The Costa Blanca town of Denia is preparing to kick July off with the return of its highly anticipated Festa Major, a vibrant and massive celebration across the municipality that will merge cultural traditions with modern entertainment and spectacle. Scheduled to take place from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 12, the festival traditionally honours the Santísima Sangre, and will feature more than 60 events across Denia, from the port to the historic centre to Torrecremada.

What is the Bous a la Mar?

The Bous a la Mar, a spectacle that has been named a Festival of National Tourist Interest, will be at the centre of the festivities. It will take place in an arena beside the harbour in town, and will see participants dodging bulls and oftentimes leaping into the sea to escape them, creating a unique scene in Denia’s summer cultural calendar. This tradition draws countless locals and curious newcomers each year.

Highlights of the programme: Music, fireworks, and a festive atmosphere in Denia

The programme will kick off on July 3 with a musical opening and the Festival Intergeneracional de la Cançó, setting the tone for a packed schedule of concerts, children’s activities, and cultural performances. The following day sees the lively Xupinazo, marking the true start of the celebrations, alongside the first “Entrada de Bous” through the streets towards the port arena.

Other highlights of this special festival include the traditional Cantada de Habaneras, taking place on July 10; the Nit de Rock, on July 11; and a colourful parade of floats that will flush the streets with colour and liveliness. Music, fireworks, and late-night tardeos, or parties, will also mark the occasion in Denia.

A unique celebration on the Costa Blanca

On the Costa Blanca, the town of Denia is preparing to welcome the warmest months of the year with celebrations, music, liveliness, neighbourhood camaraderie, and of course, fun. Locals and visitors alike are not advised to miss out on this incredible and one-of-a-kind celebration.

Benitachell is set to celebrate the flavours of its local summer with the return of its increasingly popular gastronomic event, “Tasta l’estiu,” a tasting cycle that will once again bring residents and visitors together to enjoy local produce. Organised by the Department of Tourism of Benitachell, the event is expected to be a major success, with an expanded programme both in scope and variety to reflect its popularity in previous years. 

A taste of the Marina Alta region in Benitachell

This year, the event will boast five tasting sessions, as well as broaden its focus beyond wine to a wider range of traditional products available in the Marina Alta region of the Costa Blanca.

This event will run through the summer, beginning on Friday, June 19, and ending on Wednesday, August 19, with all days beginning at 8:30pm in the picturesque Church Square of Benitachell, a central location expected to attract countless locals and visitors alike.

The programme: Different local products and themes, and a wide range of tastes

Each date will be dedicated to a different local product or theme, allowing attendees to explore the region’s rich culinary identity. The programme will open on June 19 with a wine tasting hosted by the local BioMoscatell association. This will be followed by a craft beer tasting on July 9, a session dedicated to carob-based products on July 16, a honey tasting on August 6, and a final event on August 19, which will combine wines with traditional delicacies.

This is more than just a taste-test for delicious local products; this also forms part of Benitachell’s wider plan to promote sustainable tourism, and connect visitors with the municipality’s natural surroundings and traditions, as well as support local producers and encourage the purchase and consumption of local Benitachell goods.

How to register for the event: A cost of just €3 per session

The event will have a price of €3 per session, and interested visitors can register by completing the form at esdeveniments.benitatxell.es, making a payment via transfer to the indicated bank account within 48 hours, and then sending the receipt to turisme@elpoblenoudebenitatxell.com, along with the full names of the participants.

With its blend of gastronomy, culture, and sustainability, “Tasta l’estiu” is expected to once again become one of the standout events of the summer calendar in Benitachell, offering a relaxed and authentic way to experience the essence of the Marina Alta.