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27 People Injured During Castell de l’Olla Fireworks Display in Altea

Altea / 9th August 2026

Twenty-seven people have been injured following a pyrotechnic incident during the spectacular Castell de l’Olla fireworks display in Altea, one of the Costa Blanca’s biggest annual summer events.

The incident occurred during the overnight fireworks spectacular at La Olla de Altea, where thousands of residents and visitors had gathered to watch the famous display launched from the sea.

The event, now in its 40th year, attracted an estimated 100,000 people, making it one of the largest gatherings on the Costa Blanca this summer.

According to the latest information released by the Brotherhood of the Castell de l’Olla, 27 people required medical attention following the incident.

Fourteen people were taken to IMED Hospital, with 11 subsequently transferred to the Burns Unit at Alicante General University Hospital for further treatment. A further 13 people were treated at the Altea Health Centre and were later discharged.

Emergency services respond quickly

Emergency medical, fire, police and security services responded rapidly, providing treatment and assisting with the evacuation of those affected.

The organisers said they are continuing to gather and verify information and are awaiting official medical reports to establish the precise nature and extent of the injuries.

The Brotherhood expressed its deep regret over the incident and said its thoughts are with everyone affected. It also thanked the emergency, medical and security teams involved in the response.

One of the Costa Blanca’s biggest events

The Castell de l’Olla is a unique pyrotechnic spectacle in which fireworks are launched from platforms positioned offshore, creating a display over the Mediterranean.

The event has become an important part of Altea’s summer calendar and attracts spectators from across the Costa Blanca and international visitors.

This year’s event had been subject to extensive preparations because of the expected crowds. Additional parking capacity was provided, while public transport services were strengthened to help manage the large number of visitors travelling to La Olla.

The incident will inevitably raise questions about safety arrangements surrounding large-scale fireworks displays, although officials have not yet announced the cause of the incident or drawn any conclusions.

Authorities awaiting further information

The Brotherhood has stressed that further information will only be released once it has been officially confirmed.

Visitors and residents are being advised to rely on information from emergency services, Altea Town Hall and the event organisers rather than unverified reports circulating on social media.

The Castell de l’Olla remains one of the signature events of the Costa Blanca summer, combining fireworks, music and the Mediterranean setting and attracting tens of thousands of spectators each year.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 3rd - 9th Aug 2026

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

Visitor numbers continue to climb as August reaches its peak, with hotels across the region approaching full occupancy ahead of the 12 August Total Solar Eclipse, which is expected to attract thousands more visitors to the Costa Blanca.

☀️ 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
Jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities
New Seafront Attraction

Visitors continue 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 most popular new photo spots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm continues hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive family activities
Meet-and-greet sessions
Benidorm Cable Ski – 60th Anniversary

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski continues celebrating its 60th anniversary with commemorative displays and special summer activities honouring one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Benidorm's nightlife remains in full swing with:

Live tribute shows
Comedy and cabaret
Karaoke
Rooftop bars
Beach clubs
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The accessible bathing service at Racó de l'Albir Beach remains available until 30 September, with trained staff and adapted equipment helping visitors with reduced mobility enjoy the sea safely.

Things to enjoy:

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

🏰 Guadalest

Recently strengthening its commitment to becoming a Smart Tourist Destination, Guadalest remains one of the Costa Blanca's must-visit inland attractions.

Explore:

The medieval castle
Mountain viewpoints
Museums
Traditional streets
Local craft shops
Scenic cafés

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues welcoming visitors to one of the Costa Blanca's most colourful seaside towns.

Popular attractions include:

Valor Chocolate Museum
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Seafront promenade
Artisan markets
Summer concerts
Beachfront restaurants

🏟️ La Nucía

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

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

Throughout the week La Nucía continues its summer cultural programme featuring:

Outdoor concerts
Local exhibitions
Evening entertainment
Family activities
Traditional markets

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities include:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Scenic countryside walks
Exploring the historic village
Relaxing at La Cala Beach
Shopping & Dining

La Marina Shopping Centre continues offering:

Summer sales
Outdoor terraces
Beachfront restaurants
Family entertainment

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme with:

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

🌞 Solar Eclipse Countdown

Hotels across Benidorm and the Costa Blanca are nearing capacity ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse on 12 August, with tourism officials expecting one of the busiest weeks of the summer.

Visitors planning to stay for the eclipse are advised to book accommodation, restaurants and excursions as early as possible.

🚔 Summer Safety

Following another successful week with enhanced policing, additional patrols remain in place across beaches, promenades, nightlife areas and tourist hotspots.

The high wildfire risk also remains in force across much of Alicante Province. Visitors are reminded not to light fires or barbecues in rural areas and to report any signs of smoke immediately by calling 112.

📅 Coming Up

Total Solar Eclipse – 12 August
Summer fiestas across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts
Evening artisan markets
Beach sports
Family entertainment
Nightly live music
Extended opening hours at attractions

🌴 Quick Summary

✅ Beaches at full summer capacity
🧜 Mermaids & Mermen Convention continues
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 BENIDORM letters remain a top attraction
♿ Accessible beach at Albir open until September
🏰 Guadalest continues Smart Tourism development
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail welcomes walkers daily
🎨 Arts, music and markets across the Costa Blanca
🌞 Solar Eclipse visitors boost August bookings
☀️ Peak summer season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Another week of classic Mediterranean sunshine is expected.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C
🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Warm sea temperatures make conditions ideal for swimming and water sports, although visitors should stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon. Local authorities also continue to monitor wildfire conditions, with restrictions possible in some natural areas if the fire risk increases.