Costa Blanca North
The Costa Blanca town throwing a four-day festival with a World Cup finale watch party
Calpe hosts its traditional seafaring festival, concluding with the World Cup.
Photo Credit: Calpe Town Hall
From July 16 to July 19, 2026, the Costa Blanca town of Calpe will come alive with tradition, music, and community spirit for the annual Festes en Honor a la Mare de Déu del Carme, or Virgen del Carmen Festival. Rooted in local seafaring history, this four-day celebration honours the patron saint of sailors and fishermen, offering a vibrant mix of solemn devotion and lively seaside festivities.
Solemn traditions and fireworks at the port
The festival will officially kick off on Thursday, July 16, with a traditional gathering of local authorities and the Familia Marinera at the Plaça dels Mariners, followed by a Holy Mass accompanied by the “Coral Ifach.” The highlight of the opening day is the emotionally charged evening procession, which will take place at 8:00pm. During this event, devotees carrying floral offerings will march through the fishing port, culminating in a beautiful maritime procession accompanied by talented local music groups. To honour those lost at sea, the Real Club Náutico and the Cofradía de Pescadores will cast a floral wreath into the open waters, followed by a spectacular fireworks display and live music by the “Orquesta La Trampa.”
Live music and sports on the weekend line-up
As the weekend approaches, the celebration transitions into a higher energy party. Friday night will feature a dedicated Noche de Música (Night of Music) in the fishing port with live performances by DJs and the “Lidia Murr Band.” Saturday will begin with a traditional Pilota a Llargues match, followed by a communal brotherhood lunch at the Baydal Restaurant. The evening brings more music to the port tent, featuring a headline performance by the musical group SWAG and late-night DJ sets.
Family games, local cooking contests, and the World Cup finale
Sunday, July 19, offers a perfect finale packed with family friendly activities and local gastronomy. The morning features water castles and traditional games like sack races and tug-of-war, followed closely by the highly anticipated Concurso de Caldero. In this culinary showdown, locals compete to cook the finest rice dishes using authentic Peix de Calp, or Calpe fish. Finally, to top off an incredible weekend and appeal to the football fans of the town, the festival will host a giant outdoor screen at 9:00pm to broadcast the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing the entire town together for one last massive and historic celebration by the sea.