Local & Spanish

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.
The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.
With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.
☀️ Benidorm
Beaches & Summer Fun
Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.
Activities include:
New Attraction
Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.
Costa Blanca Cup 2026
The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:
Entertainment & Nightlife
🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi
Award-Winning Nature
The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.
Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.
Things To Do
🍫 Villajoyosa
Colourful Coastal Heritage
La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.
Popular attractions include:
🏟️ La Nucía
Sports & Family Activities
Family activities
Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.
🌅 Finestrat
Outdoor Adventures
The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.
🎭 Altea
Arts & Culture
New This Week
Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.
📅 Coming Up
Quick Summary
⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region
📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade
🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail
🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors
👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway
🌤️ Weather Outlook
Expect another week of hot, settled weather.
🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C
🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C
Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.


Local & Spanish


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