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Norwegian Church of l'Albir Launches Its Annual Solidarity Christmas Fair in l'Alfàs del Pi

Saturday 15th November / Alfaz

With the festive season fast approaching, the Norwegian Church of l’Albir has officially opened its much-loved Solidarity Christmas Fair, a cherished annual tradition that brings together residents and visitors for a weekend of festive food, crafts, and community spirit.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Martine Mertens, Councillor for International Residents, and Patrick de Meirsman, Councillor for Relations with Residents' Associations and Clubs. The l'Alfàs del Pi City Council expressed its sincere appreciation to the Norwegian community for its enduring commitment to volunteerism and social initiatives.

The Solidarity Christmas Fair will run from 14–16 November, with opening hours 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of traditional Scandinavian Christmas cakes and pastries, browse handmade crafts and seasonal decorations, and purchase clothing and quality second-hand items. The programme also includes children’s workshops, raffles, concerts, and other family-friendly activities.

Funds raised throughout the weekend will support a variety of social projects promoted by the church, reinforcing the fair’s long-standing mission to help those in need while serving as a festive meeting point for the local and international community.

The Norwegian Church of l'Albir (Sjømannskirken Albir), inaugurated in October 1996, has been an integral part of community life in l'Alfàs del Pi for 28 years. In addition to its religious services, the church provides cultural, educational, sporting, and social activities, as well as vital support services to vulnerable residents and tourists. Its work includes counselling, volunteer outreach, and emergency assistance, all of which contribute significantly to the wellbeing and integration of the Norwegian community.

The City Council of l'Alfàs del Pi publicly recognises and values the important social and cultural contributions of the Norwegian Church, highlighting its essential role in fostering community cohesion, support, and solidarity.

🌴 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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Norwegian Church of l'Albir Launches Its Annual Solidarity Christmas Fair in l'Alfàs del Pi

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

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