06/12/2023
The 6 best plans for this Christmas in Alicante province
Almost without realizing it, Christmas is knocking on the door to infect us with its unmistakable spirit. Although in the province of Alicante the classic snow of Christmas cards rarely makes an appearance and the sea continues to be the protagonist even during the month of December, these dates are deeply rooted in our cities and the people of Alicante celebrate innumerable traditions that are worth visiting and getting to know.
Below, we propose the 6 best plans to enjoy Christmas in Alicante by sharing there illusion and there customs. Enjoy Alicante Christmas!
1-Visit the giant nativity scene in the city of Alicante
In the heart of Alicante, on the City Hall Square, the Alicante City Council will once again install a Nativity scene of colossal dimensions. Nothing more and nothing less than 20 meters high that have led this representation of the birth of Jesus to be part of the Guinness Book of Records.
The scene is formed by Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary, Baby Jesus and the three Wise Men. The images are made by artists from Alicante emulating the ephemeral art of the Bonfires of San Juan, those great monuments that are installed throughout the city on the eve of June 24 and then burn in flames to celebrate the summer solstice.
Don't miss it, between the 1st of December and January 6th!
2-Taste the Christmas sweets in the home of Turrón
In Jijona it is always Christmas. In this small municipality in the interior of the province of Alicante, very close to Villajoyosa, almost all of the nougat production in Spain is carried out, obtaining its products the recognition of the "Protected Designation of Origin" for its extraordinary quality. With the arrival of December, the Xixona Christmas Fair takes to the streets the magnificent tradition of nougats with a spectacular Christmas market that intoxicates the entire town center with its aroma of sugared almonds.
In addition to being the ideal place to buy nougats and other top-quality sweets, you can also witness the crafts of the area and enjoy different workshops, attractions and Christmas activities.
Enjoy the best street atmosphere from the 3rd of December to the 8th!
3-Tour the illuminated streets of Alicante
Last Friday, November 17th, Alicante was the first Spanish capital to inaugurate its spectacular Christmas lighting made up of 2.6 million LED bulbs of infinite colors. Lighting, also record-breaking, that has reached every corner of the city and that makes it a pleasure to walk through its streets at sunset enjoying the atmosphere, the monuments, the shopping or the restaurants in the city.
The Plaza de los Luceros, Gerona or Rafael Altamira streets are some of the spaces that you shoulkd not miss in the center of the city. But, without a doubt, the big stars of this year's lighting are the spectacular 18-meter-tall Christmas tree located by the Main Theathre and the Christmas Teddy Bear installed in the Montañeta Square.
4-Join the collective madness of Els Enfarinats de Ibi
On the Día de los Inocentes (like our April Fools' Day), which is celebrated on December 28th, the town of Ibi, known throughout Spain for its very important toy industry, enjoys its big day with a spectacular pitched battle whose weapons are eggs and flour. Mind blowing right?
In a day in which all of Spain wakes up wrapped in a sea of doubts agitated by the popular innocents (jokes, deceptions or white lies that have collective acceptance for only one day), Ibi has experienced a particular coup d'état. At 9 in the morning, Els Enfarinats, covered in white flour, take control of the municipality while the locals try to recover it in these unusual warlike circumstances.
In addition, folk music, dresses, and dances contribute to creating a very special atmosphere on this unusual day. Break the routine with handfuls of flour!
5-Discover the Tirisiti Bethlehem
Alcoy is another of the nerve centers of Christmas in Alicante. The representation of the Tirisiti Bethlehem was declared in 2002 as an Intangible Asset of Cultural Interest by the Generalitat Valenciana and is one of the great plans to do in the city during Christmas. The functions are held on Saturdays 2nd, 9th and 16th December. Then, from December 23rd, the work will be carried out uninterruptedly until January 5th. You can buy tickets here.
The Tirisiti Nativity Scene has several centuries of experience and reflects the long Mediterranean tradition of puppet theaters. To the story that we all know, the play adds other humorous aspects related to the customs of the city. A cultural proposal of our unique land in all of Europe!
6-Participate in the oldest Three Kings Parade in Spain
The great parades are well known in which dozens of floats run through the main streets of Spanish cities on the night of January 5th on the occasion of the coming of the Three Wise Men from the East. According to tradition, they are in charge of distributing Christmas gifts among Spanish children. A custom that in Alicante reaches its peak on this day.
There is no town or city that does not celebrate its own splendid procession, but if there is one that you cannot miss every year, it is that of Alcoy, considered the oldest in Spain for having been held uninterruptedly since the middle of the 19th century. In addition to the beauty of its pageants, the interest and peculiarity of this procession responds to the fact that the assistants of the Magi, the pages known as Els Negres, use portable ladders to climb the facades of the buildings until they reach the children on their balconies and give them their presents. It is the most magical night of the year.
If you are one of those who do not want to give up the pleasures of the sea, do not miss the arrival by boat of the Three Wise Men in the main ports of the province such as El Campello or Alicante. A beautiful image to say goodbye to Christmas.
As you have seen, the province of Alicante becomes even more interesting during Christmas with endless small traditions and details that make cities and towns ideal settings for strolling and enjoying the good weather that characterizes our land
By the way, do you already have a special Christmas gift for that special person? Do not miss the opportunity to surprise them by giving away an unforgettable experience at the Hotel Montíboli. Take advantage of the best prices for the next season!
