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Experience ancient Rome in Villajoyosa with gladiator battles and a feast at Gran Circus Maximus

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Gran Circus Maximus brings Roman gladiator battles and dining to Villajoyosa.
Photo Credit: Community of Valencia

Residents and visitors in Villajoyosa can prepare to leave the modern world behind and step two thousand years back into antiquity on Saturday, August 29: the event production team at Anubis Temática, the legendary Gran Circus Maximus will return to its open-air venue at Partida Piletes, recreating the raw spectacle, drama, and pageantry of imperial Roman entertainment. This action-packed circus evening will combine theatrical storytelling, live stunt work, special effects, and open-air festivities to create an unforgettable cultural adventure for visitors of all ages.

Live gladiators and chariot races in the arena

The main highlight of the evening centres on the heart-pounding arena show, where skilled performers will bring Roman history to life. As night falls over Villajoyosa, spectators will witness dramatic two-horse chariot races, known historically as bigas, tearing through the dusty floor of the amphitheatre. The central event will feature fierce, fully choreographed gladiator duels where warriors will face off in high-stakes combat to the thundering applause of the crowd. The show will be enhanced by dynamic visual effects, theatrical lighting, and sound, and every combat sequence delivers an authentic taste of ancient Roman stadium culture.

Arrival details and schedule for the night

Doors will open early at 8:00pm, allowing guests time to arrive, utilise the free on-site parking, and settle in as the arena atmosphere builds. At 9:00pm, the themed banquet begins, accompanied by live theatrical animation.

Villajoyosa to celebrate a mouth-watering traditional Roman meal

Traditional Roman gastronomy will also be available to round out the experience. The classic feast features slow-cooked barbecue honey pork ribs, potatoes seasoned with herbs, fresh salad, crusty bread, dessert, and an open bar serving wine, beer, soft drinks, and water throughout the meal. Younger visitors can enjoy a child-friendly menu of mixed burgers, nuggets, and fries, while a complete plant-based pea-protein burger and vegan chocolate mousse menu is available for vegetarian guests upon request.

Booking tickets and transportation details: How to experience ancient Rome in Villajoyosa

At 10:15pm, the feast will end and the arena will come alive for the grand, main spectacle. Round-trip shuttle options are available across local pickup stops for guests who prefer not to drive. Dinner bookings will close at 12:00pm on the day of the show, making early reservation essential for securing a place at this Roman celebration. Interested visitors can book their seats through Eventbrite or through the event organiser’s official website, grancircusmaximus.com.

Costa Blanca North

El Campello hosts weekly charity breakfast to support rescued puppies in local animal shelter

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El Campello hosts charity breakfasts supporting rescued puppies every weekend.
Photo Credit: Jakub Żerdzicki / Unsplash

In the coastal town of El Campello, coffee lovers, local residents, and animal advocates have a unique opportunity to combine a relaxing morning treat with a deeply meaningful cause. Every weekend, local non-profit animal rescue organisation Las Reinas del Biberón opens its doors for the Biberdesayuno Solidario, a welcoming, charity-driven breakfast hosted at their local headquarters, La Casa de las Reinas.

A warm morning gathering for a vital cause

A recurring weekly initiative, the event will take place on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, between 10:00am and 12:00pm at Calle Fra Juan Tensa, 29 in El Campello. The gathering offers attendees fresh coffee, delicious pastries, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere specifically designed to bring animal lovers together in a relaxed setting.

Funding round-the-clock care for vulnerable puppies

The primary mission of Las Reinas del Biberón centres on rescuing, fostering, and rehabilitating vulnerable puppies and young animals in urgent need of specialized care. Because bottle-feeding orphaned or neonate puppies requires round-the-clock attention, specific nutritional milk formulas, medical supplies, and constant warmth, operational costs mount quickly. These weekend breakfasts provide a vital financial lifeline that directly funds ongoing rescue operations and ensures these fragile animals receive the second chance at life they deserve.

An accessible, community-first, and delicious way to give back

The defining feature of the Biberdesayuno Solidario is its highly accessible, community-first atmosphere. Visitors can simply turn up anytime during event hours without needing to purchase advance tickets or fill out booking forms.

Additionally, there is no fixed entry fee or set price for refreshments. Instead, guests are invited to leave a voluntary donation of any amount upon arrival, allowing every individual to contribute according to their means. Every euro raised goes directly toward essential expenses for the furry friends at the shelter, including veterinary checks, vaccinations, microchipping, high-quality food, and sanctuary maintenance for the rescued animals.

Whether you are an El Campello resident looking for a new weekend routine, an animal lover seeking a direct way to give back, or a holidaymaker exploring the Costa Blanca town of El Campello, spending a morning at La Casa de las Reinas provides a delightful and tangible way to support local animal welfare, one cup of coffee at a time.

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Costa Blanca North

Javea’s Mare de Déu de Loreto enters its final week with Bous a la Mar and fireworks

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Javea celebrates Mare de Déu de Loreto with maritime traditions.
Photo Credit: Javea Town Hall

As August draws to a close, the seaside district of Duanes de la Mar in Javea is gearing up for the most vibrant and action-packed stretch of its patron saint festivities: the Mare de Déu de Loreto celebration. Having kicked off mid-month, from August 28 through to September 8, the port area will transform into a lively hub of maritime traditions, community gatherings, and spectacular evening entertainment in anticipation of the festivities’ grand finale.

A vibrant start to the final stretch of the festivities

The end-of-August schedule will continue with an atmosphere of growing excitement, starting with traditional sporting events like raspall, or Valencian pilota matches in the streets, along with popular community dinners along the seafront promenade. By Saturday, August 29, the celebrations will officially shift into high gear with the Presentation of the Mayorales and Mayoralesas, the official festival representatives, followed by open-air concerts and dancing that stretch into the small hours of Sunday morning.

Tradition meets excitement at the port

An iconic feature of the festival calendar is the famous Bous a la Mar, or bulls to the sea, event running from late August into early September. Crowds will gather at the port enclosure to watch daring participants dodge bulls near the water’s edge, while enjoying fresh tapas and cold drinks at the Baret dels Bous, a beloved seasonal pop-up run by the festival committee.

Family fun and evening entertainment

As September begins to unfold, the itinerary will strike a balance between family entertainment and deep-rooted religious customs. Children can enjoy dedicated activity days packed with giant water slides, foam parties, and traditional games. Meanwhile, late afternoon and evening events feature traditional music, tardeos (afternoon parties hosted by local youth groups), and live music performances by renowned and emerging local bands.

A spectacular grand finale on the coast

The climax of the festivities will begin on September 6 with the moving Flower Offering to the Mare de Déu de Loreto, where residents march in traditional dress to carpet the patron saint in blossoms. The final days, September 7 and 8, will focus on religious and traditional tributes, including solemn processions through the historic streets of Duanes, loud daytime fireworks displays, also known as mascletàs, and the famous and heart-pounding Correfoc, or fire-run, event.

The celebrations will finally draw to a breathtaking close shortly after midnight on September 8, with the magnificent aquatic fireworks display. Fired directly over the Bay of Javea, the dazzling pyrotechnics illuminate the Mediterranean waters, marking a memorable end to another year of this long-anticipated seaside tradition.

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Costa Blanca North

Iconic Playmobil figures bring Calpe’s Moors and Christians festival to life in new exhibition

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Calpe celebrates 50 years of festival history with Playmobil dioramas.
Photo Credit: Calpe Town Hall

Through the entire month of September, the coastal town of Calpe will offer residents and visitors alike a unique journey through time, creativity, and local culture. Running from September 1 to September 30, the local Casa de la Cultura will host a captivating Playmobil Exhibition, a showcase that will bridge the charm of childhood nostalgia with one of the region’s most widespread, cherished cultural traditions, the Moors and Christians festival.

A grand exhibition for Calpe’s iconic festival

Organised by the Calpe Town Hall, the Department of Culture, and the local Moros y Cristianos Association, this special event is tied directly to a major milestone: celebrating the incredible 50th Anniversary of the Moors and Christians festival in Calpe. For half a century, these historical reenactments have served as a major cornerstone of the town’s identity, bringing history, music, and colourful pageantry to the streets.

History brought to life, in impressive miniature detail

To honour this grand occasion, organisers have brought in thousands of iconic, smiling Playmobil toy figurines to depict intricate scenes inspired by historical events, local festivities, and legendary battles. Set up in the main exhibition hall, or Sala de Exposiciones, of the Casa de la Cultura, the displays feature impressively detailed dioramas, created with the colourful and nostalgic toys that have spanned multiple generations. Young and old residents alike can admire custom-outfitted miniature knights, Moorish troops, castles, and elaborate processions, designed to mimic the actual grand parades that define this important cultural festival in Calpe.

A creative and engaging experience for all generations

The exhibition will serve as an engaging, amusing and family-friendly cultural attraction, perfect for easing into the early autumn schedule. The classic toy figures, which have captivated children and collectors since the 1970s, provide a creative outlet through which the little ones can learn about local history, while adults enjoy the craftsmanship and attention to detail hidden within every setup.

Admission to the exhibition is open throughout the month of September, providing an opportunity for families, collectors, and curious newcomers to stop by. In the centre of Calpe’s cultural quarter, the Playmobil exhibition stands as a testament to how local history can be commemorated in creative, playful, and unifying ways for all ages.

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