January in the Costa Blanca with Hamiltons of London

As Hamiltons of London recovers from the festive season we are excited to begin another year of showing our customers this wonderful area as they look for a home to buy in the Costa Blanca. In January the area has more peaceful pace but is never dull. The blue skies and smell of woodsmoke shows a different side to life in the Mediterranean with the highlight of the Feast of St. Anthony, an ideal celebration for our animal loving clients. This wonderful celebration brings the community together with their pets and farmers animals to celebrate this Saint’s Day.  

A Calm Start to the Year

Following the lively celebrations of Christmas, New Year and the early January parades for Epiphany a feeling of tranquillity becomes apparent in January. Although it is too cold to swim, unless you’re very brave, the beaches are a perfect place to enjoy a walk by the sea and along coastal pathways under the soft sun of winter. In Javea, Moraira, and Altea clients will have perfect temperatures to explore the area and homes for sale in the Costa Blanca with daytime temperatures generally between 16 and 18ºC. This wonderful climate is also ideal for seeing the area on two wheels or wandering through historic old towns and enjoying chocolate and churros in café while watching the world pass by. In the mountains that embrace the coastal towns for the Marina Alta and Marina Baixa the almond trees show the first sign of blossoming. Markets sell enticing seasonal artichokes, oranges and pomegranates and a hearty, warming stew with a glass of local wine can be enjoyed in the café. 

St. Anthony’s Feast

The patron saint of animals St. Anthony the Abbot is one of the regions favourites and celebrations of his saint’s day on 17th January recognises the special relationship between animals and their owners. Historically this is linked to the agricultural history of the Costa Blanca. The region once relied on farming and livestock were crucial to the lives of communities here at that time. Villagers would bring their animals to church to be blessed and be kept healthy and protected in the year ahead and the custom continues today. Now you will see a modern development with domestic pets being brought to receive their blessing from the priest as well as working animals. This festival is a fun blending of religious devotion and community spirit both qualities that are equally important throughout the Costa Blanca. 

Animal Blessings

All towns and villages in the Costa Blanca will hold their own celebrations for St. Anthony with all of them having a priest to bless the animals. In Benissa, Teulada, and Denia residents meet in the main square or outside the church with the pets but, farmers will still bring their donkeys, horses and goats to receive their blessing. There is a truly festive feel with bells ringing and owners proudly showing of their animals in ribbons and scarves to receive a sprinkling of holy water. Occasions like this are captivating and anyone who is buying a home in the Costa Blanca should see this if they are visiting in January. Once someone moves to the Costa Blanca, they will also be able to participate in this wonderful occasion and bring their own furry or feathered friends. St Anthony is very much an inclusive, community, celebration bringing together all residents of a town, their pets and visitors. In some towns the celebrations continue for the whole weekend with parades of demons tempting St. Anthony, bonfires, traditional dances, and the air is filled with the wintery aroma of smoke and roasted meats.

Bonfires and Community 

The striking feature of the St. Anthony feast are the bonfires which are lit on the eve of the saint’s day and are a symbol of purification and renewal. The community gets together around the fires to share food, wine and laughter late into the night. In the old town of Javea, the Plaza de la Constitución comes to life with music and camaraderie, locals bring sausages and bread to cook over th communal fire and musician play traditional music. This is a warm and joyous occasion which will make anybody buying a property in Javea feel immediately welcome and at home. 

January in the Costa Blanca Beyond the Festivities

January is a wonderful time of year to explore the Costa Blanca either on foot or two wheels with temperatures in making outdoor activities pleasant. There are scenic paths in the Montgó between Denia and Javea with beautiful views of the Mediterranean coastline. The vineyards and almond groves of the Jalon Valley begin to blossom making it truly beautiful and history and art lovers can enjoy visiting uncrowded museums and galleries in while history enthusiasts can explore historic castles. More relaxing pastimes are also great in January if you just want a gentle seafront stroll along the promenade in Calpe. In the evening the air is chillier, and it is an ideal time to sample local dishes like Olleta, a rich stew made of beans, vegetables and pork together with a Jalon wine to warm you up. Buying a home in the Costa Blanca gives you so much more than the heat of the summer, beaches and sea, the scenery, history and community activities provide so much to those who live here. To begin your journey to becoming part of the Costa Blanca community and all the rewards that lifestyle brings do get in touch with our wonderful Hamiltons of London team and we will be happy to help you achieve your dream.