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 Parc de la Creativitat in Calpe was transformed into a hub of sound, excitement, and electric energy as the latest edition of the Calpe Pop Festival came to a successful close. Taking place over three days from August 13 to 15, the festival delivered a vibrant mix of legendary talent, contemporary pop, and tribute concerts, proving once again why it has become a highly anticipated central highlight of the local summer festivities.

This year’s renovated format featured a combination of free-entry and ticketed events aimed at bringing together residents, young music lovers, and holidaymakers.

Kiko Veneno kicks off three days of live music

The festival officially kicked off on Thursday, August 13, with a headline performance by legendary Spanish music icon Kiko Veneno. He captivated the crowd with timeless classics, bringing his signature fusion of flamenco and rock, while DJ Kike Rodríguez kept the energy at a fever pitch until late into the evening.

A genre-blending lineup takes over the main stage

Friday, August 14 saw a rich, genre-blending lineup that catered to a wide variety of musical tastes. Audiences danced and sang to a standout performance by La Cabra Mecánica. The night also featured impressive performances from María La del Tango, a lively showcase by the Danza Casa de Andalucia troupe, and an energetic set by DJ Javi Más, creating a festive atmosphere that lasted well past midnight.

A sensational tribute finale closes out the festival

The three-day celebration finally reached its grand finale on Saturday, August 15, coinciding with Calpe’s local patron saint celebrations. Headlining the closing night was God Save the Queen, universally acclaimed as one of the world’s premier Queen tribute acts. Their stunning theatrical show had the crowd singing along to uber-famous rock anthems including Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You. Local rock band Desert Vipers opened the stage, while DJ Javi Pla closed out the festival with a hit-packed DJ set that left audiences content, but reluctant to leave.

One of the main draws of this year’s edition was its community-focused heart. A portion of ticket sales purchased through designated links went towards supporting Calpe’s historic Moros y Cristianos festival captains.

Supporting local culture and community traditions

The Calpe Pop Festival, which held its first edition in 2021, continues to build on its reputation for high-energy summer entertainment, having previously hosted popular acts including Los Secretos, Marta Sánchez, and Camela. With impressive attendance across all three nights, this latest edition solidified Calpe’s status as a premier destination for live music on the Costa Blanca, and left audiences excited for next year’s edition.

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.