Perched on the coast of the Mediterranean is the lovely town of Altea – an unspoiled historic town with great sea views, small, narrow streets made of paven stone, and a beautiful church with a bright blue dome. Not so often do one find a juicy description of a tourist destination without mentioning its impressive traditional season of feasting and festivities, in this case, various traditional festivals are of great interest. They vibrantly capture the culture, history, and people of the place in unique ways. In colorful costumes dancing and lots of music, these colourful festivities forms the moray of Altea and captivates both the visitors and the residents.
Feast of San Isidro’s Vilaying
A traditional festival that is very much celebrated in Altea is the Festival of San Isidro, which takes place in the Month of May. The Lord Isidore of Seville is honored during this event in honor of San Isidro Labrador who is called the saint for cheesemakers. The celebrations commence with a cavalcade in which the locals go dressed in bright costumes and dancing on the streets across carrying flowers and plants and other agricultural stuff.
The best moment during the festival is the one where the pilgrims head to the countryside and all the participants share the meal called ‘la comida de campo’. Residents volunteer to cook traditional meals such as paella, among other local delicacies and the kitchen, or rather places, fills with joyous welcomes, fiddle music, and dance. The rich smell of roast meat and vegetables fills the air, hence it is said to be a great cuisine that depicts togetherness.
Moors and Christians Festival
One more stunning occasion is known as the Moors and Christians Festival that takes place in the early October. The fiesta is a tribute to the wars which were waged by the Moors and Christians dated back to the time known as the reconquista. Altea streets burst with life as the people dress up incorporating different Revolutionary war uniforms and join in the activities.
The event, which includes with but not limited to marching bands, parading troops, and ritual war and dancing essential to the combat is highlighted with the restoration of the past great wars. The town brings forth a riot of colors, theatre performances, and feeling of togetherness for the fans who wait for all the performances. When the day finally turns to darkness, the final part of the festival ends with fireworks as the feast of spirit unites all nations together.
Noche De San Juan Celebrated on June 23, Noche De San Juan is nothing short of extraordinary because it marks the arrival of the summer solstice and is observed with great excitement and festivities. People crowd the beach as they participate in traditional practices of lighting up bonfires and leaping over them in order to clean the soul and bring in good luck, and not only indulge in the art of pile burning and beseeching the heavens. The atmosphere is heavy with the tropical climate, music and laughter in addition to the tantalizing aroma of grilled fish. The activities often entail interactive music as well as concerts attracting both locals and visitors at the torrid sun’s beating heat. Midnight strikes and people, mostly dressed in white, are beckoned by the flames. Certainly amidst their celebrations there are things they happen to wish for. Thus they believe by extremely piable means at that time of the night there offers is one way of heralding the new year against the background of chest beating fires as metallic sticks are thrust into manhole covers. The Fiestas Patronales Once in July every year, Altea bursts into Fiestas Patronales in honor of the town’s patron saint the Virgen Del Consuelo. This is a week long period and is elaborately characterized by a variety of tee religious parades and tamer spectacles as well as jolly moussaka gobbling occasions. The stroke of the climax is when the statue of the Virgen del Consuelo is paraded about accompanied by music exotics and animations.
All week long, the town organizes concerts, exhibitions, sporting events, and such, rendering the entire community active. Traditional cultural elements are evident when those who have come to celebrate such occasions join together for a common cause, thus building togetherness as well as pride.
Focusing on Craft and Gastronomy
To some extent, besides the main holidays, Altea organises different craft and other gastronomy festivals across the calendar year as well. An artisan market in the city sells locally made goods including earthenware pottery, woven fabric, and ethnic dress jewelry made of local cultural influences. Patricians can peruse through the stalls and buy various fusion style items representing the town of Altea.
Enjoyable gastronomy festivals are focused on the most remarkable dishes from the region and are accompanied by exquisite wine, cheese or other local dishes tastings. Such celebrations not only showcase the mouth watering delights of Altea, but also lessen the activities surrounding farming by appealing to crop production where crops grown support the region more.
Conclusion
Altea’s folclorico festivals are more than series of events. It is the character of the town and it is examined through these rich perennial cultural events. Each of these happenings also encourages the residents as well as the tourists to practice ancient traditions, thereby creating a feeling of bonding and unity within the region. Whether it’s dancing out on the street during the Moors and Christians Festival or enjoying local cuisines during the Festival of San Isidro, sheer festivity and revelry is guaranteed – and so much bringing the past to life in the present.
Do remember that this charming little town can be best traveled if the itinerary is cover with one of these festivities. Participating in and being active in these local celebrations is without a doubt the best way to experience the culture of Altea and will ensure that you leave with more than just memories. So get your bags packed, your taste buds and spirit ready and join in festivities where the heart of Altea beats!
