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l’Alfàs del Pi Marks 190th Anniversary with Launch of 15th Cultural Week Celebrations

The town of l’Alfàs del Pi has officially begun celebrations marking the 190th anniversary of its establishment as an independent municipality, following its separation from the Barony of Polop in 1836.

The commemorations coincide with the launch of the 15th edition of the “l’Alfàs amb Història” Cultural Week, a programme dedicated this year to the historical development of education in the municipality.

Focus on Education and Local Heritage

The opening event took place at the Espai Cultural Escoles Velles, featuring the presentation of the documentary and publication “Records escolars: l’ensenyament elemental a l’Alfàs del Pi (1836–1970)”, which explores nearly a century and a half of primary education in the town.

The research draws on archival records and personal testimonies from former students and teachers, documenting the evolution of schooling, infrastructure development, and social issues such as access inequality and funding challenges.

Week-Long Cultural Programme

The anniversary programme includes exhibitions, lectures, workshops and community events across several days:

A historical exhibition recreating a mid-20th century classroom using archival photographs and museum collections

Educational talks examining the evolution of teaching and archives in the municipality

A free family workshop open to residents and visitors

A traditional spring concert by the La Lira Musical Society, featuring guest trumpet soloist Rubén Simeó, with proceeds supporting cancer research

A guided walking tour of the town centre focusing on the development of local education and public institutions

Community Recognition and Awards

During the celebrations, the annual l’Alfàs Prize will also be awarded, recognising contributions to the cultural and civic life of the municipality.

This year’s honours include tributes to former cultural councillors since Spain’s democratic transition, long-serving cultural leadership figures, the IES L’Arabí school on its 25th anniversary, and the late teacher Concha Devesa Rodríguez, remembered for her decades of educational service.

Cultural Identity and Long-Term Legacy

The Cultural Week, first established in 2012, has become a key fixture in the town’s calendar, promoting local heritage, academic research and community participation.

Officials say this year’s edition forms part of the wider “l’Alfàs 2026 Cultural Year”, which celebrates multiple anniversaries across the municipality’s cultural institutions.

The council has invited residents and visitors to take part in the programme, highlighting education as a central pillar in the town’s historical and social development.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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

Benidorm: busiest hub with nightlife, markets and entertainment growth
Altea: cultural, scenic and relaxed
Albir / L’Alfàs del Pi: balanced social and live music scene
La Nucía: sports-led and residential
Finestrat: beach-focused and seasonal lifestyle
Villajoyosa: coastal heritage, relaxed tourism and local culture

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

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l’Alfàs del Pi Marks 190th Anniversary with Launch of 15th Cultural Week Celebrations

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