Torrevieja Carnival (Carnaval de Torrevieja) consists of several events held in January and…read moreFebruary every year. There are two street parades and several contests that take place during two weeks. The fist carnival was held in 1986 and became quite popular in the recent years. During the first parade some 30 "comparsas" (groups of dancers) dance though the city and compete for €14000 worth of prizes. There several categories, individual prizes vary from €300 to €1400. The winners are decided by a jury, not really fun because the public don't have a say. The second parade ("the evening parade") is the last day of the carnival. The event is informal and anybody can participate. Both parades start from Plaza Maria Asución, go along Calle Ramón Gallud and end at Calle Patricio Perez. There were many plastic chairs installed along the street this year for the event, you could find one to enjoy the parade in comfort (it lasts for at least three hours). The cleaning service after the parade is great, they are really fast and productive. No signs of the huge party just an hour after its end. It seemed like the 2016 parade was smaller than the 2015, both in terms of numbers of performers and spectators. More convenient to for everyone but not a great trend. Torrevieja carnival is the event enjoyed by people of all ages, both locals and tourists. It is safe and convenient for the kids and for the elderly. Some areas close to huge outdoor speakers can be really loud, be careful. Check out the pictures and short videos from 2016 and 2015 carnivals. Phone battery went off this year, I wish I took more pictures!

Cartagena is one of the loveliest cities we visited on our tour thru Spain in summer 2021…read more It is historically one of the most important defensive ports on the western Mediterranean. Cartagena is reach in culture, history, beautiful vistas everywhere, gorgeous beaches..how in the Gods name is this city not full of tourists?? We spent only a day in Cartagena (wish we planned for more), but it was enough to learn our way around the city and of course try fresh seafood that Cartagena is well known for.

"Los Reyes Magos (The Magi, Three Wise Men, Three Kings) - a group of distinguished foreigners who…read morevisited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh" - Wikipedia Dia de los Reyes Magos (January, 6) is a big holiday in Spain that ends the Christmas holiday season. Kids get more gifts than on Christmas. Adults often give each other gifts too. The eve of the holiday (January, 5) is celebrated with parades in cities throughout Spain (Gabalgatas de los Reyes Magos). There are local features in different cities. The Costa Orihuela event is relatively small comparing to parades in other cities nearby. It starts at 5pm (calle Nicolás de Bussi) and ends in La Zenia Boulevard shopping center. There are three main parts in a typical Reyes Magos parade: 1. Arrival (Llegada de los Reyes Magos). The three kings may arrive to a city by ships, trains, cars or even camels depending on place. People gather at the point of the arrival to welcome the kings. Kings arrived to Orihuela Costa in classic cars in 2016. 2. Parade (Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos). The kings parade trough the city's streets accompanied by musical bands, dancers and people wearing costumes. During this part the kings throw candies and people around catch them. Umbrellas and similar objects are often used for collection. Kids shout out the kings' names to get their attention (Spanish spellings of the kings' names are Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar). 3. Speech. After the parade the kings give speech, typically in the city's main square and sometimes give gifts. This part of the Orihuela Costa parade takes place inside La Zenia shopping center. The duration of the event is approximately 3 hours. Good: - Cosy and convenient. You can easily see the kings, talk to them and take pictures. - Free gifts are given to all kids at the end of the event. Kids are invited to the stage where the kings talk with them individually. - No need to drive anywhere if you live or stay in this part of Costa Blanca. The downsides: - It's not very authentic. Feels like an adaptation for tourists and expats of Costa Orihuela. - Small. You don't see the variety of costumes, dancers, bands and animals you would see in Torrevieja (10 km drive). Conclusion: - For locals. Worth visiting at least once. You may like it more than the bigger parade in Torrevieja. - For visitors. If this is your first "Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos" and you may not go to another parade soon - choose a bigger event in Torrevieja, Alicante or in other cities around.

Came to see Jackson Browne at San Javier Jazz Festival…read more Fantastic evening in small outdoor auditorium seating only 1500 people . Jackson Browne at the peak of his career wrote for The Eagles etc and wrote Peaceful Easy Feeling amongst others .we spent 2 and half hours of utter bliss being entertained by this great musician and his band . The voice is as great as ever and it was akin to having him play in your living room. He also is a social activist and it's nice to see musicians with a conscience and trying to help less fortunate individuals . He has released a new album which was played however the oldies but goodies were included in the set list . The calibre of his band was exceptional . He is touring in Europe if you get a chance to see him , go.