FIESTAS OF TORREVIEJA
INTERNATIONAL CONTEST OF HABANERAS AND POLYPHONY
First celebrated on 7th August 1955 at 11p.m., this competition received a strong public support owing to its musical culture, which has progressively improved its artistic quality and organization with each edition.
Years later, the National Contest changed its venue to the place where it is currently held, Eras de la Sal. During the first years, the choirs sang only Habanera pieces, until 1964, when two pieces of polyphony modality were introduced.
As it becomes more international and begins to be broadcasted by the Spanish national TV channel (“Televisión Española”), this competition of Torrevieja acquires significance and has been renowned as one of the best competition at both national and international level. On 2nd August 1994, the Ministry of Commerce and Tourism declared the International Contest of Habaneras and Polyphony of International Tourist Interest.
Date: from late July to early August..
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CARNIVALS OF TORREVIEJA
The Carnivals of Torrevieja are famous due to their numerous planned activities, such as: the official opening ceremony (“pregón”), when the Queens of the Festival are introduced to the public; the competition of carnival bands of street musicians, the Drag contest, dances for children and the elderly and the most important event, the best attended parade contest and night parade.
FERIA DE MAYO
Celebrated similarly to Feria de Abril of Seville, this fair takes place in the port area, where hundreds of people dressed up in the typical costumes visit different stalls in order to celebrate this festivity of Seville, enjoy the “fino” white wine of Torrevieja and dance “sevillanas”. Likewise, this fair offers dance performances organised by students of the Municipal Dance School and local academies, performances of top artists and folklore groups (“grupos rocieros”), horse training exhibitions, carriages and local product tastings.
EASTER WEEK
During this festivity, Torrevieja becomes the setting for the performance of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, where all brotherhoods take part in the processions that begin on Palm Sunday. The main processions are the one that represents Jesus meeting his mother, held on Holy Wednesday; “procesión del silencio” (procession of silence); Maundy Thursday, when the only lights that illuminate the streets after 11pm are those from the Nazarenes’ candles; and, finally, the procession of Good Friday, when all brotherhoods parade. The procession held on Easter Sunday begins when the statue of the mourning Inmaculada Concepción meets the Blessed Sacrament.
Date: Last Sunday of the Holy Week.
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