The festivities of San Juan have a long tradition in Altea. With the arrival of summer the Fiestas of San Juan are celebrated in the area of El Fornet. The old town is full of tourists and, of course, citizens of Altea to enjoy the fantastic celebrations that have as a starting signal the “Entrà de la Murta” and the “cremà de la foguera” in the church square.
The summer in Altea can be wonderful for many reasons and one of them is for its parties. In addition to the festivities of San Juan, the festivities of Sant Pere and Virgen Del Carmen are also celebrated in July, in the maritime rabal and with a very special charm. Sant Jaume, Santa Anna (in Altea la Vella), the Castell de l’Olla or the Moors and Christians are other examples of local celebrations and festivities that brighten up the summer season of fun.
The festivities of San Juan coincide with the summer solstice. Traditionally, the shortest night of the year is the bonfires of San Juan, and wishes are made for next year.
The “Plantà de l’arbret”These festivities, which begin with the overturning of bells, are loaded with various festive and religious events, making the old town of Altea look beautifully and with even more charm, if possible.
On the eve of San Juan Day, the tradition of going to dinner on the beach and lighting bonfires takes place. It is said that all bad thoughts have to be burned, to let go of good wishes for the next year. There are also those who wet their feet with seven waves of the Mediterranean Sea asking for their wishes with each of them.
One of the most anticipated and popular acts of these parties is the “Plantà de l’Arbret”. This long-awaited moment has a Celtic origin, where farmers revered the fertility of the land.
In San Juan, in the neighborhood of El Fornet, many young people go up the “cuesta de los machos” a tall tree trunk that they bring from the river, usually a poplar, and fix it on the ground of the square. The tradition is to climb up and get a piece of clothing as high as possible.
The exact route that is usually followed starts at the lower part of the town until the Church Square, crossing the streets of the old town of Altea. Leaving the parking of the Faculty of Fine Arts, they will go up the Avenida de la Nucía, the Costera dels Matxos and the streets Calvario and Sant Miquel until they reach the Church Square, coinciding with the sunset. It is tradition that many neighbors spray with water the many young people who offer their effort climbing the poplar.
When they have reached their destination, the square crowned with the dome of the Mediterranean, which always looks full of people during these dates, the tree is planted in the center of the square and young people climb to try to tie a piece of clothing the more high better Once all have tried, in the cup of “l’arbret” will be tied the shirts of young people as a trophy.
Altea, a charming town
The celebration continues with concerts, religious ceremonies, fireworks and, of course, the traditional bonfires of San Juan on the shortest night of the year.
Music, parades, festivals and much to have fun is what you will find in Altea these days. The Leisure Offer in Altea is completed these days with the Gastronomic Days “La Cuina de les Barques”, a unique opportunity to delight your palate with the best of the sea.
This town has great gastronomic potential. The Mediterranean Sea plays a special role in its dishes and its restaurants convey the character and charm of this town. The gastronomy of Altea is very varied. Rice, fish and the treasures of the Altea’s orchard are its base.
Altea is an important tourist destination for its 8 kilometers of beach and especially for being one of the most beautiful and charming villages in Spain. It has a wide range of accommodation, ranging from simple aparthotels and cheap hostels in the old town to luxurious five-star hotels.