In mid-July, the coastal city of Denia will transform into a bustling hub of culture, music, and tradition for its annual Fiestas Mayores in honour of the Santíssima Sang, a major event on the Costa Blanca. This year’s celebration sets a high bar, blending decades of beloved heritage with an ambitious contemporary lineup featuring more than sixty cultural events spread across more than a week during the vibrant Mediterranean summer.

Weekend kickoff and musical tributes: Denia’s vibrant summer fiestas heat up

The weekend kickoff leans heavily into classic local flavor and musical tributes. Thursday, July 9 introduces the high-speed carrera de cintas, or motorcycle ribbon race, down Calle Marqués de Campo at 6:00 PM, followed later by a “Rosas Kamikazes” tribute concert honouring La Oreja de Van Gogh and Amaral. Friday, July 10 will bring a coastal flair with the 27th edition of the Cantada de Habaneras, or traditional sea shanties, at the port area starting at 11:00pm, while solo artists Eleski and Serko take over the Calle de la Via stage earlier in the evening.

The grand parade of floats takes centre stage

Saturday marks one of the most anticipated single events of the entire festival: the grand desfile de carrozas (parade of floats). Starting at 6:30pm, beautifully detailed, handcrafted floats will wind through Marqués de Campo in a colourful celebration of local artistry and neighbourhood pride.

That same evening, Plaza del Consell will host rock performances by Sagrat and Metalmareny at 11:00pm, while the Tokyo Band orchestra keeps the party going on Calle de la Via until the small hours of the morning.

Family entertainment and the grand finale: Welcoming summer with Denia’s biggest party

The final day wraps up the festivities with events for all ages. Car enthusiasts can check out a classic car and motorcycle exhibition on Marqués de Campo in the morning. By evening, families can gather for the children’s musical Gisela: Una historia encantada at 8:00pm on Calle de la Via, or catch the Caballos de ensueño equestrian show at the port’s bullring.

The town will host vibrant street spectacles as well, including family-focused concerts, theatre performances, and magic shows.

A school nurse from Pedreguer has received national recognition after her research into improving children’s health and wellbeing in schools was honoured with a prestigious award.

Deva Fernández, who works as a school nurse in the Marina Alta municipality, was presented with the award by the Spanish Association of School Nursing (ACEESE) in recognition of her contribution to advancing school healthcare through research. The accolade highlights the growing importance of evidence-based nursing within educational settings.

Research focused on improving school health

Fernández’s research explored key aspects of school nursing and how healthcare professionals can better support children, families and teachers within the education system. Her work stood out among entries from across Spain and was recognised for both its quality and its practical value.

School nurses play an increasingly important role in managing chronic illnesses, responding to medical emergencies, promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting students’ mental wellbeing. Awards such as this underline the profession’s expanding influence beyond traditional healthcare environments.

Receiving a national honour also shines a spotlight on the work being carried out by healthcare professionals in smaller communities like Pedreguer, demonstrating that innovative research is taking place far beyond Spain’s largest cities.

Recognition for Marina Alta

The award has been welcomed locally as a source of pride for Pedreguer and the wider Marina Alta region. Fernández’s achievement not only celebrates her individual dedication but also raises awareness of the valuable contribution school nurses make every day.

By combining frontline experience with academic research, professionals like Fernández are helping to shape future healthcare practices in schools and improve outcomes for pupils across Spain.

Her recognition comes at a time when school health services are becoming increasingly important, with greater emphasis being placed on prevention, early intervention and supporting students with complex medical needs. Research such as hers provides valuable evidence that can help schools and health authorities develop more effective care strategies for children.

The national award reflects years of commitment to both nursing and education, reinforcing the role that school nurses play as an essential link between families, schools and healthcare services while bringing positive recognition to Pedreguer and the Marina Alta.

The Real Club Náutico Calpe has cemented its reputation as one of the leading rowing clubs in the Valencian Community after producing a stunning performance at the Campeonato Autonómico Suma de Remo de Mar, returning home with five gold medals from one of the region’s biggest sea rowing events.

Held on Benidorm’s Poniente Beach, the championship brought together around 270 athletes and more than 120 boats from clubs across the Valencian Community. Competitors battled it out in individual, double and quadruple events over distances of 3,000 and 4,000 metres, depending on their category.

For Calpe, it proved to be a memorable day, with victories spread across the cadet, junior and veteran categories, demonstrating both the club’s strength in developing young talent and the experience of its senior athletes.

Five titles across three generations

The club secured one gold medal in the cadet division, another in the junior category and an impressive three victories among the veteran crews. The results placed Real Club Náutico Calpe among the championship’s standout performers, alongside Club de Mar Clot de l’Illot El Campello and Real Club Náutico Torrevieja, both of which also enjoyed highly successful weekends on the water.

Sea rowing has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years, combining endurance, technique and teamwork while taking place on open water rather than traditional rowing lakes. The sport presents competitors with constantly changing conditions, meaning races often demand quick tactical decisions alongside physical strength.

Saturday’s favourable weather created ideal racing conditions, allowing athletes to produce fast, competitive performances throughout the day.

A growing force in Costa Blanca sport

The latest success continues an impressive period for Real Club Náutico Calpe, which has become one of the Costa Blanca’s most respected sporting institutions. While the club is well known for sailing and other water sports, its rowing programme has steadily established itself as one of the strongest in the region.

The five-gold haul also reflects the club’s investment in nurturing athletes across every age group. Successes in both youth and veteran categories highlight a thriving rowing community where newcomers and experienced competitors continue to train side by side.

For Calpe, achievements like these also help strengthen the town’s sporting profile, attracting interest from aspiring athletes and showcasing the area as a centre for competitive water sports.

Eyes now turn to Torrevieja

With the regional sea rowing championships complete, attention now shifts to the next major event on the calendar.

The Valencian rowing community will reunite on 11 and 12 July for the Campeonato Autonómico de Beach Sprint in Torrevieja, where many of Calpe’s medal-winning rowers are expected to compete again.

Following such a dominant display in Benidorm, expectations will be high that the club can continue its remarkable run of form. If the latest championship is any indication, Real Club Náutico Calpe has every chance of adding even more medals to an already outstanding season and further strengthening its reputation as one of the region’s rowing powerhouses.