The "Virgen Del Carmen" is a Fiesta in Calpe, Spain when sailors celebrate with a festival to honour their patron saint, the "Virgen del Carmen". The Cofradía de Pescadores (Fishermen’s Association) organises the event, which includes games, live music, floral offerings, and fireworks. The Virgen del Carmen fiesta is celebrated in many coastal areas in Spain - it runs for several days in Calpe, with the main celebration being held on July 16th.
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July 2027
Fiestas in Calpe 2027 | Fiesta Calendar 2027 | Calpe Online 24
Sailors celebrate this fiesta to honour the patron saint, "Virgen del Carmen". The Cofradía de Pescadores (Fishermen’s Association) organises the different events. This fiesta has been celebrated in Calpe since 1940.
The Día de la Virgen del Carmen fiesta is celebrated in many coastal areas in Spain - it runs for several days in Calpe, with the main celebration being held on July 16th. The fiesta involves many traditions including parades through the town, offering of flowers, and the PROCESION MARINERA, where the effigy of the Virgin is carried through the streets by a group of local fishermen, then taken on a boat around Calpe harbour.
Whilst the 2027 programme is yet to be released, here is the 2026 information for reference
11:30 am Gathering of local authorities, the Patron Saint Festival Committee, Festival Queens and Ladies of Honour, invited guests and the local fishing community in Plaza dels Mariners before attending the Holy Mass at the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves.
12:00 pm Solemn Holy Mass accompanied by the Coral Ifach Choir. At the end of the Mass, a Mascletà (traditional daytime fireworks display) will be fired in the Plaza Mayor.
7:30 pm Gathering of local authorities, associations and the fishing community at the fishing port.
8:00 pm Procession in honour of the Virgin of Carmen through the fishing port. Members of the fishing community and devotees are invited to bring flowers for the offering. This will be followed by the traditional Maritime Procession, accompanied by the Unión Musical Calp Ifach, the Colla de Xirimiters del Carellot and Xarlotà.
After the procession, prayers will be said before floral wreaths are presented to the Calpe Rowing Club by the Royal Yacht Club of Calpe and the Calpe Fishermen's Guild. The wreaths will then be placed at sea in memory of those who lost their lives at sea.
Immediately afterwards, a spectacular fireworks display.
11:00 pm Music Night with a live performance by La Trampa Orchestra in the marquee at the fishing port.
9:00 pm Music Night featuring a DJ followed by a live performance from the Lidia Murr Band in the marquee at the fishing port.
10:00 am Grand Pilota a Llargues match organised by the Club de Pilota Calp in Calle Garcia Ortiz.
2:00 pm Brotherhood lunch for the fishing community at Restaurant Baydal. Anyone from the fishing community wishing to attend should confirm their place at the Fishermen's Guild offices by calling 96 583 00 67 (9:00 am–1:00 pm) or at the harbour office between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm.
8:00 pm Music Night at the fishing port marquee with a DJ.
11:00 pm Live performance by SWAG, followed by a DJ.
10:30 am Children's water inflatables and traditional games, including tug of war, egg-and-spoon races and more, with background music and entertainment from the Colla de Xirimiters del Carellot.
12:00 pm Caldero Cooking Competition. Prizes will be awarded to the three best rice dishes prepared according to the competition rules. Entertainment will be provided by the Colla de Xirimiters del Carellot.
Competition Rules: All caldero dishes must use 1.5 kg of rice, be cooked in a paella pan with a minimum diameter of 70 cm, and be prepared exclusively using Peix de Calp (Calpe fish).
7:00 pm Music Night.
9:00 pm Live screening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on a giant screen.
Everyone in Calpe is warmly invited to attend.
The Virgen del Carmen is revered as the protector of sailors, with roots tracing back to the Old Testament prophet Elias and the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmelo (Stella Maris). In Calpe, the Cofradía de Pescadores (Fishermen’s Guild) organizes the event, blending religious devotion with festive activities like parades, fireworks, and maritime traditions. The festival, dating back to 1940, is a highlight of Calpe’s cultural calendar, uniting locals and visitors in celebration.
Location: Events centre around Calpe’s fishing port and Plaza Mayor, with processions moving through the town and harbour
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