Fiestas and Fireworks in El Campello

Well, it's seriously hot here on Spains Costa Blanca. Temperatures well into the thirties (celsius) every day and quote high humidity. It's too hot to do all that much unless you go out early in the morning or late in the evening. Of course those are the very best times for photography so that's quite nice for me.

There have been big celebrations in El Campello this week. Parades, bands, fireworks, all a bit much to celebrate my birthday but who am I to argue?

OK, so maybe the big celebration have something to do with the Fiesta Virgin Del Carmen.

This is one of the biggest celebrations in El Campello, The Virgin Del Carmen is the patron Saint of Fisherman and El Campello has a strong fishing heritage.

For most of a week the town has been woken up by bands walking the streets. For those people not woken by the sound of the drums and brass instruments there have also been firecrackers set of in the streets as well.

There have also been events going on during the day. Most of these are family oriented and we've not had much to do with them.

The Fiesta culminates with a statue of the virgin being placed on a boat and taken in a 'procession' around  the bay. This procession comprises dozens of boats that all seem to go in different directions, it's a wonder there's no collisions, and then the statue is returned to the marina.

The statue is then taken in a torchlight procession back along the streets to it's normal home in the local hermitage.

Hundreds of people fill the streets and observe the processions, making it very difficult to get up close to any of the main activity.

Finally the fiesta is closed off with a spectacular firework display over the sea that lasts for a good 15 minutes

Because it's so hot at the moment we will probably pause our exploration of the area and focus on relaxing locally for the next few weeks. Of course that still offers plenty of opportunities for me to take pictures