The history of the Torrevieja Carnival dates back to the late 1980s, specifically to a small group named the “Friends of Carnival” who began holding small parades concentrated in a series of organised parties where neighbours spent time dancing to music in the streets.

Over the years, the Torrevieja Carnival developed into a much more elaborate affair involving officials from the Town Hall, local police, rigorous planning, local businesses, a colourful cast of thousands, and an audience that numbers in the tens of thousands.

Traditionally, the carnival is one of the most important, anticipated, and admired festivities in the city of Torrevieja's social calendar, and people travel from different countries around the world to attend the celebrated annual event.

The Torrevieja Carnival and the colourful street parade

Carnival organisers are promising a full spectrum of colour, dancing, and celebrations in the city streets with a cast numbering some 2,000 people.

Torrevieja's street parades take inspiration from traditional Brazilian festivals such as the world-renowned Rio de Janeiro Carnival that takes place toward the end of February. However, unlike Rio's celebrations that last just five days, the Costa Blanca city will keep the party spirit alive for more than three weeks.

It's big business for the participants too, with Torrevieja City Hall contributing thousands of Euros in prize money, and this year's carnival has been organised in association with Agamed, the Spanish water utility company that manages the complete water cycle in the municipality of Torrevieja.

But for most carnival visitors, the main attractions are the spectacular street parades that take place in Torrevieja. The first street event of the annual celebrations will see dancers and musicians parade through the centre of the Spanish city in spectacular fashion.

The Grand Carnival Parade takes place on Sunday 8th February at 16:00, departing from the Centro Cultural Virgen del Carmen and proceeding down Calle Ramón Gallud to Avenida Doctor Gregorio Marañon.

The contrasting day and night parades on the Costa Blanca

The almost month-long celebrations culminate in a magnificent and final street parade the following weekend on Saturday 14th February 2026.

The great Night Carnival Parade departs from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, and proceeds down Calle Ramón Gallud to Paseo Vistalegre, starting at 20:00.

For more information about the Torrevieja Carnival click here to visit the official website.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com / Alexander Pichlmayr

Following the success of previous year's events, the area will host a third annual carnival that aims to celebrate the diverse cultures and the spirit of togetherness that characterises this beautiful part of Spain.

Hot on the heels of Torrevieja's carnival parades and scheduled to take place in the heart of Orihuela Costa, this family-friendly event is designed to offer something for everyone, from the youngest members of the family to the young at heart.

The festivities will offer live music performances, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere and ensuring that every attendee finds their rhythm. Additionally, DJs will spin a mix of tracks that will keep the energy high.

The Orihuela Costa Carnival in Playa Flamenca

A wholly family-friendly event, the organisers have gone to great lengths to ensure that children are catered for, and bouncy castles will provide a safe and fun outlet for kids to expend their excess energy.

The highlight of the carnival is undoubtedly the spectacular parade. Featuring vibrant and colourful dancers in elaborate costumes, the parade promises to be a feast for the senses.

Participants and dancing troupes involved in the parade have been rehearsing for months, preparing routines that celebrate the local culture and the diversity of influences that have shaped Orihuela Costa.

This second edition of the Orihuela Costa Carnival results from a collaborative effort by local businesses, cultural organisations, and the municipality.

A spectacular event supported by local businesses

Organised by the Comisión de Fiestas Orihuela Costa in association with the Town Hall of Orihuela and the Asociación Costa Orihuela Cultural, the event is supported by a large number of businesses.

The 2026 Orihuela Costa Carnival takes place on Saturday 28th February, with food, drinks, and music from 12:00 midday. The main parade starts at 17:00 and proceeds from the roundabout at Calle Nicolás de Bussi and Calle Pintor Ribera, in the direction of CEIP Los Dolses school.

With a lineup of activities that cater to every age and interest, the carnival promises to become a landmark event in Orihuela Costa. Find out more about the Orihuela Costa Carnival from the C.F.O.C's Facebook page, or check out the map below to locate the starting point of this event.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com / Alexander Pichlmayr

Zenia Boulevard was decked from head to toe in tens of thousands of sparkling Christmas lights just last month, in preparation for one of the most prominent dates in the festive season.

Over recent years, the Costa Blanca's premier shopping centre has developed an excellent reputation for its festive displays, and the mall never fails to impress each year with a spectacular Christmas advent calendar of its very own, culminating in the “Cabalgata de Papá Noel”.

It's become something of a modern Spanish tradition, and the Zenia Boulevard Christmas Parade marks the pinnacle of the festive celebrations.

The evening event is a dramatic spectacle of music, light and colour, as the shopping centre's rambling avenues are filled to the brim with hundreds of dancers and thousands of festive visitors.

The La Zenia Boulevard Christmas Parade, Orihuela Costa

Local men and women of all ages dress in brightly coloured costumes and parade through the streets from Playa Flamenca to La Zenia in an evidently well-rehearsed and perfectly choreographed dance performance.

Beautifully executed, the festive theatrical enactment concludes with Santa Claus taking a well-deserved break from his chores at the North Pole to ride his sleigh through the shopping centre's avenues, greeting spectators and waving to the waiting crowds.

The Zenia Boulevard Christmas Parade takes place on Saturday 20th December 2025, departing Calle Nicolás de Bussi at 17:00 and arriving at Zenia Boulevard shopping centre around 50 minutes later – depending on traffic and local conditions.

Find out more about this year's parade on the official Zenia Boulevard website. Additionally, you can check Zenia Boulevard's opening hours over the Christmas and New Year seasons by following this link.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

During the forthcoming days, the water fountains in the main concourse will be turned off in anticipation of the arrival of the gilded Christmas tree, and the entire mall will be decked from head-to-toe in hundreds of thousands of sparkling Christmas lights.

Over recent years, the Costa Blanca's premier shopping centre has developed an excellent reputation for its festive displays, and the venue never fails to impress each year with a spectacular Christmas advent calendar, usually culminating in the “Cabalgata de Papá Noel.”

It's become a modern local tradition, and the Zenia Boulevard Christmas Parade is the pinnacle of the festive celebrations.

The evening event is a dramatic spectacle of music, light and colour, as the shopping centre's rambling avenues are filled to the brim with hundreds of dancers, and thousands of festive visitors and shoppers.

Zenia Boulevard Christmas Parade, the annual festive miracle

Festive characters dressed in brightly coloured costumes parade through the streets in an evidently well-rehearsed and perfectly choreographed dance performance that encompasses all things festive.

For one hour, Zenia Boulevard's main Square will be transformed into a fantasy world with an incredible Christmas musical featuring playful elves, mischievous goblins, dancing reindeer, shining stars, and the star of Christmas – Santa Claus, in person.

Beautifully performed, the festive theatrical enactment concludes with Santa Claus taking a well-deserved break from his chores at the North Pole, to ride his sleigh through the shopping centre's avenues greeting spectators and waving to the waiting crowds.

Zenia Boulevard promises the most exciting countdown to switch on the Christmas tree lights with a magical snowfall that will transport visitors to the deepest polar regions of the Arctic Circle.

To make the evening even more welcoming, warming hot chocolate and cakes will be distributed to everyone present (free of charge, for the first 500 guests).

A very Costa Blanca Christmas in La Zenia, Orihuela Costa

The event, eagerly awaited by the families of Orihuela Costa, marks the start of the annual Christmas festivities with a show full of surprises and packed with charm.

The Zenia Boulevard Christmas festive lights parade takes place on Saturday 15th November 2025 with the festivities beginning at 19:00. Find out more from the official Zenia Boulevard website.

Restaurants and leisure facilities will be open for business as usual, but please check directly with venues before travelling to La Zenia to ensure that pre-booked restaurant reservations are not required during the event.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: La Zenia / Alexander Pichlmayr

Originally announced by The Councillor for Festivals, Rosario Martínez, just last week, the event is expected to be a major attraction for visitors and local residents of Torrevieja alike.

The street parade, officially titled “The Summer Carnival Parade”, is reminiscent of the annual carnival customarily held in the coastal city in February each year.

Torrevieja’s winter street parades take inspiration from traditional Brazilian festivals such as the world-renowned Rio de Janeiro Carnival. However, unlike Rio's celebrations that last just five days, the Costa Blanca city keeps the party spirit alive for a full month.

Tonight's Summer Carnival lasts for just one evening, but Torrevieja City Council is promising a dazzling spectacle full of colour and dramatic choreography.

Torrevieja Summer Carnival, the Costa Blanca summer party

More than 200 people are expected to take part in the parade, including the carnival groups Ciudad del Mar, Escarcha-te, Osadía, Las Nikai, Los Gonfer, Bufa la gamba, Porque si, Jolgorio, Desafio, Mar de plata, Daimana, Soul Dance, Payas, QK, No ni ná, and Aquí hay tomate.

The main protagonists of the parade will be the Salt Court, who will greet all spectators from a float. The Salt Queen, Nuria Martí, will be joined by her ladies-in-waiting, Ana Vidal and Inés Martínez.

The Carnival Kings: Lucía Martínez, Pablo Hernández, and Mireya Ferrández, will also participate on floats, accompanied by their respective groups.

The parade will depart from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre and proceed along Calle Ramón Gallud to the intersection with Calle Clemente Gosalvez.

The colourful August parade in Torrevieja

The closing ceremony will take place on the iconic Paseo Vista Alegre, which will become the epicentre of the parade, with a large exhibition area where troupes and carnival groups can showcase their costumes and choreography to the public.

Security at the summer event is expected to be tight to ensure the safety of partygoers, and the downtown city streets will be cleared of vehicles and closed to traffic to ensure the parade can pass unencumbered.

The Torrevieja Summer Carnival takes place on Friday 15th August 2025, with the parade departing the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre at 21:00 (here's a Google Map) and proceeding through the city. The event is a public street parade and is free to attend.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

When it comes to St Patrick's Day, the luck of the Irish seems to have been in somewhat short supply in Spain over recent years.

Cabo Roig has hosted one of the largest St Patrick's Day celebrations in Europe for almost a decade, with the 10th Anniversary street party scheduled to take place on 17th March 2020.

But it was one of the first large scale local events axed from the social calendar due to the global health crisis in 2020 and was cancelled again in 2021.

Finally, the St Patrick's Day parade received the green light to go ahead on 17th March earlier this year, some three years since the last parade took place in 2019.

However, a period of unseasonably wet weather brought the well-laid plans to a last-minute halt, and once again, the revered and much-loved Cabo Roig St Patrick's Day parade was cancelled.

The inaugural event of the Orihuela Costa 2022 summer season

Undeterred, the organisers of the seminal Irish parade, the Cabo Roig Business Association and OC Avanza, are hosting a spectacular Cabo Roig International Parade this weekend that promises all the colour, energy, and music of the traditional St Patricks Day parade.

The Cabo Roig International Parade was initially announced on Friday 25th March, barely ten days after the cancellation of 2022's St Patrick's Day event, and the organisers are promising an extravaganza befitting the area.

Orihuela Costa has one of the most diverse varieties of cultures and nationalities in Continental Europe, with international residents from an estimated 106 countries living in our part of Spain.

The St Patrick's Day parade has always been an inclusive event, and this weekend's event is no exception, with the organisers inviting everyone of all nationalities and all ages to enjoy the family-friendly street party.

The parade committee promises the biggest and most spectacular parade ever staged in Cabo Roig. With a weather forecast predicting sunshine and amiable temperatures for the weekend, it's looking like the luck of the Irish might finally make a rather belated return to the Orihuela Costa.

The Cabo Roig International Parade will follow the usual St Patrick's Day parade route, and the roads around the immediate vicinity will be closed to traffic from 13:00 on Saturday.

The Cabo Roig International Parade 2022, an extravaganza

Parking is not permitted on the parade route in Calle del Mar, Calle Agua, or Calle Cielo that runs down the Cabo Roig strip in front of the bars, businesses, and restaurants.

Visitors looking for parking may find alternative on-street parking in neighbouring urbanisations such as La Regia, Aguamarina, or in the direction of Cabo Roig's Playa La Caleta beach.

The Trinity Bar in Cabo Roig is going all-out with a day of entertainment this Saturday including live music from Jimmy Mac, The Cantinas, and Johnny Greannan, with the day rounding out with karaoke and a disco from 23:30.

The venue offers an excellent location along the parade route to take in the show. But you'll need to arrive early to get the best seats in the house as reservations for the event are not accepted.

The Cabo Roig International Parade takes place this coming Saturday 7th May 2022 from 16:00 and promises to be a magnificent introduction to the summer season. Follow this link for a Google Map with directions from your location.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what´s going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

The history of the Torrevieja Carnival dates back to the late-1980s, specifically to a small group named the “Friends of Carnival” who began holding small parades concentrated in a series of organised parties where neighbours spent time dancing to music in the streets.

Over the years the Torrevieja Carnival has developed into a much more elaborate affair that involves officials from the Town Hall, local police, rigorous planning, local businesses, a colourful cast of thousands, and an audience that usually numbers in their tens of thousands.

Last year's Carnival was suspended due to the global pandemic and returns for 2022 after a two-year hiatus. It is one of the first large public events to be hosted in the city post-pandemic, and a welcome sign that things are returning to some form of normality.

Traditionally, the carnival is one of the most important, anticipated, and admired festivities in the city of Torrevieja's social calendar, and people have travelled from different countries around the world to attend the events in previous years.

The Torrevieja Carnival and the colourful street parade

This year's event promises to be somewhat smaller in scale, but organisers are promising a full spectrum of colour, dancing, and celebrations in the city streets with a cast numbering some 2,000 people.

Torrevieja’s street parades take inspiration from traditional Brazilian festivals such as the world-renowned Rio de Janeiro Carnival that takes place toward the end of February. However, unlike Rio´s celebrations that last just five days, the Costa Blanca city will keep the party spirit alive for a full month, with the event culminating on Sunday 6th March.

It's big business for the participants too, with Torrevieja City Hall contributing more than €17,000 in prize money, and this year's carnival has been organised in association with the Habaneras shopping centre, Velice Discoteca, and many other participating local businesses.

But for most carnival visitors, the main attractions are the spectacular street parades that take place in Torrevieja. The first street event of the annual celebrations will see dancers and musicians parade through the centre of the Spanish city.

The Grand Carnival Parade takes place from 16:00 later today, departing from the Plaza de María Asunción and proceeding down Calle Ramón Gallud to Calle de Orihuela.

The contrasting day and night parades on the Costa Blanca

The month-long celebrations culminate in a magnificent and final street parade next weekend on Saturday 26th February 2022.

The great Night Carnival Parade follows the same route as the Grand Carnival Parade, with the procession departing the Plaza de María Asunción at 18:00 next Saturday.

Torrevieja's carnival celebrations officially finish with two special evening shows at the Municipal Theatre on Saturday 5th March and Sunday 6th March 2022. Tickets for the events are available from the theatre in Plaza Miguel Hernández.

Parade visitors are reminded to act responsibly and maintain a safe distance from other audience members and participants. For more information about the Torrevieja Carnival click here to visit the official website.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what´s going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

The history of the Torrevieja Carnival dates back to the late-1980s, specifically to a small group named the “Friends of Carnival” who began holding small parades concentrated in a series of organised parties where neighbours spent time dancing to music in the streets.

Today´s Torrevieja Carnival is a much more elaborate affair that involves officials from the Town Hall, local police, rigorous planning, a colourful cast of hundreds, and an audience that numbers in the tens of thousands.

The carnival is one of the most important, anticipated, and admired festivities in the city of Torrevieja´s social calendar, and people travel from different countries around the world to attend the colourful month-long traditional event.

Torrevieja Carnival, the Drag Queen parade

Two of the most popular and flamboyant spectacles of the carnival are the Drag Queen Parade and the National Drag Queen Contest. Participants spend months preparing beautiful and eye-catching costumes and perfecting dance routines in order to compete for the drag queen prize.

Torrevieja is a pioneer of equal opportunity, and women can compete in the Drag Queen Contest alongside their male drag artist counterparts – a change made last year at the request of the citizens of Torrevieja.

Torrevieja's street parades take inspiration from traditional Brazilian festivals such as the world-renowned Rio de Janeiro Carnival that takes place toward the end of February. However, unlike Rio's celebrations that last just five days, the Costa Blanca city will keep the party spirit alive for a full month, with the event culminating on Saturday 29th February.

The Torrevieja Carnival kicks off on Friday 31st January with the proclamation of the carnival (the “Pregón de Carnaval”) and the coronation of the carnival queens the following day, with both events being hosted at the Municipal Theatre.

The Carnival spirit, music, dancing and laughter

On Saturday 8th February one of the most anticipated events of the entire carnival takes place, with the twelfth annual Drag Queen Contest taking place at the International Auditorium from 9:30 pm.

And the following week, on Saturday 15th February, the fourth edition of the Carnavalera Day will take place at the Plaza de la Constitución from 19:00.

The first street event of the annual celebrations will see dancers and musicians parade through the centre of the Spanish city, the serving of a giant open-air paella, and organised games and activities suited to all ages.

On Sunday 16th February the Torrevieja's Grand Carnival Parade for 2020 takes place, a parade that starts from the Plaza de María Asunción and proceeds down Calle Ramón Gallud to Calle Clemente Gosálvez, starting at 17:30.

Torrevieja Carnival 2020, watch the colourful parades

The Carnival Party for the Elderly “Carnaval de Gente Mayor” is scheduled for Thursday 20th February from 18:00, and the Children´s Parade “El Carnaval de Los Coles” takes place the following day on Friday 21st February at 17:00.

The month-long celebrations culminate in a magnificent and final street parade on the evening of Saturday 22nd February 2020. The great Night Carnival Parade starts at the Plaza de María Asunción and proceeds to Calle Clemente Gosálvez. For full details, please refer to the area map above.

Tickets for the events being held at the Municipal Theatre are available from the theatre in Plaza Miguel Hernández or from the International Auditorium. The theatre's ticket office is open Monday to Friday from 18:00 to 20:00.

For more information about the Torrevieja Carnival click here to visit the official website, and for details of the parade route please refer to the area map illustrated above.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

The local fair takes place annually, with traditional Spanish folk music, spectacular Sevillanas dancing performances, and a diverse assortment of culinary treats served under marquees specially erected for the festival.

Immensely popular with the local community, the cultural programme for this year's Torrevieja Sevillanas was announced by Councillor Domingo Pérez last month, who explained that the cost of the fair will fall just short of €100,000.

“We want everyone in Torrevieja to get involved with this fiesta, through their associations and groups of friends for an event that will be very popular,” said Councillor Pérez.

The fair is organised by Town Hall in association with local businesses, and musicians, singers, and dancers who wish to participate in the event must meet the Council's rigorous standards for quality, artistic merit and public demand.

Costa Blanca local fiestas, music, dancing, and great food in the city centre

The Torrevieja Sevillanas fair starts at 21:00 on Wednesday 23rd May, with the inaugural ceremony, and an interpretation of hymns by the Unión Musical Torrevejense followed by a fireworks display.

The opening evening will also feature performances from the QK Academy and the popular local group, Chaskio.

Twenty-eight speciality food marquees will fill Torrevieja's port area this year, with each marquee serving distinctive Spanish food from the region.

A typically late evening event, the Torrevieja Sevillanas fair reaches the pinnacle of celebrations at the weekend, with daytime activities including a mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at midday on Saturday.

At the end of the ceremony, a traditional parade will take place through the city centre to the port accompanied by riders and horsemen.

Horses play an integral part in the local fiesta, with displays from horses and riders throughout the five-day event.

Torrevieja Sevillanas Fair, from 23rd May to 27th May

Sunday sees the horses provide carriage rides, preceded by the presentation of the 2018 Flamenco dress collection by Dolores Caballero at 11:30.

The Torrevieja Sevillanas fair concludes on Sunday evening, 27th of May, with a packed schedule of live entertainment from 20:30, including the awarding of prizes for the Sevillanas contestants and a dance performance from the Flamenco group Pura Sangre.

The fiesta takes place in the port area and promises to fill the city of Torrevieja with the sounds of traditional folk music. It's a spectacle not to be missed and entry to the event is free.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

Ali and Che will be playing live acoustic sessions every Monday night, offering you the opportunity to enjoy a selection of music from the bands which influence them the most.

The talented duo will put their own style on well-known songs from the likes of Coldplay, Kaiser Chiefs, Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam to name but a few.

The Kolted band was reformed in 2016 to include Che (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Ali O'Keefe (vocals, rhythm and lead guitar), Ivan Collins (bass guitarist) and Taran Carter-Scott on drums.

Kolted originally formed in 2012, rising from the ashes of multiple other groups, which included The Monos and Suzy's Field.

Kolted, live indie and rock music at Paddys Point in La Zenia

Since reforming the band has been spending time perfecting their unique high energy rock sound, and becoming one of the Costa Blanca's most popular bands, not only performing gigs throughout the Orihuela Costa but with European tour dates including the upcoming Kopervik Festival in Norway next month.

Kolted will be supporting the Rock Against Cancer festival that takes place in Torrevieja in June, not only by encouraging their fans to attend the festival to see them perform but by having collection tins at all their gigs and selling official Rock Against Cancer merchandising and T-shirts.

All the proceeds of the merchandise and donation tins will go to AECC (Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer) Torrevieja.

So make your way to Paddys Point every Monday and immerse yourself in a night of rock and melodic indie music not to be missed.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: Kolted