There is plenty to keep my camera busy in the area this week . Over the weekend here will be a half-marathon, classic cars, carnival processions, exhibitions, concerts, sport and festivals, not to mention a wedding exhibition and whatever is happening locally at the pubs and clubs.
The major event celebrates Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travel and transport. The San Cristobal Festival will continue from today through to Saturday in Torrevieja’s Harbour zone.
Because of the May elections, the San Cristobal celebrations have been brought forward: activities started yesterday at 11am, when Torrevieja’s mayor, Pedro Hernandez Mateo plus military chiefs of staff and other dignitaries attended the official inauguration ceremony.
Entrance to the festival is free and everyone is invited to browse the selection of static exhibition of vehicles from the Spanish armed forces and the emergency services from Valencia and Murcia followed by the raising of the Spanish flag and remembrance of the fallen.
Today, the static display and exhibition will be open to the public from10am to 6pm. Saturday is International Veteran’s Day so along with the static displays, which are open to visitors from 10.30am, there will be an active display by members of the ‘Military Emergencies Unit’ along the seafront promenade, Paseo Juan Aparicio at noon.
Some of the activities will feature Firemen cutting open a crashed car, helicopters, assailing and many other activates featuring the military and emergency services.
The main activity happens at 4pm when participating bands will march through Torrevieja’s central streets towards the harbour meeting point where there will be a laying of a commemorative wreath by international veterans, lowering of the Spanish flag followed by march-past and salute by the Military vehicles, participating bands, International Veterans Associations and National Brotherhood of Veterans followed by a march through streets to the Centro Cultural Virgen del Carmen.
At 5.30pm in the Centro Cultural Virgen del Carmen, everyone is invited to the 3rd Annual Festival of Military and Civil Bands which will include the presentation of the ‘Knight of San Cristobal’ award and other recognitions plus the Premier performance of the recently composed military march ‘General Grau, in honour of General Francisco Grau of the Royal Household Band.
On Sunday, the action moves away from Torrevieja to Orihuela for the annual San Cristobal (St. Christopher) parade of vehicles.
At 9am there is a concentration of vehicles (Lorries, cars, motorcycles, taxis, classic cars etc.) in the car park of the Eroski hypermarket, Orihuela, followed by a break for Breakfast before the cavalcade heads off at 9.45am on route through Bigastro, Hurchillo, Arneva, Desamparados, Beniel, Cruce del Raal and finishing in Santomera (Murcia).
At 10.30am, hundreds of runners will be participating in the annual half marathon race in Torrevieja, with the numbers of participants further boosted by a 10.75 km race, for those not quite up to two or more hours of competitive running. The roads along the seafront will be closed from early morning, so watch out for delays if you are headed to the event.
It’s a busy weekend for Classic Car enthusiasts also as the regular Noche del Coche, car display, will be meeting at the Marina Salinas at around 8pm on Friday. All owners of classic, future classics, muscle, kit, specialists and just ‘nice’ cars, are invited to bring down their cars for the gathering.
For couples interested in planning a wedding or having a celebration, the first Celebrations and Events weekend is happening in San Pedro, at the Clock House on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th February. The ‘Clock House’ or the ‘Casa del Reloj’ is on the main N332 just past the roundabout with the boat in the middle, and is open on both days from 1100-hrs until 1800-hrs. The exhibition will include entertainment and a special three course menu of the day for only €9.95. More information from Louise on 654897720.
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Carnival in Torrevieja. In the Vista Alegre Exhibition Centre there is a special exhibition of photos and displays to celebrate reaching this landmark. This year’s event also feature the renowned Rascals, but you’ll have to go along to find out what their theme is for the event!
On Sunday, the contestants in this years carnival will be parading for the competition from 5pm, at Plaza Maria Asuncion, Calle Ramon Gallud and Patricia Perez. Note that the time is an hour later than originally advertised! At 8pm there will be the prize giving taking place in the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre .The main Carnival Parade is scheduled for Saturday March 5, from 10pm.
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