PROGRAM OF FESTIVITIES IN HONOR OF THE VIRGEN DEL CARMEN

On Thursday, July 16, the procession of the image of the Virgen del Carmen will take place.

The Virgen del Carmen is the patron saint of sailors and fishermen.

The Torrevieja Fishermen’s Guild and the Torrevieja City Council’s Department of Festivities have prepared a program of activities for the celebration of this festivity.

Every year, on July 16, Torrevieja is filled with fervour and seafaring tradition to pay tribute to the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of fishermen. This emblematic celebration, deeply linked to the seafaring soul of Torrevieja, is organized by the Fishermen’s Guild and has become one of the most anticipated events of the summer.

During this festivity, the streets of the centre and the fishing port become the scene of a programme of events that, year after year, keeps alive the roots and feeling of a community that looks at the sea with devotion.

A day full of tradition

The big day begins with the joyful awakening marked by the bull’s-eye, a lively parade with a music band that runs through the main streets of the city, announcing with joy the arrival of the day of the Virgin.

At noon, the port becomes the center of attention with the traditional cucaña, a fun and slippery test that challenges the bravest.

In the afternoon, after the Eucharist celebrated in the Archpriestly Temple of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most emotional events takes place: the Great Maritime Procession. The image of the Virgen del Carmen is carried on shoulders to the port, where it is embarked to tour the bay accompanied by dozens of decorated boats. A visual and emotional spectacle that attracts both neighbors and visitors.

Much more than a religious festival

Devotion to the Virgin of Mount Carmel goes beyond the spiritual sphere. His name is present in the daily life of Torrevieja: from the Virgen del Carmen school to the Cultural Center that bears his name, this figure occupies a special place in the local identity.

FESTIVAL PROGRAM

SATURDAY, JULY 11

8:00 p.m.: Mass and floral offering in the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

• Mass in memory of the deceased fishermen, sung by the José Hódar Choral Mass.
• Floral offering with accompaniment of the Torreviejense Musical Union, from Zoa Street to Paseo Juan Aparicio.
• It ends at the Monument to the Man of the Sea with the interpretation of the Salve Marinera.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15

• Paella Contest at the Fish Market, animated by the charanga Los Solfamidas.
• At the end, awards ceremony of the contest.

THURSDAY, JULY 16

08:00 H: Musical Diana through the streets of Torrevieja, with a brass band waking up the neighbors with festive melodies.

11:30 H (approx.): Cucaña Marítima in the port: participants will try to reach a flag at the end of a slippery post over the sea.

7:00 p.m.: Solemn Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, also sung by the José Hódar Choral Mass.

• After the mass, procession of the Virgen del Carmen through the center of the city.
• Route: Church, Calle Caballero de Rodas, Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Ramón Gallud, Calle Concepción, Paseo Vista Alegre and port area, where the Virgin will embark for her procession by sea.
• Then, fireworks show and return from the port area along Joaquín Chapaprieta Street and Caballero de Rodas Street to the Parish of the Immaculate Conception.