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Once again, the visit of Saint Nicholas to l'Alfàs marks the beginning of the Christmas festivities

Alfaz / 8 December 2025

 

Christmas has officially arrived in l’Alfàs del Pi. The much-loved visit of Saint Nicholas, the inauguration of the municipal nativity scene in the Plaza Mayor, and the traditional lighting of the Christmas lights on Teniente Seguí Street have marked the start of the festive season in this Marina Baixa town, where over half the population is of foreign origin and residents of nearly one hundred nationalities live side by side.

 

As in previous years, one of the most eagerly anticipated moments for local families was the arrival of Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, in l’Alfàs. This long-standing tradition—kept alive for decades—makes the town one of the very few stops the saint makes before setting sail from the port of Alicante on his journey to the Netherlands. Organised by the Lions Club of l’Alfàs, in collaboration with the Xirimita i Tabalet School of the Tradicions de la Marina Baixa association and supported by the Town Hall, the event once again filled the streets with music, colour and festive spirit.

 

In keeping with Dutch custom, Saint Nicholas handed out sweets and oranges to the children, creating a magical afternoon that marks one of the earliest and most treasured Christmas events in the municipality. Later that same evening, the saint continued his traditional journey back to Holland.

 

The celebrations continued in the Plaza Mayor with the official opening of the municipal nativity scene. The atmosphere was enhanced by a performance from the L’Alfàs Canta Polyphonic Choir, whose selection of Christmas carols provided a warm and traditional soundtrack to the occasion.

 

Festivities then moved to Teniente Seguí Street for the annual Christmas light switch-on—an event of special significance to the large Norwegian community who have long made the area their home. Following Nordic tradition, and in keeping with the spirit of the first Advent weekend, attendees enjoyed classic Norwegian Christmas treats such as ginger pastries and glögg, the traditional spiced mulled wine flavoured with cinnamon, cloves, lemon peel and star anise.

 

The celebration also reflects the Scandinavian julebord tradition, where colleagues, businesses and groups of friends gather in the lead-up to Christmas to share seasonal flavours and festive cheer. In l’Alfàs del Pi, these Nordic customs blend harmoniously each year with Spanish and Dutch traditions, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the town and once again transforming its Christmas opening into a unique and shared celebration among its many communities.