Guardamar Information

Fiestas are official holidays in Spain, which often coincide with religious festivals. There are also many fiestas all over Spain for local patron saints or the Virgin Mary, and they can last for several days.

Although not all fiestas are celebrated with parades, most of them include, for example, religious processions, bullfights, street carnivals, and dancing etc. Spain is very well known for these fiestas and colourful street parades, and most of them are well worth seeing.

Below, you will find details of local holidays and fiestas in Guardamar, plus details of national holidays and fiestas in Guardamar. The details for this current year are directly below, but to get to next years, just click on the link below :

Local holidays and fiestas in Guardamar, plus details of national holidays and fiestas in Guardamar, next year
 

Local Fiestas in Guardamar
Listed below are the local fiestas in Guardamar del Segura. Don't forget that a local fiesta means that everything will probably be shut! However, if you need some shopping etc. urgently, you may be able to travel to another town, out of the immediate area, where this particular fiesta is not celebrated!

2010

National Fiestas
Below is a list of the National Fiestas in Spain (which are also the national holidays in Spain), including the English translation or UK equivalent. Remember that, unlike the UK, where it has become the norm to open shops etc on bank holidays the same as any other day, in Spain a National Fiesta is time for the whole nation to take the day off, including shops, banks and most cafes and bars. This is even the same if the National Fiestas falls in the middle of the week (which, more often than not they do). It's also worth knowing that where fiestas fall on Tuesdays or Thursdays, or when two fiestas fall in the same week separated by 1 day, some businesses choose to take an extra day as a holiday i.e. the Monday or Friday to join them to the weekend or the middle day to link two fiestas together - this is called a 'puente', meaning a bridge day.

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Holidays and Fiestas in Guardamar - 2010

January 1st 2010
New Years Day
This is a National holiday and a day of quiet recovery from the night before.

January 5th 2010
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 that usually starts at 19:00, 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 church opposite 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 2010
Epiphany
The 6th of January is a national fiesta and is sometimes referred to, by the British, as 'the Spanish Christmas day'.

February 13th and 15th 2010
Carnival in Guardamar
The Guardamar carnival is a colourful celebration full of fun and high spirits. Traditionally the Spanish February carnivals are a chance to throw off the winter blues as spring fast approaches. It’s an occasion for much pleasure and enjoyment before the more serious and reflective season of Lent begins.

The main carnival is on Saturday the 13th Saturday of February at 20:00. The route begins at Plaza Jaume II, and the vibrant carnival procession usually then makes its way down Avenida País Valenciano (the main high street), Calle Mayor and terminates at Plaza Labradores.

The second carnival takes place on Monday the 15th of February at 16:30, and this parade is about the children getting a turn to get in the carnival mood as they begin their fancy dress carnival procession.

March 19th 2010
Father’s Day / Día de San José
This is a national fiesta, and always happens on the 19th of March, irregardless of the day of the week. There are no big parades in Guardamar, but they celebrate with a day off!

March 26th to April 5th 2010
Easter celebrations
As most people will know, the dates when Easter is celebrated varies from year to year, and in Spain the dates are the same as the UK.  In 2010, the celebrations begin on the 26th of March and the last one is the 5th of April.

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.

The schedule for Holy week 2010 in Guardamar is listed below:

March 26th 2010
21:00 Holy Mass in the main church opposite the town hall square.
22:00 A solemn procession with the statue of Jesus of Nazareth begins form St James’ Church (the main church opposite the town hall square), and proceeds  down Enginyer Mira, Plaza d’Abastos, Sant Jaume, Carrer and Plaza del Rosari, Gratitud, Sant Emigdi, Plaza de la Constitución, Enginyer Mira and back into the Church.

March 27th 2010
19:00 Procession from Vicente Ramos, down Enginyer Mira to the main church opposite the town hall square (also known as Saint James church or Sant Jaume).
20:00 Holy Mass in the main church opposite the town hall square, including the blessing of the new statues.

March 28th 2010
Palm Sunday
11:00 The Palm Sunday procession leaves Saint James church (the main church opposite the town hall square) and travels along Enginyer Mira, Plaza d’Abastos, Sant Jaume, Carrer Rosari to Plaza del Rosari, where the Palms are blessed. From there it continues to Sant Jaume, Plaza de la Constitución, Enginyer Mira.
12:00 Holy Mass in the main church opposite the town hall square.
21:00 Procession from the church opposite the town hall square along Vicente Ramos, Sant Eugeni, Sant Pere, Plaza d’Abastos , Sant Emigdi, Gratitud, Larramendi, Sant Jaume, Plaça d’Abastos, Enginyer Mira and back to Sant Jaume church.

March 29th 2010
21:30 Procession and the re-enactment of the ‘Arrest of our Lord’. The route taken starts from Sant Jaume church (opposite the town hall square) and continues along Vicente Ramos, Sant Francesc, Ausiàs March, Mar, Sant Jaume, Sant Joseph, València, Sant Emigdi, Plaza d’Abastos, Enginyer Mira and back to Sant Jaume church.

March 30th 2010
21:30 Procession and the re-enactment of ‘Pilate washing his hands’. The re-enactment takes place at the Plaza Baluart at approximately 22:30. The route taken starts from Sant Jaume church (opposite the town hall square) and continues along Enginyer Mira, Carrer Rosari and Plaza del Rosari, Castell, Baluart de la Pòlvora, Castell, Rosari, Gratitud, Sant Emigdi, Plaza d’Abastos, Enginyer Mira and returns to Sant Jaume church.

March 31st 2010
20:00 The statue of ‘Virgen de los Dolores’ (Our Lady of Sorrows) is brought to the church along Sant Pere and Enginyer Mira.
21:00 The statue of ‘Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Caída’ is brought to the church along Miguel Hernández and Enginyer Mira.
22:00 Procession of the statues ‘Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Caída’, ‘Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno’ and ‘Virgin de los Dolores’ (Lady of sorrows). The route taken departs from the church along Enginyer Mira, Luis Rivera, Migdia, Vicente Ramos and back to Sant Jaume church (opposite the town hall square).

April 1st 2010
18:00 - Holy Mass at the church on the main square.
20:00 - Solemn Mass and Eucharist to celebrate the ‘Lords supper’
21:30 - The statue of ‘Nuestro Señor del Monte’(‘Our Lord of Mount Calvary’) arrives at the church on the main square. It is brought along Miguel Hernandez and Enginyer Mira.
23:30 - Silent procession. Route - departs from the church along Enginyer Mira, Plaza d’Abastos, Sant Emigdi, Nord, Alacant, Carrer Rosari and Plaza del Rosari, Enginyer Mira and back to the church. The ‘Holy hour’ begins as the procession enters the church.

April 2nd 2010
08:00 Procession. There are two processions that take different routes and meet at Plaza del Rosari where the ‘Lord’s meeting with Veronica’ is re-enacted.
One route - departs from the church along Enginyer Mira, Plaza d’Abastos, Sant Emigdi, Gratitud towards Plaza del Rosari.
The other route - departs from the church along Vicente Ramos, Sant Francesc and Rosari where they meet up with the other procession.
Return route - All processions return from Rosari, Sant Jaume, Plaza d’Abastos, Enginyer Mira and back to the church
21:00 Solemn procession for the ‘Holy Burial of Christ’. Route - from the Church along Enginyer Mira, Plaza d’Abastos, Sant Emigdi, Calle València, Major, Plaza de la Constitución, Avenida País Valencià, Migdia, Vicente Ramos and back to the church.

April 3rd 2010
22:00 Holy Mass to celebrate ‘The resurrection of our Lord’.

April 4th 2010
09:00 Holy Mass
10:00 (after Holy Mass) - Procession and re-enactment of the ‘Meeting with the Blessed Mary’. Route - departs from the church along Enginyer Mira where the ‘meeting’ re-enactment takes place, then the procession continues along Vicente Ramos, Sant Francesc, Sant Pere, Plaza d’Abastos, San Emigdi, València, Larramendi, Sant Jaume, Plaza d’Abastos, Enginyer Mira and back to the Church.
12:00 Holy Mass

May 1st 2010
Labor day
This is a national fiesta, so everyone gets another day off to celebrate ‘fiesta del trabajo’.

May 2nd 2010
Mother’s day
This is not a national fiesta, but always happens on the first Sunday in May, this year being Sunday the 2nd of May.

June 15th to 24th 2010
Saint John's Bonfires
The tradition to celebrate the arrival of summer solstice is to make and light huge bonfires in honour of Saint John. The celebration of Saint John's Bonfires, which is actually on the 24th of June, normally begins the previous week, approximately the 15th of June, and continues until  the 24th of June. There are special events during the week leading up to this fiesta, and on Guardamar beach you will be able to see the evening bonfires to celebrate the Saint John's Bonfires festival. Basing the information on last years itinerary for St. Johns festival, the rough guide to what will be happening is below, (the 2010 exact details will be updated as soon as they are published) :

June 15th
Evening - The building of the bonfire begins in Calle San Jaume

June 19th
Evening - There’s a street parade through town
Evening - The Festival Party Zone opens and the ‘Bellea del Foc’ (bonfire beauty queen) is presented to the public.

June 23rd
Evening - On the main Guardamar beach you will be able to see events to celebrate the fires of St. John.

June 24th
Morning - There’s a ‘Wake up call’ street parade around the streets of Guardamar
Evening - The Holy Mass in honour of St John begins and is followed by music and local parades.
Evening - This year’s bonfire is set on fire, and everyone enjoys the party atmosphere.

July 16th to 25th 2010
Moors and Christians
Some of the most entertaining parades are the ones to celebrate the history of the Moors and Christians, which start on the 16th of July and go on until the 25th of July. The exact program for 2010 is still to be advised and will be updated as soon as it's published. The parades 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.

It’s a very interesting and fun festival which has something for everyone, and is not to be missed!

The Moors and Christians fiesta follows the below itinerary

July 17th (Saturday)
11:30 - Regatta held at the marina
13:00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and firework rocket throwing (town square).
18:00 - Model aircraft exhibition in the Avenida Els Pins.
22:00 - Fancy dress parade and competition for anyone who wants to get involved. The Parade sets off from Calle Mayor on the corner with Calle Nord and continues along the Avenida País Valencià, ending in the Plaza Jaume II.  All prizes will be awarded in the ´Town Council Party Zone´
Midnight - ‘Party Zone’, which is situated at the football ground near the industrial estate with music provided by local D.J.s

July 18th (Sunday)
13:00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and fireworks rocket throwing (town square)
20:30 - Parade with music and the ‘Dama de Guardamar’ (Lady of Guardamar).
21:30 - Choral and music concert in the Reina Sofia park. During the evening, prizes will be awarded to the winners of this year’s local ‘Short Story’ competition.
Midnight - Concert in the old football pitch area (below the Bus Station). The music is by spanish musicians: Los Marañones and David Andréu, and local DJs will pay music after the concert.

July 19th (Monday)
13:00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and rocket throwing in the town square.
19:00 - Opening of the mediaeval market (situated in calle del Rosari).
22:00 - There is a choral concert in Reina Sofia park including the philharmonic choral society from Sax and the Guardamar choral society (the 'Aromas de Guardamar').
23:00 - The festival of ‘Firecrackers’ departs from the town hall, along calle Miguel Hernández, calle San Francesca, calle Ausiàs March, calle San Jaime, Plaza d’Abastos, passeig Enginyer Mira and ends at the Plaza de la Constitución (town square).

July 20th (Tuesday)
09:30 - Free fall parachute display at Centre Beach
13:00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and firework rocket throwing (town square).
19:00 - Mediaeval market situated in calle del Rosari
20:00 - Children’s party and entertainment in Avenida dels Pins.

July 21st (Wednesday)
13:00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and firework rocket throwing (town square).
19:00 - Mediaeval market situated in calle del Rosari
20:00 - The first ´Guerrilla’. The mock battle begins along Avenida País Valencià at the corner of calle 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 Avenida País Valencià towards the Plaza dels Pescadors.
Night time - bar, music and dancing throughout the night.

July 22nd (Thursday)
13:00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and firework rocket throwing (town square).
20:30 - The second ´Guerrilla´. This mock battle begins, after warning gunfire from the castle’s gunpowder bastion. The battle then moves along Calle Castell, Calle Gratitud, Plaza Llauradors, Calle 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, and the ´trial of the Moorish traitor´ takes place, which represents the re-conquest of the castle and the city from the Moors by the Christians. There’s a victory parade along the agreed route from Avenida País Valencià to Plaza dels Pescadors.
Night time - bar, music and dancing throughout the night.

July 23rd (Friday)
13:00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and firework rocket throwing (town square).
20:30 - Street parade starting with the entrance of the Moors, and followed by the Christians. The Moors and Christians procession starts at Avenida Pais Valencià on the corner with Calle Lepanto, and ends in the Calle Major at the corner with Calle Nord.
Night time - bar, music and dancing throughout the night.

July 24th (Saturday)
Feast of Saint James, Patron Saint of Guardamar
13:00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and firework rocket throwing (town square).
19:00 - The Music Bands make their entrance following the opposite route to the parades.
20:30 - Entrance of the Moors and Christians, starting at Avenida País Valencià , along the Calle Major and ending at the corner of Calle Nord.
Night time - A final opportunity to enjoy the fun and hospitality by dancing the night away.

July 25th (Sunday) - Feast of St James
13:00 - Traditional festival of bell ringing and firework rocket throwing (town square).
18:45 - A musical parade with the ´Dama de Guardamar´, her ´Maids of Honour´, the captains, the flag and standard bearers, and various members of the Moors and Christians organising committee
20:00 - Holy Mass in honour of St James.
21:00 - This next procession is in honour of St James, and includes local councillors, civic and military dignatories, key members of the Moors and Christians organising committee, the ´Dama de Guardamar´ with her Maids of Honour, and the captains. The route is : Calle Vicente Ramos, Calle Migdía, Avda País Valencià, Calle Major, Plaza dels Llauradors, Calle Gratitud Larramendi, Sant Jaume, Plaza de la Constitución and then back to the church.
Night time - A final opportunity to enjoy the fun and hospitality by dancing the night away.
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 calle Molivent near the bus station and Health Centre.

August 2010
In August, films are shown in the Reina Sofia park in the evenings. This open air cinema in Guardamar normally starts at about 10 p.m. and entrance is free.

Please note, that the films are normally shown in Spanish only (no subtitles), however, if you are not fluent in the language, you may surprise yourself by how you can understand and enjoy the story with just the pictures. The atmosphere is very relaxed and it’s worth a try, so why not take some snacks and drinks, chill-out and give it a go - it’s free!

On Saturday evenings in August, there are some 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 normally begin at about 22.30 and entrance is free.

August 15th 2010
Assumption of the Virgin
This is a national fiesta, however there are no parades.

October 1st to 7th 2010
Lady of the Rosary
The celebrations of the local festivities in honour of the Lady of the Rosary usually begin on or about the 1st of October, and normally follow this timetable, (as with most things in Spain, the precise dates and details are never known until nearer the time) :

October 5th
Evening - The Rosary is recited
Evening - 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
Early afternoon - Firecrackers, bangers and bell-ringing
Evening - The Rosary is recited
Evening - 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.
Early morning (usually around 7am) 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.
Morning - Hot chocolate and cakes are available in the Parish Hall
Morning - Parade through the streets followed by local bands and musicians.
Midday - 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.
Early afternoon - More firecrackers, bangers and bell-ringing
Early evening - The Rosary is recited
Evening - 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 dignitaries, the 'Dama de Guardamar and her 'ladies in waiting', the 'Bellea del Foc' and the 'Bellea del Foc Infantil' 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 2010
National Day of Spain
This is a national fiesta.

November 1st 2010
All Saints day
This is a national fiesta

December 6th 2010
Day of the Spanish constitution
This is a national fiesta

December 8th 2010
Immaculate Conception
This is a national fiesta

December 24th 2010
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 2010
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 2010
Boxing Day
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 2010
New Years Eve
If you want to find out where everyone is at midnight on New Years Eve in Guardamar, just head for the Town square (Plaza), where the Town hall is situated, from 11:30. Normally, the Guardamar 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's 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 in Guardamar stock tins of seedless grapes, which makes it much easier!

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2011

Holidays and Fiestas in Guardamar - 2011

January 1st 2011
New Years Day
This is a National holiday and a day of quiet recovery from the night before.

January 5th 2011
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 normally a '3 Kings parade' on the evening of the 5th of January starting at about 19:00, 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 church opposite 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 2011
Epiphany
The 6th of January is a national fiesta and is sometimes referred to, by the British, as 'the Spanish Christmas day'.

February (dates to be confirmed) 2011
Carnival in Guardamar
The Guardamar carnival is a colourful celebration full of fun and high spirits. Traditionally the Spanish February carnivals are a chance to throw off the winter blues as spring fast approaches. It’s an occasion for much pleasure and enjoyment before the more serious and reflective season of Lent begins.

The main carnival is normally held on the 3rd Saturday in February (at about 20:00), however the details for 2011’s carnival in Guardamar are still to be confirmed. The route normally begins at Plaza Jaume II, and the vibrant carnival procession usually then makes its way down Avenida País Valenciano (the main high street), Calle Mayor and terminates at Plaza Labradores.

The second carnival normally takes place on the following Monday (at about 16:30), and this parade is about the children getting a turn to get in the carnival mood as they begin their fancy dress carnival procession. Again, exact dates for 2011 are still to be published but the carnival normally takes place during the same week every year.

March 19th 2011
Father’s Day / Día de San José
This is a national fiesta, and always happens on the 19th of March, irregardless of the day of the week. There are no big parades in Guardamar, but they celebrate with a day off!

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April 18th to 25th 2011
Easter celebrations
As most people will know, the dates when Easter is celebrated, varies from year to year, and in Spain the dates are the same as the UK. In 2011, the celebrations begin on the 18th of April and the last one is the 25th of April.

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.

Basing the information on last years itinerary for Holy week in Guardamar, the rough guide to what will be happening is below, (the 2011 exact details will be updated as soon as they are published):

April 18th 2011
Evening - Procession and the re-enactment of the ‘Arrest of our Lord’. Route - departs from the Church along Vicente Ramos, Sant Eugeni, Plaza dels Pescadors, Sant Eugeni, Ausiàs March, Mar, Sant Jaume, Plaza d’Abastos, Eng. Mira and back to the Church.

April 19th 2011
Evening - Procession and the re-enactment of ‘Pilate washing his hands’. The re-enactment takes place at the Plaza Baluart at approximately 22:30. Route - departs from the Church, along Eng. Mira, Carrer Rosari and Plaza del Rosari, Castell, Baluart de la Pòlvora, Castell, Rosari, Gratitud, Sant Emigdi, Plaza d’Abastos, Eng. Mira and returns to the Church.

April 20th 2011
Evening - The statue of ‘Virgen de los Dolores’ (‘Our Lady of Sorrows’) is brought to the church along Sant Pere and Eng. Mira.
Evening - The statue of ‘Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Caída’ is brought to the church along Miguel Hernández and Eng. Mira.
Evening - Procession of the statues ‘Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Caída’, ‘Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno’ and ‘Virgin de los Dolores’ (Lady of sorrows). Route - departs from the church along Eng. Mira, Luis Rivera, Migdia, Vicente Ramos and back to the church.

April 21st 2011
Evening - Holy Mass at the church on the main square.
Evening - Solemn Mass and Eucharist to celebrate the ‘Lords supper’
Evening - The statue of ‘Nuestro Señor del Monte’(‘Our Lord of Mount Calvary’) arrives at the church on the main square. It is brought along Miguel Hernandez and Ing. Mira
23:30 - Silent procession. Route - departs from the church along Eng. Mira, Plaza d’Abastos, Sant Emigdi, Nord, Alacant, Carrer Rosari and Plaza del Rosari, Eng. Mira and back to the church. The ‘Holy hour’ begins as the procession enters the church.

April 22nd 2011
Morning - Procession. There are two processions that take different routes and meet at Plaza del Rosari where the ‘Lord’s meeting with Veronica’ is re-enacted.
One route - departs from the church along Eng. Mira, Plaza d’Abastos, Sant Emigdi, Gratitud towards Plaza del Rosari.
The other route - departs from the church along Vicente Ramos, Sant Francesc and Rosari where they meet up with the other procession.
Return route - All processions return from Rosari, Sant Jaume, Plaza d’Abastos, Eng. Mira and back to the church
Evening - The procession of the ‘Holy Sepulchre’. Route - from Colom 13, along Sant Jaume, Plaza de la Constitución and into the Church by the main door.
Evening - Solemn procession for the ‘Holy Burial of Christ’. Route - from the Church along Eng Mira, Plaza d’Abastos, Sant Emigdi, Nord, Major, Plaza de la Constitución, Avd. País Valencià, Sant Francesc, Vicente Ramos and back to the church.

April 23rd 2011
Morning - Holy Mass to celebrate ‘The resurrection of our Lord’.

April 24th 2011
Morning - Holy Mass
Morning (after Holy Mass) - Procession and re-enactment of the ‘Meeting with the Blessed Mary’. Route - departs from the church along Eng. Mira where the ‘meeting’ re-enactment takes place, then the procession continues along Vicente Ramos, Sant Francesc, Sant Eugeni, Sant Pere, Eng. Mira and back to the church.

May 1st 2011
Labor day
This is a national fiesta, so everyone gets another day off to celebrate ‘fiesta del trabajo’.

May 1st 2011
Mother’s day
This is not a national fiesta, but always happens on the first Sunday in May, this year being Sunday the 1st of May.

June 15th to 24th 2011
Saint John's Bonfires
The tradition to celebrate the arrival of summer solstice is to make and light huge bonfires in honour of Saint John. The celebration of Saint John's Bonfires, which is actually on the 24th of June, normally begins the previous week, approximately the 15th of June, and continues until the 24th of June. There are special events during the week leading up to this fiesta, and on Guardamar beach you will be able to see the evening bonfires to celebrate the Saint John's Bonfires festival. The program that took place for St. Johns festival last year is as follows, (the 2011 exact details will be updated as soon as they are published):

June 15th 2011
Evening - The building of the bonfire begins in Calle San Jaume

June 19th 2011
Evening - There’s a street parade through town
Evening - The Festival Party Zone opens and the ‘Bellea del Foc’ (bonfire beauty queen) is presented to the public.

June 23rd 2011
Evening - On the main Guardamar beach you will be able to see events to celebrate the fires of St. John.

June 24th 2011
Morning - There’s a ‘Wake up call’ street parade around the streets of Guardamar
Evening - The Holy Mass in honour of St John begins and is followed by music and local parades.
Midnight - This year’s bonfire is set on fire, and everyone enjoys the party atmosphere.

July (dates to be confirmed) 2011
Moors and Christians
Some of the most entertaining parades are the ones to celebrate the history of the Moors and Christians, and they usually start around 17th of July and go on until about the 26th of July. The exact dates for 2010 are still to be advised and will be updated as soon as they are published. 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.

It’s a very interesting and fun festival which has something for everyone, and is not to be missed!
For your further information, last years program is below. The Moors and Christians fiesta usually follows the same itinerary each year, however, exact details will be available nearer to the time.
The following events usually happen every year in July:

July (usually a Friday) 2011
Evening - Procession of the ‘Damas’ (this year’s local Queen of the fiesta and her two maids of honour) and key members of the organising committee. Route - Plaza del Rosari, carrer Gratitud, Plaza dels Llauradors, C/ Major towards Plaza de la Constitución (town square).
Evening - Opening address (Town hall square)
Evening - Presentation of the flags and standard bearers. (Town hall square)
Late Evening - Coronation Ceremony of this year’s ‘Dama de Guardamar’ (Lady of Guardamar) (Town hall square). This is followed by 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 and they live happily ever after.
Midnight - The 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 the best D.J.s in Guardamar.

July (usually a Saturday) 2011
Morning - Model aircraft exhibition in the Avda Els Pins.
Morning - Regatta held at the marina
Late morning - Traditional festival of bell ringing and firework rocket throwing (town square).
Evening - Fancy dress parade and competition for anyone who wants to get involved. The Parade sets off from Calle Mayor on the corner with Calle 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´
Midnight - ‘Party Zone’, which is situated at the football ground near the industrial estate with music provided by local D.J.s

July (usually a Sunday) 2011
Late morning - Traditional festival of bell ringing and fireworks rocket throwing (town square)
Evening - Choral and music concert in the Reina Sofia park. During the evening, prizes will be awarded to the winners of this year’s local ‘Short Story’ competition.
Evening - The festival of ‘Firecrackers’ departs from the town hall, along carrer Miguel Hernández, carrer San Francesca, carrer Ausiàs March, carrer San Jaime, Plaza d’Abastos, passeig Enginyer Mira and ends at the Plaza de la Constitución (town square).

July (usually a Monday) 2011
Late morning - Traditional festival of bell ringing and rocket throwing in the town square.
Evening - Opening of the mediaeval market (situated in carrer del Rosari).
Evening - Choral concert in Reina Sofia park.

July (usually a Tuesday) 2011
Late morning - Traditional festival of bell ringing and firework rocket throwing (town square).
Evening - Mediaeval market situated in carrer del Rosari
Evening - Children’s party and entertainment in Avenida dels Pins.

July (usually a Wednesday) 2011
Late morning - Traditional festival of bell ringing and firework rocket throwing (town square).
Evening - Mediaeval market situated in carrer del Rosari
Evening - The 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.
Evening - 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 (usually a Thursday) 2011
Morning - See parachuting onto the main Guardamar beach
Evening - The second ´Guerrilla´. This mock battle begins, after warning gunfire from the castle’s gunpowder bastion. The battle then moves along Carrer Castell, Carrer Gratitud, Plaza Llauradors, Carrer Major to the town square. The Moors are first followed by the Christians who now take possession of the town.
Evening - Once there, the Christians take power, and the ´trial of the Moorish traitor´ takes place, which represents the re-conquest of the castle and the city from the Moors by the Christians. There’s a victory parade along the agreed route from Avda. País Valencià to Plaza dels Pescadors.
Night time - bar, music and dancing throughout the night.

July (usually a Friday) 2011
Evening - Street parade starting with the entrance of the Moors, and followed by the Christians. The Moors and Christians procession starts at Avda. Pais Valencià on the corner with Carrer Lepanto, and ends in the Carrer Major at the corner with Carrer Nord.
Night time - bar, music and dancing throughout the night.

July (usually a Saturday) 2011
Feast of Saint James, Patron Saint of Guardamar
Morning - Hot chocolate is available for everyone at street level at the Town Hall.
Morning - Musical parade through the streets of Guardamar with the ‘Dama de Guardamar’ and her ‘maids of honour’
Evening - Holy Mass in honour of Saint James
Evening - The route for the procession in honour of Saint James is as follows:- Carrer Vicente Ramos, Carrer Migdía, Avda País Valencià, Carrer Major, Plaza dels Llauradors, Carrer Gratitud Larramendi, Sant Jaume, Plaza de la Constitución and back to the church.
Night time - bar, music and dancing.

July (usually a Sunday) 2011
Morning - Model aircraft exhibition in El Eden
Evening - The Music Bands make their entrance following the opposite route to the parades.
Evening - Entrance of the Moors and Christians, starting at Avda. País Valencià , along the C/Major and ending at the corner of Carrer Nord.
Night time - A final opportunity to enjoy the fun and hospitality by dancing the night away.
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 2011
In August films are shown in the Reina Sofia park in the evenings. This open air cinema in Guardamar starts at 10pm. and entrance is free. In August, films are shown in the Reina Sofia park in the evenings. This open air cinema in Guardamar normally starts at 10 p.m. and entrance is free.

Please note, that the films are normally shown in Spanish only (no subtitles), however, if you are not fluent in the language, you may surprise yourself by how you can understand and enjoy the story with just the pictures. The atmosphere is very relaxed and it’s worth a try, so why not take some snacks and drinks, chill-out and give it a go - it’s free!

On Saturday evenings in August, there are some 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 normally begin at about 22.30 and entrance is free.

August 15th 2011
Assumption of the Virgin
This is a national fiesta, however there are no parades.

October 1st to 7th 2011
Lady of the Rosary
The celebrations of the local festivities in honour of the Lady of the Rosary usually begin on or about the 1st of October, and normally follow this timetable, (as with most things in Spain, the precise dates and details are never known until nearer the time) :

October 5th 2011
Evening - The Rosary is recited
Evening - 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 2011
Early afternoon - Firecrackers, bangers and bell-ringing
Evening - The Rosary is recited
Evening - Holy Mass.

October 7th 2011
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.
Early morning (usually around 7am) 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.
Morning - Hot chocolate and cakes are available in the Parish Hall
Morning - Parade through the streets followed by local bands and musicians.
Midday - 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.
Early afternoon - More firecrackers, bangers and bell-ringing
Early evening - The Rosary is recited
Evening - 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 dignitaries, the 'Dama de Guardamar and her 'ladies in waiting', the 'Bellea del Foc' and the 'Bellea del Foc Infantil' 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 2011
National Day of Spain
This is a national fiesta.

November 1st 2011
All Saints day
This is a national fiesta

December 6th 2011
Day of the Spanish constitution
This is a national fiesta

December 8th 2011
Immaculate Conception
This is a national fiesta

December 24th 2011
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 2011
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 2011
Boxing Day
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 2011
New Years Eve
If you want to find out where everyone is at midnight on New Years Eve in Guardamar, just head for the Town square (Plaza), where the Town hall is situated, from 11:30. Normally, the Guardamar 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 in Guardamar stock tins of seedless grapes, which makes it much easier!

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