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Elche Park is transformed into a medieval market for the celebration of the Carta de Poblament

It will remain open until Sunday evening with stalls selling crafts, food, and traditional games.

For yet another year, coinciding with the celebrations of the granting of the Carta de Poblament (Town Charter) by Bernat de Sarrià in 1325, which marks seven centuries this year, Benidorm's Elche Park has once again been transformed into a medieval market, with numerous stalls selling crafts, food, and traditional games.

The initiative, promoted by the Independent Association of Merchants (AICO) in collaboration with the Departments of Festivals and Commerce, was officially inaugurated today by the councilors of both areas, Mariló Cebreros and Javier Jordá; the president of AICO, Raúl Parra; the queens of the Festes Majors Patronals (Major Patronal Festivals), Paula Pascual Sánchez and Aitana Pérez Gutiérrez, and their courts of honor; and the presidents of the Festival Commission and the Association of Patronal Festivals, Susana Martínez and Jonathan López de las Huertas.

The medieval market, nestled in Elche Park and on Mayor José Such Ortega Street, is made up of dozens of stalls run by artisans with long experience in this type of event, offering jewelry, spices, essences and essential oils, toys, leather goods, and other items present at these fairs. There is also a dedicated play area and a food and drink area, which will be complemented over the weekend with entertainment and street performances.

It will remain open throughout the weekend and close its doors on Sunday afternoon/evening, when it will close until next year.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Regional overview: steady pre-summer momentum

Across the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Altea, L’Alfàs del Pi (Albir), La Nucía and Finestrat, the region is entering a strong early-season phase with increasing visitor numbers, expanding nightlife, and a growing calendar of small cultural and leisure events ahead of the main summer period.

Markets, live music, coastal tourism and community events continue to dominate activity this week, alongside ongoing infrastructure improvements such as new sustainability and mobility projects.

BENIDORM – Markets, nightlife and tourism growth

Weekly street markets in Benidorm remain a key attraction, including Wednesday and Sunday general markets offering food, clothing and local goods.

The Old Town continues to host craft stalls and informal street entertainment, while evening activity is increasing as the summer season approaches.

Live music is now a nightly feature across main entertainment zones, with tribute acts, DJs and bar performances contributing to strong visitor activity.

Tourism officials also note continued preparation for upcoming seasonal events, including the build-up toward traditional spring and early summer festivals.

ALTEA – Culture and coastal leisure

Altea continues to focus on cultural tourism and relaxation, with art galleries, artisan shops and small exhibitions operating throughout the Old Town.

Live acoustic performances and low-key entertainment are taking place across seafront bars, while boat excursions from Altea harbour are operating regular coastal and sunset sailing routes depending on weather conditions.

ALBIR / L’ALFÀS DEL PI – Community events and live music

L'Alfàs del Pi and the Albir area maintain a steady mix of expat and local activity.

Weekly Friday markets remain popular, while Irish pubs and live music venues continue to host regular bands and acoustic performances.

The Casa de Cultura is also hosting community exhibitions, theatre and social events throughout the week.

LA NUCÍA – Sports and weekend activity

La Nucia continues to centre around sports tourism, with its major sports complex hosting training camps and competitive events.

The Sunday rastro flea market remains a key attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.

FINESTRAT – Coastal leisure and markets

Finestrat is experiencing growing beachfront activity as beach bars and restaurants reopen for the warmer season.

Markets in La Cala continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce and artisan goods, while sunset dining and relaxed evening entertainment are becoming more frequent.

VILLAJOYOSA – Culture, coastline and local life

Villajoyosa is experiencing steady early-season activity, supported by its historic old town, colourful seafront and growing cultural tourism offer.

Local markets and small artisan trading continue throughout the week, while the seafront promenade is seeing increased footfall as warmer weather returns.

The town also maintains its reputation for traditional fishing heritage, chocolate production history, and quiet beach tourism, offering a more relaxed contrast to nearby resort centres.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE – Benidorm EV expansion

Alongside tourism growth, Benidorm is also continuing its sustainability rollout, including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Levante area as part of its broader mobility and climate strategy.

The project forms part of EU-backed funding aimed at supporting low-emission transport across major Mediterranean destinations.

REGIONAL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest hub with nightlife, markets and entertainment growth
Altea: cultural, scenic and relaxed
Albir / L’Alfàs del Pi: balanced social and live music scene
La Nucía: sports-led and residential
Finestrat: beach-focused and seasonal lifestyle
Villajoyosa: coastal heritage, relaxed tourism and local culture

The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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Elche Park is transformed into a medieval market for the celebration of the Carta de Poblament

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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