Calpe is preparing to celebrate its patron saint's feasts in honour of the Virgen de las Nieves, one of the city's most traditional and warmest. Musical performances, evening events and orchestras in the Plaza Mayor and, above all, "els bous al carrer" (bulls in the street) are the most characteristic acts of these festivities, which will take place from 31 July to 11 August. Moreover, this year is the first time that these festivals and the Castell a la Mar fireworks take place, after it has been declared a festival of tourist interest of the province.
The festive programme begins today at 8 pm with the "entrà de la murta", in which the members of the committee walk through the streets of the municipality dressed in typical costumes and distribute flowers.
On the 4th of August, in the parish church, the offering to the Virgen de las Nieves takes place and on the 5th of August, the biggest day of the festival is celebrated. On this day there is a solemn mass in honour of the patron saint and a large mascletá (firecracker) at noon, and at dusk a procession with the image of the Virgen de las Nieves takes place, which leads through the streets of the old town. At midnight, the spectacular Castell a la Mar on Bol Beach.
The celebratio culminate with a whole week of "bous al carrer" (from 7 to 11 August), the traditional spectacle in which the bulls run through the streets of the municipality amidst the joy of the most courageous runners.
Take a look at the program