Local & Spanish

Costa Blanca’s Biggest Animal Adoption Event Returns to L’Alfàs del Pi This Sunday

L'Alfas del Pi / 22 April 2026

One of the Costa Blanca’s most established animal welfare events will return this weekend, as the 10th Adoption Festival takes place in L'Alfàs del Pi on Sunday 26 April.

The event will be held at the Villa Romana de l'Albir, bringing together animal shelters, volunteers and families from across the region for a day focused on rescue, adoption and responsible pet ownership.

A Day Focused on Finding Homes

Organised by APPA Protección Animal, the festival aims to connect abandoned animals with new families while raising awareness about adoption.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet dogs and cats currently looking for homes, with local shelters presenting animals ready for adoption.

Organisers emphasise that each adoption represents a second chance and are encouraging the public to consider offering a permanent home.

Family-Friendly Activities Throughout the Day

Running from 10:00am to 5:00pm, the festival will feature a full programme of activities designed to attract families, residents and visitors.

Highlights include:

Dog parades and rescue showcases
Pet competitions and a canine gymkhana
Face painting and family entertainment
Charity raffles and prize draws
Photocall and information stands
Vegan food and a solidarity bar

The dog beauty contest and parade are expected to be among the main attractions, alongside fundraising activities supporting local rescue organisations.

Strong Local Support Across the Costa Blanca

Now in its tenth edition, the festival has become a well-established event in the Marina Baixa calendar, attracting hundreds of attendees each year.

Its location in El Albir, close to Benidorm, makes it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Supporting Animal Welfare in the Region

Animal welfare groups say the event is increasingly important as shelters across the province of Alicante continue to face pressure due to rising numbers of abandoned animals.

In addition to adoption, visitors are encouraged to volunteer, donate or learn more about responsible pet ownership.

Community Message

Organisers stress that public participation is key, whether through adopting, supporting or attending the event.

They say initiatives like this play an essential role in improving animal welfare across the Costa Blanca.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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Costa Blanca’s Biggest Animal Adoption Event Returns to L’Alfàs del Pi This Sunday

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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