fancy Dress Parade and Competition for anyone who wants to get involved.
The Parade sets off from C/ Major on the corner with C/ Nord and continues along
the Avda País Valencià, ending in the Plaza Jaume II. All prizes will be awarded
in the ´Town Council Party Zone´.
24.00 (Midnight) – ‘Party Zone', which is situated at the football ground near
the industrial estate. Music provided by local D.J.s. July 20th
13.00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and fireworks rocket throwing (town
square)
22.00 - Choral and Music Concert in the Plaza de la Constitució. (Town square).
During the programme, prizes will be awarded to the winners of this year's local
‘Short Story' competition.
22.00 - Cinema on the Beach. Film festival on the Roqueta Beach. The films are
“Encantada” the history of Gisel, “Beowolf” and “Blue Smoke”.
24.00 (Midnight) – ‘Town Council Party Zone', which is situated in the football
ground near the industrial estate. ‘Peche' live on stage.
July 21st
13.00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and rocket throwing in the town
square.
19.00 - Opening of the mediaeval market (situated in Carrer del Rosari).
22.00 - Rock festival in Town Council Party Zone
22.30 - Festival of Firecrackers
Route – departs from the Town Hall, along C/ Miguel Hernández,
C/ Sant Francesc, C/ Ausiàs March, C/ Sant Jaume, Plaza d'Abastos,
C/ Enginyer Mira and ends at the Plaza de la Constitució (town square).
July 22nd
13.00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and firework rocket throwing (town
square).
19.00 - Mediaeval market situated in Carrer del Rosari
20.00 - Childrens´Party and Entertainment in the Carrer els Pins
July 23rd
13.00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and firework rocket throwing (town
square).
19.00 - Mediaeval market situated in Carrer del Rosari
20.30 - First ´Guerrilla'. The mock battle begins along Avda. País Valencià at
the corner of Carrer Lepanto and continues towards the town square. The
Christians are in front, expelled by the Moors who take possession of the town.
21.30 - Re-enactment of the conquering of the Castle and the town of Guardamar
by the Moors. After this there is a parade along the Avda. País Valencià towards
the Plaza dels Pescadors.
Night time – bar, music and dancing throughout the night.
July 24th
09.30 - See parachuting over the beach
20.30 - Second ´Guerrilla´. This mock battle begins, after warning gunfire from
the Castle's Gunpowder Bastion. The battle then moves along Carrer Castell,
Carrer Gratitut, Plaça Llauradors, Carrer Major to the town square. The Moors
are first followed by the Christians who now take possession of the town.
21.30 - Once there the Christians take power, the ´Trial of the Moorish Traitor´
takes place which represents the reconquest of the Castle and the City from the
Moors by the Christians. Victory parade along the agreed route from Avda. País
Valencià to Plaza dels Pescadors.
Night time – bar, music and dancing throughout the night.
July 25th
Feast of Saint James, Patron Saint of Guardamar
12.00 (noon) - Music parades through the streets of Guardamar with the ‘Dama de
Guardamar' and her ‘Maids of honour'
20.00 - Holy Mass in honour of Saint James
21.00 - Procession in honour of Saint James. Route – Carrer Enginyer Mira, Plaza
d'Abastos, Carrer Sant Emigdi, Carrer Valencia, Carrer Major, Avda. País
Valencià, Carrer Migdia, Vicente Ramos, and back to the church.
01.00 - Aquatic Fireworks Display opposite Roqueta and Centre beaches. The
fireworks are set off from makeshift sea jetties.
Night time - bar, music and dancing.
July 26th
07.30 - Parade startes at Plaz Jaime II, Avda. País Valencià, c/ Major, Plaza
Llauradors, Carrer Gratitut, and Carre Castell – ending at the castle
20.30 p.m. Entrance of the Christians. Starting at Avda. Pais Valencià on the
corner with Carrer Lepanto and ending in the Carrer Major at the corner with
Carrer Nord.
Night time. – bar, music and dancing.
July 27th
10.00 – 14.00 - Model aircraft exhibition in Pista de Vuelo
19.00 - The Music Bands make their entrance following the opposite route of the
parades
20.30 - Entrance of the Moors. Starting at Avda. País Valencià , along the
C/Major and ending at the corner of C/ Nord.
Night time. A final opportunity to enjoy the fun and hospitality by dancing the
night away
24.00 (Midnight) - The Castle Fireworks Display. We bid farewell to the
festivities with our traditional musical fireworks display. The best vantage and
viewing points are in Carrer Molivent near the bus station and Health Centre.
August – Every Wednesday and Friday in August a film shown in the Reina Sofia
park. The Wednesday films are for children and families and the Friday films are
for adults. The film starts at 22.00 and entrance is free.
August – on Saturday the 2nd, 16th, 23rd and 30th of August there are open air
concerts in Reina Sofia park including classical music from around the world,
flamenco and more modern music of the ‘Beatles' and ‘Simon and Garfunkel'. The
shows begin at 22.30 and entrance is free.
August
15th - Assumption of the Virgin
This is a national fiesta, however there are no parades.
October
1st-7th - Lady of the Rosary
The celebrations of the local festivities in honour of the Lady of the Rosary
usually begins on or about the 1st of October, and normally follows this
timetable, (as with most things in Spain, the precise dates are never known
until nearer the time) :
October
5th
19.30 - The Rosary is recited 
20.00 - Mass is said for the deceased from the following streets; Crevillent,
Plaça del Mercat,
Plaça
Porticada, Cartagena, Tabarca, La Marina, la Pau, Lepant, Les Vinyes,
Mediterrani Plaça Jaume II, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Sant Vicent Ferrer, San
Isidre Llaurador. October
6th
13.00 - Firecrackers, bangers and bell-ringing
19.30 - The Rosary is recited
20.00 - Holy Mass. October
7th
In the early hours of the morning, we are awakened by the 'Auroros', a group of
local people who recite and sing the Rosary in honour of Our Lady and Patron.
At 07.00 the group proceed along the following route - Enginyer Mira, Plaça d'
Abastos, Rosarí, Plaça del Rosarí, Enginyer Mira and back to the church. The
Rosary is followed by Holy Mass.
09.00 - Hot chocolate and cake are available in the Parish Hall
10.30 - Parade through the streets followed by local bands and musicians.
12.00 (noon) - Holy Mass. Mass is followed by traditional local dances 'Danses a
la Mare de Deu' in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary. Wine is offered in the
Church Hall as part of the Celebrations.
13.00 - More firecrackers, bangers and bell-ringing
18.30 - The Rosary is recited
19.00 - Holy Mass, after Mass, the image of Our Lady of the Rosary is paraded in
'solemn procession' through the streets of Guardamar. The procession includes
local dignatories, the 'Dama de Guardamar and her 'ladies in waiting', the 'Bellea
del Foc' and the 'Bellea del Foc Infantil 2008' with their attendants, the
'Reina' and 'Reina Infantil' of the Fiestas del Campo - all accompanied by local
bands and musicians. The route is, as follows, - Vicente Ramos, Sant Eugeni,
Sant Pere, Plaça d'Abastos, Sant Emigdi, Gratitut, Larramendi, Sant Jaume, Plaça
d'Abastos, Enginyer Mira and back to the church, followed by traditional hymns.
The event is followed by a spectacular Fireworks
display in honour of ‘Our
Lady'. October
12th - National Day of Spain
This is a national fiesta. November
1st - All Saints day
This is a national fiesta December 6th – Day of the Spanish constitution
This is a national fiesta December
8th - Immaculate Conception
This is a national fiesta December
24th – Christmas Eve
A Spanish Christmas is celebrated in a slightly different way to the British
version. Most towns are decorated with colourful street lights, like the UK,
but, in addition, the town square (plaza) normally plays host to a spectacularly
intricate miniature model of houses, people, animals etc. which depicts the
Christmas story. This is called a 'Belen' (meaning Bethlehem) and really must be
seen.
Traditionally, the Spanish celebrate Christmas with a big family meal on the
night of Christmas Eve (Nochebuena). The meal consists of many courses,
including cured ham and cheese, a variety of seafood, meat (normally lamb) etc.
and it ends with sweet cakes (postres), coffee, chocolates, liqueurs, champagne
(cava) and cider (sidra) etc. and, as they don't start eating till about 10.30
pm, the food and drink flows till the early hours. In modern times people
exchange gifts for Christmas at this time, obviously after midnight.
The Spanish translation for Father Christmas or Santa Claus is Papa Noel.
December
25th - Christmas Day
Although Christmas day, on the 25th of December, is a national fiesta, it's not
celebrated in a particularly special way and not regarded as special as
Christmas Eve, on the 24th.
December 26th
Boxing Day is a British based idea and generally means nothing to the Spanish
and is therefore, in general, regarded as a normal working day, although you may
find that some businesses are still closed.
December
31st
If you want to find out where everyone is at midnight on New Years Eve, just
head for the Town square (Plaza), where the Town hall is situated, from 11:30.
Normally the town hall organises music and dancing either in a marquee or on the
ground floor of the Town Hall. A complimentary drink is normally available, to
see in the New Year, and often there are bags of party streamers and blowers
etc. There is a great atmosphere and a lot of hugging and kissing as the church
bells ring in another year. There is a New Year tradition in Spain to eat a
grape on each strike of midnight, and this is supposed to bring you good luck in
the year ahead. The trouble is that most fresh grapes have pips in them, which
make the task of eating one grape every second for 12 seconds very difficult!
However, in the days running up to New Year most supermarkets stock tins of
seedless grapes, which makes it much easier!
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