Connect with us

Costa Blanca North

Costa Blanca “Crochet Queen” brings wares to vibrant autumn markets

Published

on

Costa Blanca hosts autumn artisan markets and festive holiday fayres.
Photo Credit: Hermes Rivera / Unsplash

As summer winds down and autumn approaches, the Costa Blanca is gearing up for a vibrant lineup of artisan markets and seasonal celebrations. Stretching across Gata de Gorgos, Javea, and Jalon, this year’s regional event calendar promises an inviting blend of local craftsmanship, charity initiatives, live entertainment, and festive holiday shopping. During three key dates across the Costa Blanca area, a local artisan will bring her crochet crafts across seasonal markets, bringing unique handcrafted pieces to residents and visitors alike.

Artisan craftsmanship meets eco-friendly design: Costa Blanca’s ‘Crochet Queen’

Artisan designer Karla “The Crochet Queen” Darocas of Darocas Studio, based in Benitachell, will make her “royal rounds” across the market circuit to present her signature Royal Boho Collection of handcrafted bags and necklaces.

Each piece in the collection is crafted from 100% Andalucian organic cotton, requiring up to 24 hours of dedicated artisan labor that combines crochet, hand-beading, and precision hand-sewing. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the designer in person, explore bespoke color palettes, or arrange private “Coffee & Creative Shopping” sessions.

Autumn charity fundraiser kicks off the season

The festivities will begin on Sunday, October 4, 2026, with the Autumn Artisan Market & Samaritan Fundraiser. Hosted at the Concordia Secret Garden in Gata de Gorgos from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the afternoon brings together local residents and visitors for a community gathering centered around a good cause. Attendees can enjoy a traditional barbecue, participate in a charity raffle, and sample home-baked treats, with all proceeds directly supporting local welfare initiatives.

Holiday fayres bring Christmas cheer to Javea and Jalon in November

As the holiday season draws closer, the event lineup will shift focus to traditional Christmas celebrations across the region. On Sunday, November 8, 2026, the Salones Carrasco Christmas Fayre in Javea will open the holiday shopping season from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering an early chance to discover handcrafted gifts from regional makers. The festive momentum will continue the following week on Sunday, November 15, 2026, when the iconic Rastro Site in Jalon transforms into a vibrant holiday hub from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This family-friendly event features live music, full catering and bar services, an outdoor barbecue, and a special appearance by Santa Claus for younger attendees.

At all three of these events, visitors can not only check out The Crochet Queen’s unique wares, but they can also have fun and participate in a festive local atmosphere. Whether searching for handmade gifts, participating in charity efforts, or simply seeking a lively day out in the sun, the Costa Blanca’s upcoming market season will offer something for every visitor.

Costa Blanca North

El Campello’s beach yoga classes are the ultimate coastal retreat this September

Published

on

By

El Campello offers bilingual beach yoga sessions for ultimate relaxation.
Photo Credit: Alexandra Smielova / Unsplash

The Costa Blanca town of El Campello is offering residents and visitors a peaceful opportunity to pause, breathe, and restore balance through an outdoor wellness experience: “Yoga en la Playa: Des-conectar para Re-conectar.” Taking place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays against the scenic backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea at La Almadraba beach, this recurring session will help participants step away from the noise of daily life and re-establish harmony within themselves during a quiet, calming session of yoga on the beach.

Inclusive sessions for all experience levels, led by an expert

Led by experienced instructor Anita Flow, the gatherings will provide a welcoming sanctuary for practitioners of all experience levels. Whether someone is completely new to yoga or looking to deepen an established practice, the movement flows and gentle stretches will cater to every body. Additionally, the sessions are fully bilingual, presented seamlessly in both English and Spanish. Local residents as well as curious holidaymakers can grab their mats and participate in this calming and grounding class.

The healing benefits of outdoor practice

Practising yoga outdoors will allow participants to trade the confines of a traditional indoor studio for natural sunlight, soft sand, and the rhythmic sound of breaking waves. Breathing in fresh sea air while moving through mindful postures enhances the overall grounding effect, helping attendees release built-up stress and regain physical and mental clarity. It serves as an accessible reminder of the benefits of mindful movement in natural environments, and will offer attendees a chance to admire El Campello’s shining coastline.

Building connection on the Costa Blanca

The sessions will also place a strong emphasis on conscious connection. Participants are encouraged to tune out digital distractions and focus on presence, breathing, and body awareness. At the same time, gathering together on the shores of El Campello cultivates a warm sense of community among like-minded individuals, with chances to socialise before and after the class.

How to book your beachfront session

Those interested in joining the beach sessions can conveniently reserve their spots in advance online through Eventbrite or by contacting Anita Flow directly at T. 655 17 32 76. With multiple dates scheduled throughout the season, this coastal yoga initiative stands out as a refreshing way to embrace a healthier, more intentional lifestyle right along the Spanish coastline.

Continue Reading

Costa Blanca North

Join El Campello’s charity water park day helping rescue puppies this September

Published

on

By

Support local puppy rescues at El Campello’s BiberSplash water event.
Photo Credit: MI PHAM / Unsplash

As the warm summer weather continues into September on the Costa Blanca, community members in El Campello will have a unique opportunity to beat the heat while supporting a vital cause for the furry friends in a local shelter. Non-profit animal rescue organisation Las Reinas del Biberón has officially announced its upcoming charity event, BiberSplash 2026, taking place on Saturday, September 5, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. This festive three-hour afternoon event combines family entertainment with community fundraising, with all the proceeds directly funding the animals at the shelter.

Refreshing summer fun at La Casa de las Reinas

The gathering will be hosted at the organisation’s venue, La Casa de las Reinas, situated at Calle Fra Joan Tensa 29 in El Campello. Open to attendees of all ages, including families, groups of friends, and local animal lovers, the afternoon is designed around an engaging summer water park theme. Guests can look forward to interactive water games, refreshing activities, lively music, and a cheerful atmosphere, offering an enjoyable way to spend a late-summer weekend, socialise, and have fun.

Supporting a vital rescue mission in Alicante: Helping the animals at the shelter

Behind the fun lies a critical mission. Las Reinas del Biberón operates primarily through a network of temporary foster homes dedicated to rescuing, nursing, and rehabilitating abandoned animals, and in particular puppies and dogs, across the region of Alicante. Events like BiberSplash serve as a major lifeline for the organisation. The organisation also hosts a weekly charity breakfast and a variety of other events, which frequently draw members of the community and raise funds that go directly to the cats and dogs at the shelter.

How ticket sales directly save animal lives

Every €20 ticket sold directly funds essential veterinary treatments, vaccinations, specialised milk for orphaned puppies, daily nutrition, and other rescue operations needed to sustain these animals until their forever homes are found. Proceeds will also support their broader long-term project to construct a dedicated animal shelter.

How to book your spot for the event

Spaces for the event are limited to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests, so advance registration is strongly advised for interested visitors. Tickets can be purchased online through the association’s official web portal at lasreinasdelbiberon.org/eventos. For additional details or general event inquiries, interested attendees can contact the organisers directly through their official WhatsApp contact number at T. 644 14 69 49.

This September, residents in El Campello can both make a splash and make a difference for the adorable and gentle animals at the shelter.

Continue Reading

Costa Blanca North

Ten Marina Alta villages gain access to vital funding as Valencia steps up fight against rural depopulation

Published

on

By

Ten small towns and villages in the Marina Alta have gained access to regional funding designed to tackle rural depopulation, as the Valencian government significantly expands its support for communities struggling to retain residents.

The ten Marina Alta municipalities receiving funding in 2026 that were not beneficiaries in 2023 are L’Atzúbia, Benigembla, Benimeli, Llíber, Murla, El Ràfol d’Almúnia, Sagra, Sanet i Negrals, Tormos and La Vall de Laguar.

Their inclusion is part of a wider expansion of the Generalitat Valenciana’s Municipal Cooperation Fund against Depopulation, aimed at protecting smaller communities and helping councils maintain essential services.

Millions invested in rural communities

Funding for the scheme has risen considerably in recent years. The Generalitat says its overall allocation increased by 58%, from €11.7 million during the 2021-2023 period to €18.6 million between 2024 and 2026.

The number of municipalities benefiting has also climbed from 172 in 2023 to 222 this year, meaning 50 additional towns and villages are now receiving support. Of those newcomers, 23 are in Alicante province, including the ten in the Marina Alta.

For 2026 alone, the 222 municipalities included in the programme will share a total fund of €6 million.

Why is depopulation a problem?

For expats accustomed to the busy coastal towns of Dénia, Jávea, Calpe and Moraira, it can be easy to forget that some communities just a short drive inland face a very different reality.

Small villages can struggle as younger generations move elsewhere for jobs and education, while ageing populations leave councils trying to maintain services for dwindling numbers of permanent residents.

The latest rules are designed to intervene earlier rather than waiting until population decline becomes severe.

A category introduced in 2025 allows municipalities with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants showing signs of demographic vulnerability to receive 50% of the normal allocation, even if they do not yet meet all the criteria to be considered fully at risk of depopulation.

Helping villages survive and thrive

The 2026 fund divides beneficiaries into three groups. A total of 177 municipalities officially considered at risk of depopulation receive their full allocation, while 27 in the newer intermediate category receive 50%.

Another 18 municipalities are covered by a transitional system introduced this year. This allows towns whose population indicators have improved to continue receiving support temporarily rather than suddenly losing funding.

José Díez, the Generalitat’s second vice-president and regional councillor for the Presidency, said the changes were intended to ensure help reaches more communities and allows authorities to act before population loss becomes irreversible.

For the Marina Alta’s ten newly included municipalities, the funding represents another tool to help maintain public services and protect the character and future of some of the Costa Blanca’s smallest communities.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2017 Spanish Property & News