Spanish culture

The Costa Blanca and Spain run to their own rhythm, full of music, festivals, food culture and warm customs. An overview to taste the culture.

Music and dance

Flamenco, with singing, guitar, dance and hand-clapping, originally comes from Andalusia but is enjoyed all over Spain. During local fiestas you hear traditional festival music and see regional dances; check local listings for performances.

Festivals and traditions

In late June Alicante celebrates the Hogueras de San Juan with bonfires. Many villages hold colourful Moros y Cristianos parades, the week before Easter brings the Semana Santa processions, and March has the giant Fallas in Valencia. Every village has its own patron feasts; dates vary by year.

Food and drink

Tapas and the tapeo, going from bar to bar for small dishes, are part of social life. Rice dishes come from the Valencia region: a real paella valenciana differs from other arroces. Also try local treats and drinks like horchata, vermouth and Alicante wines. See the Food page for restaurants.

Customs

The rhythm is different: shops often close around midday, lunch is around 2 pm, dinner from 9 pm. The siesta brings rest in the hottest hours, and the sobremesa is the long chat after a meal. Greetings often come with two kisses; people take their time. Besides Spanish you also hear Valencian here.

Art and architecture

The region has lovely old centres, squares and buildings, from Santa Bárbara castle in Alicante to historic village cores. See the map page for the locations.

Places with Spanish soul

Old town centres, markets, squares, churches and viewpoints in and around Alicante breathe the culture. Find them on the map and in What to do, with a route.

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