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The Fiestas de Santa Ana in Benissa: A guide to this traditional summer festival

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An authentic, family-friendly summer festival celebrating traditional Valencian culture.
Photo Credit: Benissa Department of Tourism

Those looking for an authentic summer experience that escapes the usual tourist hubs of the Costa Blanca are in luck: the district of Partida Santa Ana in Benissa is coming alive this July for its annual Fiestas de Santa Ana, a vibrant, single-day neighbourhood celebration that perfectly captures the warm, welcoming spirit of traditional Valencian life.

A taste of local tradition

The festivities will kick off on July 26 at 1:00pm with a traditional Mass held in the local neighbourhood chapel. As soon as the service concludes, the real party will begin. Visitors will be able to sample a slice of coca maría, a beautifully fluffy, sweet Valencian sponge cake, paired with a freezing glass of agualimón (a tangy, frozen lemon slushy that serves as the ultimate way to beat the July heat).

Folk music and family fun

As the afternoon continues, the soundtrack of the festival transitions to the classic, rhythmic sounds of local folklore music. Traditional musicians playing the tabalet, a kind of drum, and dolçaina, an oboe-like instrument, provide an energetic backdrop for the carreras populares, or informal footraces that bring out friendly competition and plenty of laughter from spectators.

Evening flavours and brass beats

By early evening, the neighbourhood will gather for a massive, communal afternoon snack. Throughout the night, a local bar service offers fresh, savoury cocas (traditional flatbreads baked with local toppings) and cold drinks. The energy will come to a head at 8:00pm when the brass band Charanga Garanxa takes the stage, filling the warm summer night with danceable brass tunes.

If you want to experience the authentic heart of Spain, where the food is homemade, the music is live, and everyone is treated like part of the community, July 26 at the Fiestas de Santa Ana in Benissa will be the place to be on the Costa Blanca this summer.

Costa Blanca North

La Nucia’s ultimate amateur padel festival: A must-visit this July

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A vibrant amateur padel festival with live music and exhibitions.
Photo Credit: Tomasz Krawczyk / Unsplash

For sports enthusiasts and holidaymakers visiting the Costa Blanca this July, La Nucia will become a hotspot of activity. The town’s state-of-the-art Ciudad Deportiva Camilo Cano will host the highly anticipated Kia Padel Fest on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25, marking a new edition of this beloved event and an exciting weekend for padel lovers.

An exciting amateur padel tournament for La Nucia residents

Taking place at the Padelpoint La Nucia club, this event has earned a stellar reputation as one of the very best amateur padel tournaments in the world. Rather than just a standard competition, the festival is designed to be a high-energy, weekend-long celebration of the sport, bringing together competitive tournament play, live music, local gastronomy, and professional masterclasses. It will be an incredibly exciting event for both participants and spectators.

Perks for the players

For those playing, the tournament features multiple amateur categories across different skill levels, ensuring balanced and highly competitive matches. Players are treated to premium registration perks, including high-quality welcome packs, professional sports gear, and access to an exclusive catering service throughout the weekend.

Entertainment off the court for curious newcomers

Even if you aren’t stepping onto the court yourself, the Kia Padel Fest is incredibly spectator-friendly. Visitors can soak up the vibrant, festive atmosphere from the sidelines, enjoy cold drinks and local food, and listen to live DJ sets. The undisputed highlight of the weekend for most fans is the signature professional exhibition clinic. In previous editions, global padel icons and world champions have taken to the Padelpoint courts to showcase jaw-dropping trick shots, sign autographs, and share professional tips with the crowd.

La Nucia buzzes with excitement for the Kia Padel Fest

Running over two action-packed days, the event showcases why La Nucia has earned international attention for its sports and leisure events. Whether you are a seasoned player looking to test your skills, or a curious traveller wanting to experience Spain’s fastest-growing sporting phenomenon in a festival environment, the Kia Padel Fest is the perfect addition to the summer itinerary.

Entry to the venue is free and open to the general public, promising a fantastic, sun-drenched weekend of top-tier amateur sports and entertainment in one of the Costa Blanca’s most idyllic towns.

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Costa Blanca North

Lady Elizabeth School, preparing students for life, not just exams

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There are still a limited number of places available for September 2026. Credit: LES

When parents choose a school, academic results are naturally important. But in a rapidly changing world, education must go beyond exams. Today’s children will enter careers that don’t yet exist, work across cultures and technologies, and face challenges that require creativity, resilience and confidence as much as knowledge.

At Lady Elizabeth School, education is designed with this future in mind. While academic excellence remains at the heart of everything we do, our mission is to prepare students for life.

This is why our educational approach intentionally develops the School Life Competencies that underpin every stage of learning: Confident Learners, Responsibility and Positive Relationships. These are not taught as standalone lessons but are woven into daily school life, from classroom projects and collaborative learning to leadership opportunities, sports, performing arts and community initiatives.

Students are encouraged to think independently, communicate effectively, work as part of a team and approach new challenges with confidence. They learn to take responsibility for their learning, respect different perspectives and build meaningful relationships with others.

These qualities become just as valuable as academic knowledge. Universities increasingly look for well-rounded applicants, while employers consistently rank communication, adaptability, critical thinking and collaboration among the most important skills for the future workforce.

As part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), Lady Elizabeth School also offers opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, connecting students with an international community and helping them develop a truly global perspective.

Parents often tell us that what stands out most is not only how much their children learn, but how much they grow as individuals. They become confident, curious and compassionate young people, ready to embrace whatever opportunities the future brings.

For families considering an international education on the Costa Blanca, Lady Elizabeth School offers much more than an outstanding academic experience. It offers an education that prepares children to thrive throughout their lives.

There are still a limited number of places available for September 2026. Families who enrol before the start of the new academic year can also benefit from exclusive enrolment incentives. Book an online or in-person visit this summer and discover what makes Lady Elizabeth School such a unique place to learn, grow and succeed.

For more information contact:

Isabel Femández-Lerga: Director of Marketing Lady Elizabeth School

i.fernandez-lerga@les.edu.es

0034 659 193 044

Web: www.ladyelizabethschool.com

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Costa Blanca North

A 30-year-old folk festival will transform Denia into a stage this July

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An iconic Spanish castle hosts a vibrant Mediterranean summer folk festival.
Photo Credit: Música al Castell de Dénia

The historic coastal city of Denia, as it does every summer, will come alive once more with the enchanting sounds of the Música al Castell festival. Beginning in 1992, this iconic gathering is the oldest folk music festival in the Community of Valencia, transforming the ancient Castell de Dénia into a stunning open-air concert hall overlooking the idyllic Mediterranean Sea.

A historic stage overlooking the Mediterranean

Now celebrating its 34th edition, the festival will take place this year from July 22 to July 26. Over these five magical nights, the ancient venue will serve as a cultural lighthouse, blending traditional root music with contemporary, experimental sounds. While the primary stage sits atop the fortress esplanade to offer a breathtaking panoramic view, the festival also extends into the centre of Denia, featuring a lively finale in the historic Plaza del Consell.

Five exciting nights of diverse Iberian sounds

The festival lineup is a love letter to the diversity of Iberian folk traditions. It kicks off with La Maria, a resonant voice in modern Valencian music who breathes new life into traditional chants. The second night features Maestro Espada, an innovative duo from Murcia that masterfully fuses rural garden folklore with contemporary electronic beats.

As the festival continues, the fortress will host the elegant flamenco icon Mayte Martín, whose deeply emotional, soulful vocals have captivated audiences for decades. She will be followed by the internationally acclaimed Galician folk legends Luar Na Lubre, bringing the mystical, acoustic energy of Celtic heritage to the Spanish coast. Finally, the local group Colla El Trapig will close the event at the Plaza del Consell with a vibrant, theatrical performance of traditional Valencian street music, inviting the entire community to join the celebration.

A majestic backdrop steeped in history, culture, and heritage

The festival’s location in the iconic Castle of Denia is particularly significant for the festivalgoers. It is Denia’s most important historical landmark, home to the archaeological museum and dating back to the Islamic period between the 11th and 12th centuries. It also serves as the ideal backdrop for the concerts, overlooking the lights of the city and the beloved Costa Blanca coastline.

A long-running event that has become a staple of the local summer calendar in Denia, Música al Castell will be a vibrant celebration of cultural identity where history and harmony meet under the stars. Whether you are a lifelong fan of folk music or a holidaymaker seeking an authentic, unforgettable Mediterranean summer experience, this festival will offer the perfect escape. Tickets and more details will be available on the event’s official website, musicaalcastell.com.

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