Following the frivolity of Halloween, Spain begins November in a more reflective mood for All Saints Day. This national holiday sees families come together, visiting the graves of loved ones who have died. However, it is not a mournful day but, rather, one of remembrance and a celebration of life. The days are shorter now that the clocks have changed for winter time, but we will still see some glorious weather throughout the Costa Blanca.
An enjoyable experience on All Saints Day is to take a half-hour drive inland from the coast to the town of Coecentain. The town is located in the mountains of the Alicante region in the Serra Mariola National Park. Not only is this a beautiful drive with great scenery, but the town hosts an incredible fair which has been held since medieval times to celebrate All Saints Day. This is the largest event to be found in the Valencian region, and you will be able to sample tasty local dishes. There are livestock fairs, horse shows, and deals being made verbally for both working and farm animals, as well as agricultural machinery. The Islamic stalls sell a variety of wears, crafts and foods.
The Costa Blanca town of Benidorm, close to Finestrat, Altea and Albir, is renowned for being a party town and in November is no exception because this is the month that the town honours its Patron Saints. Wherever you are living in the Costa Blanca, it is just a short drive to visit the town for its annual celebration, which commences on the second Saturday of the month until the following Wednesday. The streets will be adorned with lights and flowers, there will be bands playing songs and hymns that are traditional to the town, and friends will meet up to enjoy a variety of activities. The adult and child queens and their ladies in waiting will wear regional costumes as they show their devotion to the patron saint and join in with parades. The most important event is the re-enactment of the discovery of the Virgin of Suffrage on Poniente beach, with the participants offering flowers. This is followed by concerts and a comic, satirical procession of floats, followed by fireworks to close the festival.
Following the Spanish celebrations of All Saints and the Patron Saint of the town, the ex-pat community take proceedings over with an enjoyable fancy dress party – one of the largest in Europe. This is a massive carnival with a great atmosphere, streets are closed to traffic and filled with colourful performances and people enjoying the party. The festival was introduced just fifteen years ago to promote tourism and has become an incredible success, with people returning year after year.
Anybody who loves dancing should make their way to Denia, where they will be celebrating the passionate dance, Tango, from 6th to 10th November. At the festival, you will be able to enjoy wonderful music, great demonstrations from professional dancers and meet some of the top teachers.
During this celebration, there are concerts at the Auditorium in Moraira in honour of the saint performed by the Teulada Brass Band. Additionally, there will be music and parades in the streets as well as a small religious celebration. Cecelia is the patron saint of music, and the towns enjoy celebrating with as many musical treats as possible on the weekends around the 22nd of November. It is a variable date for this festival, so always keep an eye on local information for up-to-date details and times.
On the final weekend of the month, Teulada celebrates its Patron Sant Catalina with a street supper for the population on the Friday evening and the gathering of friends in traditional costume on the Saturday with celebrations, music and parades. Sunday is a religious affair with a procession in honour of the Saint.
With all this activity and partying taking place in the Costa Blanca throughout November, you can be sure that this winter month will be enjoyable and lead you nicely towards even more festivities in December.
Customer information written in 2024 by the team at Hamiltons Real Estate - formally Hamiltons of London
