A small village in the interior of Alicante is taking an interesting approach to combating screen addiction in children: Fageca, a mountain village with only 100 residents, recently held a workshop for local children that involved using LEGO building block toys as a therapeutic and social tool.

Building real connections away from screens

The workshop, which took place over the weekend of August 15 and 16, brought together children between the ages of 7 and 12 at the local Casa de Cultura. There, the children participated in talks about the responsible use of technology and a variety of healthy lifestyle habits. Additionally, the children built their own models with LEGO pieces to represent ideas, emotions, and situations.

The science behind physical play and retention

The science lies in the manipulation of physical materials rather than words and images on screens. The children can better solidify concepts in their minds through association with tangible objects, improving both their understanding and their retention of the messages.

The initiative, under the name LEGO Serious Play workshops, was made possible by funding through the Alicante Provincial Council, and it is far from the first LEGO-based event in the province. Earlier this year, in April, the University of Alicante hosted the First LEGO League, another event based around the iconic toys that brought together participants of all ages, but especially children.

Expanding LEGO workshops across the region

Even in a village as small as Fageca, the impact of these mentally stimulating workshops is clear. Larger towns and cities in the province of Alicante could soon implement LEGO-based workshops, particularly for children and the elderly, who can work with the colourful bricks to foster cognitive stimulation, improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and socialise with other residents.

A small village making a big change

All in all, the workshop in the village of Fageca was a success, turning simple plastic bricks into powerful tools for mental agility and human connection. This 100-resident village has demonstrated how innovation in rural healthcare often lies in thinking outside the box, and offers an inspiring model for local communities across the Costa Blanca, proving that with a little imagination, even the smallest towns can build something truly special.

The Costa Blanca town of Denia recently concluded its eagerly awaited Moros y Cristianos festival in honour of Sant Roc, capping off weeks of vibrant history, spectacle, and music. While the festivities stretched across the month of August, the grand finale delivered a magnificent crescendo that left residents and visitors alike enchanted.

Spectacle on the streets for the Grand Gala Parade

The celebration reached its peak on August 15 with the iconic Gran Desfile de Gala, or Grand Gala Parade. Starting in the late afternoon, Denia’s central areas, including Calle La Vía, Calle Diana, and the tree-lined Marqués de Campo, were transformed into a dazzling showcase of colour and sound. The Christian and Moorish ranks unveiled their breathtaking boatos, showcasing elaborate floats, intricate choreography, and flashy historical costumes crafted over an entire year of preparation. As night fell, a brilliant fireworks display, or castillo de fuegos artificiales, illuminated the sky above Plaza Jaume I, drawing loud cheers from the thousands gathered along the route.

Gunpowder battles and sacred traditions

The iconic festival drew to a dramatic close on August 16. The morning opened with the thunderous Batalla de Arcabucería historical reenactment, where the air was filled with smoke and noise from Calle Foramur down to the historic Plaza del Consell, reenacting the fierce battle for control of the city. After a solemn midday Mass and the traditional theatrical performance of the Milagro de la Niebla (Miracle of the Fog), the evening shifted to a reverent religious procession honouring Sant Roc.

An emotional musical farewell: Another successful edition of Moros y Cristianos in Denia

At 10:00pm, the festival finally closed out with the Retreta and Disparo Final, or Retreat and Final Gunshot. Festival-goers joined together for a joyful final march back to the Plaza del Consell. The crowd united in a moving, heartfelt performance of “El Vell Montgó” and Denia’s anthem, a bittersweet melody that marked the official end of this year’s celebrations and closed another unforgettable chapter in the town’s rich cultural history.

On Saturday, August 22, the historic centre of Javea will transform into a glowing spectacle of light, calm, and celebration for the annual “Nit de Sant Bartolomé,” or Night of Saint Bartholomew, celebration. Organised by the Parish of Sant Bartolomé and the Javea Town Hall, alongside local collaborators, this beloved tradition will see more than 16,000 candles flickering through the winding streets and historic squares of the old town. 

A serene evening of light and community

Under the slogan, “The night will grow calm and Javea will become light”, the festival will offer residents and visitors a peaceful evening focused on reflection, community, and cultural heritage.

Live music, parish vigil, and late-night shopping

The festivities will begin at 7:30pm with a mass at the Church of Sant Bartolomé, immediately followed by the candle lighting at 7:45pm. As twilight arrives, thousands of small flames will illuminate the town’s architectural landmarks, paving the way for an evening filled with music, local arts, and nocturnal commerce. A spiritual vigil led by Hakuna is scheduled for 8:30pm inside the parish church, while lively public entertainment fills the surrounding streets.

Visitors strolling through the historic centre can also enjoy smooth blues music at Plaça Bassudo, a performance by the Youth Orchestra of the Artistic Musical Centre of Javea, a piano set by Marek Brazda, and open-air swing dancing accompanied by a live DJ. Local businesses in the historic centre will also stay open late, welcoming shoppers at night-time and enhancing the vibrant atmosphere in the streets of Javea.

Expanded routes and pedestrianised streets

This year’s edition will also introduce exciting expanded light zones, allowing the candlelit trail to reach even further into the old town. To ensure safety and a serene atmosphere, major areas including Ronda Norte and Príncipe de Asturias Street will be made more walkable, allowing local families, neighbours, and visitors to the town to wander unhindered. 

The Night of Saint Bartholomew lights up Javea with candles

On the official Town Hall website, Mayor Rosa Cardona noted that the event will capture the true spirit of Javea, emphasising its role in fostering community involvement as neighbours, local shops, and volunteers come together to set up the thousands of candles. Combining heritage, family-friendly activities, and local music, the Night of Saint Bartholomew invites everyone to slow down and experience the historic centre of Javea in an unforgettable, soft-lit ambience with thousands of glowing points of light.