Sant Gregori 2026 brings music, tradition and family celebrations to Guadalest

Castell de Guadalest / 9 May 2026

 

The historic mountain village of Castell de Guadalest is continuing its annual Sant Gregori celebrations today, Saturday 9 May 2026, with a full programme of traditional festivities, live music, cultural activities and family entertainment as part of the wider Sant Gregori Festivities 2026.

 

Widely recognised as one of the most atmospheric local festivals in the Marina Baixa region, this year’s celebration is drawing strong attendance from both residents and visitors, with Saturday forming the central day of public activity.

 

Saturday programme highlights

Festivities today focus on a full day of community events designed for all ages:

The morning begins with a lively street parade led by the Xaranga Bataclán de Xaló brass band, filling the historic streets of Guadalest with music and colour. This is followed by children’s entertainment, including inflatable attractions and games in the town centre parking area.

 

In the afternoon, the programme continues with family activities, including a children’s snack gathering and community karaoke sessions for adults, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as a shared social celebration across generations.

 

The evening programme forms the emotional centrepiece of the day. At 7:30pm, a solemn mass in honour of Sant Gregori takes place, accompanied by traditional live music from Rondalla La Muntanya. This is followed by a religious procession through the village streets and the symbolic blessing of Sant Gregori water, a long-standing ritual deeply rooted in local identity.

 

As night falls, celebrations shift into a more festive atmosphere with live performances from “Carne de Cañón”, followed by a late-night open-air music session and DJ entertainment extending into the early hours.

 

Tradition and community at the heart of Guadalest

Local authorities in Castell de Guadalest have emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage through events such as Sant Gregori, which combine religious tradition with modern community celebration.

 

Organisers highlight that the 2026 edition continues to strengthen the town’s reputation as one of the most visited inland heritage destinations in the region, blending historical identity with accessible tourism experiences.

 

The celebrations are expected to continue attracting strong visitor numbers throughout the day and evening, with Saturday regarded as the key highlight of this year’s programme.

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Hundreds Join Charity Walk in Guadalest Valley to Support Autism Awareness

 

Guadalest Valley / 25 March 2026

 

More than 200 people have taken part in a solidarity walk around the Guadalest reservoir in Spain’s Costa Blanca, raising awareness and support for individuals with autism affected by recent severe weather events.

 

The initiative, organised by the Mirada Blava, brought together 210 participants for a 12-kilometre circular route through the municipalities of Beniardà, Benimantell, and Castell de Guadalest.

 

Community support after storm impact

The event aimed to support families affected by the recent DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) storm, which caused disruption and damage across parts of eastern Spain. Organisers said the walk highlighted the challenges faced by people with autism, particularly during emergency situations where routine and stability are disrupted.

 

Inclusive and family-focused event

Participants of all ages were encouraged to walk or run the route at their own pace, creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. Families, local residents and visitors travelled from across Alicante and Valencia provinces to take part.

 

Organisers emphasised that the event was non-competitive, focusing instead on community engagement, awareness and solidarity.

 

Iconic setting on the Costa Blanca

The walk took place around the scenic Guadalest Reservoir, one of the most recognisable landscapes in the region, overlooked by the historic Guadalest Castle.

 

The setting not only provided a striking backdrop but also promoted the area as a hub for outdoor activity, hiking and sustainable tourism.

 

Raising awareness and inclusion

The Mirada Blava association said events like this are vital in raising awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and promoting inclusion, particularly in the wake of disruptive events such as extreme weather.

 

The strong turnout was described as a clear sign of community solidarity, with organisers thanking volunteers, participants and local authorities for supporting the initiative.

 

Growing trend of social sporting events

The event reflects a wider trend across Spain, where community-based sporting activities are increasingly used to highlight social causes and bring people together in a positive and accessible way.

 

Organisers hope the success of this year’s walk will encourage further events supporting autism awareness and other community initiatives in the region.