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La Nucía Celebrates 321 Years of History with Medieval Market, AI Heritage Project and Three-Day Festival

La Nucía / 8 July 2026

La Nucía is preparing for one of the biggest weekends in its cultural calendar as the Costa Blanca town marks the 321st anniversary of its independence with a packed programme of historical celebrations, cutting-edge technology and its much-loved 20th Medieval Market.

Running from 10 to 12 July, the medieval festival will transform the historic centre into a bustling marketplace filled with artisans, musicians, knights, dancers and street performers, while separate anniversary celebrations on 9 July will showcase an ambitious Artificial Intelligence project designed to preserve centuries of local history.

The events underline La Nucía's growing reputation as one of the Costa Blanca's leading destinations for cultural tourism, combining heritage, innovation and family entertainment.

A town celebrating more than three centuries of history

La Nucía officially became an independent municipality on 9 July 1705, separating from the Barony of Polop. Each year the town commemorates the occasion, but organisers say this year's programme is among the most ambitious yet.

The anniversary celebrations begin at the Auditori de La Nucía, where residents and visitors will be invited to explore the municipality's historical archives while discovering how modern technology is helping preserve the past for future generations.

Artificial Intelligence meets local heritage

One of the headline attractions is the launch of a pioneering project using Artificial Intelligence to transcribe, digitise and preserve historical municipal documents.

The initiative will make centuries-old archive material easier to access for researchers, historians, schools and the wider public, while helping protect fragile historical records from deterioration.

Experts believe AI-assisted transcription could dramatically speed up the preservation of handwritten historical documents that would otherwise take years to catalogue manually.

The anniversary programme also includes the official opening of the exhibition "El Passat és Present" ("The Past is Present"), featuring photographs, original documents and exhibits tracing La Nucía's development from the early 18th century to the present day.

20th Medieval Market returns

Following the anniversary celebrations, attention turns to the 20th Medieval Market, which opens on Friday 10 July and runs until Sunday 12 July.

Each evening from 6pm until midnight, the streets between Plaça Major and Plaça Sant Antoni will be transformed into a medieval village.

Visitors can expect:

More than 40 authentic artisan stalls
Traditional crafts including ceramics, wood carving, jewellery, leatherwork and handmade soaps
Medieval music and dancing
Knights, jesters, stilt walkers and roaming entertainers
Children's workshops and games
Medieval combat demonstrations
Living history encampments
Nightly fire shows in the town square

Unlike many commercial markets, the event is organised by AMATA (Association for the Improvement of Traditional and Contemporary Crafts), ensuring every stall features genuine handcrafted products rather than mass-produced goods.

Food, family fun and medieval atmosphere

A large gastronomic area will showcase regional produce and international flavours, including:

Artisan cheeses and cured meats
Traditional sweets and preserves
Mediterranean specialities
A medieval tavern
Fresh octopus dishes
Arabic cuisine served in a Bedouin-style tent

Families can also enjoy a traditional wooden carousel, medieval board games and interactive workshops designed for younger visitors.

Easy access for visitors

The Town Hall has confirmed that admission is free throughout the weekend.

To help accommodate large visitor numbers, free parking will be available at both the Les Nits car park (approximately 400 spaces) and the nearby Planet parking area, both within a short walk of the market.

Boosting cultural tourism

The Medieval Market has become one of La Nucía's most popular annual attractions, drawing thousands of visitors from across the Costa Blanca every summer.

Supported by the Costa Blanca Tourist Board and Alicante Provincial Council, the event also provides an important economic boost for local businesses, restaurants and accommodation providers during the busy holiday season.

By combining historical celebrations with modern technology and family entertainment, La Nucía continues to strengthen its reputation as a destination that celebrates both its rich heritage and its forward-looking approach to culture and tourism.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 13–19 July 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another exciting week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and family events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest periods of the year.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Activities

Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.

Popular activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach games and activities

New Seafront Attraction

Visitors are flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's newest photo hotspots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm is hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, attracting performers, instructors and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Family activities
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive experiences
Benidorm Cable Ski Celebrates 60 Years

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Celebrations include:

Historical displays
Community events
Tribute to the founders
Anniversary activities continuing throughout the summer
Entertainment & Nightlife
Benidorm's nightlife is in full swing every evening with:
Live tribute shows
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs
Rooftop bars
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club events

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting walkers with spectacular views over the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do:

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront dining
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Artisan markets
Seafront restaurants
Beach walks
Summer live music

🏟️ La Nucía

Medieval Market Returns

One of the highlights of the week is the 20th Medieval Market, running from 10–12 July, filling La Nucía's Old Town with:

40 artisan craft stalls
Medieval encampments
Knights and street performers
Traditional music
Fire shows
Children's workshops
Medieval food and drink
Celebrating 321 Years

La Nucía is also marking its 321st anniversary with cultural exhibitions, historical archive displays and an innovative Artificial Intelligence project helping preserve the town's historic documents.

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village visits
La Cala beach
Photography
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre
Beachfront restaurants
Outdoor terraces
Summer shopping offers

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia
Summer Safety

The town's enhanced summer policing operation continues, with extra patrols across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences

Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas continue across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
More family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended opening hours at attractions
Beach events and evening markets
Live music every night across the region

🌴 Quick Summary

🏖️ Beaches and water sports at full summer capacity
🧜 International Mermaids & Mermen Convention at Aqua Natura
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled Benidorm letters proving hugely popular
🏰 La Nucía Medieval Market returns with three days of entertainment
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail continues attracting visitors
👮 Enhanced summer police patrols continue in Altea
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C

🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.