The historic heart of Calpe will once again be transformed into a setting full of magic and symbolism on Saturday 7 March with the celebration of the second edition of ‘La Nit Encesa’, an initiative promoted by Calpe Town Council, through the Old Town and Culture Departments.
The event proposes a symbolic blackout of the street lighting in the historic centre to give way to the soft light of thousands of candles, creating an intimate and evocative atmosphere that will allow residents and visitors to rediscover the local heritage from a different perspective. Emblematic spaces such as the Torreó de la Peça, the city walls, the bell tower, the sculptures and the Ajuntament Vell will be enveloped in warm lighting that will enhance their shapes, textures and historical value.
The main new feature of this year's edition of ‘La Nit Encesa’ will be ‘La Calle del Arte’ (Art Street), a space dedicated to live artistic creation. Local painters, sculptors and artisans will show the public their creative processes, turning the streets of the old town into an open-air art gallery, unique in the region and bathed in the evocative light of candles.
The programme will be rounded off with events designed for all audiences. Highlights include the travelling theatre ‘KAIMING - Bearer of Light’, starting at 6 pm from Plaça Mosquit, which will tour the streets of the old town accompanied by children and culminate with the story ‘El Cuento de la Luz’ (The Tale of Light) in l'Ajuntament Vell. Music will be provided by Exótika Cuarteto, who will give a concert at 8.30 pm in the Plaza de la Villa, with a repertoire specially designed to blend in with the peaceful atmosphere of the evening.
The area councillor, Guillermo Sendra, has emphasised the participatory nature of the initiative and invites citizens to get actively involved: "It is an opportunity to showcase our historic centre in an intimate atmosphere. We encourage residents, shopkeepers and restaurateurs to light up their balconies, windows, shop fronts and restaurants with candles, and artists to share their talent on this magical night, which will invite people to take a peaceful stroll and enjoy the area's gastronomic offerings."
Anyone interested in helping to organise the event or taking part in this sensory experience can contact us by email at gsendra@ajcalp.es.