The Best Fiestas in Marina Alta: A Complete Guide to the Region’s Most Iconic Events

Marina Alta is not only known for its beautiful coastline and Mediterranean lifestyle, but also for its rich calendar of traditional fiestas. This northern part of the Costa Blanca includes well-known towns and villages such as Dénia, Jávea (Xàbia), Moraira, Benissa, Calpe and Altea — each offering its own unique celebrations rooted in history, culture and local life.

For residents, second-home owners and visitors alike, these fiestas are an essential part of what makes living in Marina Alta so special. From colourful parades and fireworks to religious traditions and beach celebrations, these events bring communities together throughout the year. Below is a curated overview of the most iconic, unique and widely celebrated fiestas in Marina Alta, presented in chronological order.

Carnaval de Pego (February)

Carnaval de Pego is one of the most famous carnival celebrations in the Valencia region and takes place every February. For several days, the town turns into a lively stage filled with parades, extravagant costumes, live music and satirical performances.

What sets Carnaval de Pego apart is the creativity and involvement of the local community. Entire neighbourhoods participate, making it one of the most authentic and energetic winter events in Marina Alta.

Highlights:
Large-scale costume parades, live music stages, community-led performances, evening street parties

Fallas de Dénia (March)

Dénia celebrates its own version of Las Fallas every March, bringing one of Spain’s most famous traditions to Marina Alta. Massive artistic monuments are built throughout the city and displayed for several days before being ceremonially burned on the final night.

The Fallas in Dénia combine tradition with accessibility. Visitors can enjoy fireworks, parades and cultural events without the overwhelming crowds found in Valencia city, while still experiencing the full atmosphere of this iconic festival.

Highlights:
Monument displays across the city, daily fireworks, traditional costumes, final night fire ceremony

Puríssima Xiqueta Festivities – Benissa (April)

Held in April, the Puríssima Xiqueta festivities are one of Benissa’s most important cultural and religious events. The celebration honours the town’s patron saint and blends solemn processions with music, dancing and communal gatherings.

This fiesta reflects the more traditional and spiritual side of Marina Alta life and offers a deeper insight into local customs, making it especially meaningful for long-term residents.

Highlights:
Religious processions, traditional music, local dances, family-oriented events

Fogueres de Sant Joan – Jávea (June)

The Fogueres de Sant Joan mark the arrival of summer in Jávea and are celebrated around mid to late June. Fire plays a central role, symbolising renewal and purification, with bonfires, parades and fireworks throughout the town.

Locals and visitors gather in the streets to celebrate together, jump over small fires and enjoy open-air festivities late into the night.

Highlights:
Bonfires across the town, street parades, fireworks, community rituals

Noche de San Juan – Marina Alta Coastline (23 June)

Noche de San Juan is celebrated along the entire Marina Alta coastline on the night of 23 June. Beaches from Dénia to Altea fill with people lighting bonfires, sharing food and welcoming the summer solstice.

It is one of the most magical nights of the year, combining ancient traditions with a relaxed beach atmosphere. Many locals jump over the fires or take a symbolic midnight swim.

Highlights:
Beach bonfires, social gatherings, live music in some areas, midnight sea swims

Bous a la Mar – Dénia (July)

Bous a la Mar is one of the most unique and talked-about fiestas in Marina Alta. Held every July in Dénia’s harbour area, the event involves bulls running toward the sea and jumping into the water.

Recognised as a Festival of National Tourist Interest, it is combined with concerts, funfairs and street celebrations, making it a central part of Dénia’s summer calendar.

Highlights:
Bull-running into the sea, harbour-side events, concerts, fairground attractions

Castells de l’Olla – Altea (August)

Castells de l’Olla is a spectacular fireworks event held every August in Altea. Unlike traditional fiestas, this celebration focuses entirely on a choreographed fireworks display launched from platforms in the sea.

Thousands of spectators gather along the coast to watch the show reflected in the water, creating one of the most visually impressive nights on the Costa Blanca.

Highlights:
Large-scale sea-based fireworks, coastal viewing points, single-evening event

Moros y Cristianos – Calpe (October)

Calpe’s Moros y Cristianos festival takes place in October and commemorates historic battles between Moorish and Christian forces. The celebration is known for its elaborate costumes, dramatic reenactments and impressive parades through the town.

This event brings a strong sense of history and theatre to the autumn season in Marina Alta.

Highlights:
Historical reenactments, costume parades, marching bands, evening spectacles

Why These Fiestas Matter for Life in Marina Alta

These fiestas are more than just entertainment — they shape the rhythm of life in Marina Alta. For people considering relocating, buying a second home or investing in the region, attending these events offers valuable insight into the strong sense of community and cultural richness that define the area.

From winter carnivals to summer nights on the beach, Marina Alta offers year-round experiences that go far beyond sun and sea.

Overview of the Best Fiestas in Marina Alta

Carnaval de Pego – Pego – February
Fallas de Dénia – Dénia – March
Puríssima Xiqueta – Benissa – April
Fogueres de Sant Joan – Jávea – June
Noche de San Juan – Marina Alta coastline – 23 June
Bous a la Mar – Dénia – July
Castells de l’Olla – Altea – August
Moros y Cristianos – Calpe – October