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Local & Spanish


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

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