|
The Port of Javea is like
another town in itself. There are many shops, art galleries, a cinema,
local fish market and many bars and restaurants, specialising in fish
dishes as well as the traditional and international choices. Many of
them are along the Esplanade so the children can play safely whist you
take a drink. All Spanish bars are child and animal friendly; at all
times of night children are welcome which saves the worry of
finding a babysitter. The church La Virgin de Loreto was built in the
60’s and has a very modern feel. The ceiling resembles the bottom of a
boat. There is another art gallery, many shops and a lovely walk along
past the harbour and its interesting boats to another restaurant at the
furthermost point of Spain.
During the middle of July
is the Moors and Christians Festival which commemorates the battles
once fought over Javea. It begins when boatloads of Moors arrive in
the Port, and mock battles and gunfire ensue. The costumes are
wonderful and the battles realistic. The most haunting memory when the
battle is over is of the loud Moorish music pulsating through the night
and wine and beer being handed out to all.
July 16th in the Port
is the day of ‘Nuestra Señora del Carmen’, when all the local fishermen
and sailors take a model of the Virgin, surrounded by wreathes of
flowers out to sea. The bedecked boat leaves the port surrounded by a
flotilla of boats and they sail round to the Cabo la Nao (the second
lighthouse in Javea) and blessings are made for all those who go to sea.
During August the Port
has its main fiesta. This is a very traditional Spanish Fiesta with
much singing and dancing. Streets are painted and decorated overhead.
A spectacular of this fiesta is a 10x10m square chessboard which is
painted on the floor and 32 local children are dressed as chess pieces
and the game is played with the human pieces! There is a grandstand
erected for those who want to watch the bull running, where locals try
to taunt the bulls to fall into the sea - if they are unfortunate enough
to fall the boats guide them back to shore. There is a giant paella
cooked in the street in a pan 10 feet in diameter and then handed out
to anyone who cares to sample it. There are parades of girls in
traditional costumes and much singing and professional groups
performing. It all ends with a spectacular firework display.
There are numerous
smaller and more local fiestas throughout November and December (and
indeed, throughout the year). The Spanish celebrate ‘Three Kings Day’
on January 6th more than our Christmas Day. The 5th January is the eve
of the 3 Kings Day and at about 5.30 in the afternoon the three kings
arrive by boat in the Port. They greet children, give out presents,
accompanied by bands and dancing and a lot of people in disguise. The
King´s procession makes its way through the Port where sweets are throw
out at the excited children and eventually they are invited up for presents
on specially constructed stage.
For a bird’s-eye-view and
fantastic photo shot, visit the old Windmills (Molinos) high above the
Port and enjoy the whole of Javea and its surrounding countryside. |
