May Fair (May Fair)
From 9 to 13 May. This is not a traditional fiesta but rather a copy in miniature of the famous “feria de abril” (April fair) of Seville. In Torrevieja it is popularly known as "Sevillanas". People dress in traditional costumes, there are musical acts and numerous stands where you can have a “rebujito” (manzanilla wine with lemonade) and a snack. You will probably need to take a taxi back home.
It is important to call the tourist information office in advance to confirm the date, as it changes every year.
Virgen del Carmen
16 July. The patron saint of fishermen. There is a very pretty maritime procession of sailing boats, during which the fisherman take the Virgin for a turn around the port quay, organising greasy poles, a paella competition, etc ...
St John’s Eve Bonfires
St. John’s day is 24th June, it is the longest day and the shortest night (23rd June) of the year. During the day the religious festival of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated, but at night, on the previous day, the popular pagan celebration is held. This is the most characteristic and deserves at least a short explanation.
In the popular celebration friends and families meet around a bonfire on the beach, where we take the opportunity to dine and have a few drinks, picnic style. We write on a piece of paper all the negative things that have happened to us during the year and this is burned on the bonfire. On another piece of paper we write all the wishes we have for the forthcoming year and this is kept in a little wooden box to be opened during the next celebration to see whether they have come true. At exactly midnight we jump over our bonfire to burn all that is negative and people bathe in the sea for the same reason. That night, a new year begins full of good wishes and hope.