February for those who are thinking about buying a home in Altea or any other of the lovely towns in the northern Costa Blanca will find that this is a great time to look at possible houses. The mild climate means that most day will be a pleasant temperature for looking without getting too hot or cold. If you already have a home here then it is a wonderful time of year as spring begins to appear. There is plenty to celebrate during February as well, in Spain there is always a good reason to have a party and this month begins with Candlemass and continues towards Carnival.
This religious festival is celebrated on the 40th day of Christmas and is the official end of the season. It has roots in both history and spirituality celebrating both the presentation of Jesus at the Temple in accordance with Jewish custom and also the Purification of the Virgin Mary. The name is derived from the practice of blessing and lighting candles during church services on this day which symbolise the light of Christ clearing away darkness not just literally but, also spiritually. The blessing of the candles is a lovely solemn ceremony and the candles are now santified to be used during the rest of the year. Although not all countries still observe this traditional Catholic hoiday it is significant in Spain where processions and church services will be held during which the candles will be blessed. In some towns and villages in the Costa Blanca you will be able to witness the processionals where the blessed candles and the image of the virgin Mary are carried through the streets.
This romantic celebration will be celebrated throughout the area although without as much commercialism as some places. Gifts and cards will be exchanged and romantic dinners enjoyed and in Altea as well as other areas along the coast there are plenty of restaurants offering special Valentine’s Day menus with exceptional food in a romantic atmosphere often with stunning views and sometimes with live background music to serenade the meal. Couples love to take a romantic pre-dinner stroll along Altea’s promenade or along one of the many exceptional Costa Blanca beaches nearby. Watching the sunset together can make this a truly memorable way to start the evening. Many places in the Costa Blanca offer couples treatments at their hotels spa and this can be a wonderful way to enjoy a relaxing time and perhaps a long weekend to unwind together. However, do not feel left out if you are single!!! In Spain they will celebrate non-romantic love and affection as well on 14th February too so why not get together with some unattached friends for an evening of celebration of your affection or perhaps enjoy a family meal with cousins and other extended family member, particularly if you haven’t seen them for some time. Check local news, some venues will hold a specific event where people who are not in a romantic relationship can celebrate San Valentin with people they love, the Spanish have even jokingly christened this tradition as San Solterín.
February is Carnival month in Spain with children and adults dressing up in elaborate costumes and maskes. There are parades, floats, processions, music and dancing. Lively rhythms fill the streets and food is an important part of any Spanish festival. Altea bursts with colour and fun during Carnival, indulging in joy and music together with fancy dress parades prior to the restrictions that Lent may impose. In the larger town of Denia there is a focus on the children providing space for them to show of their costumes and enjoy time with friends and family. The highlight in Denia and many other towns on the Costa Blanca is the Costume Contest which adds to the imaginative creativity of those making the costumes both for children and adults. The exact date of carnival will vary according to when Easter and the start of Lent are but, usually festivities will be towards the end of February and, if Easter is late, may continue into early March.
If you live in Altea, or buy a home in the Costa Blanca, you will never be short of things to do and see or Fiestas to enjoy. If you are just starting to search for a property to buy in Spain please let us know at Hamiltons of London, we will be very happy to show you this lovely coast with all its wonderful towns and villages!!!
