Javea Port
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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 having 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 invite them 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 it’s surrounding countryside.
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 Sun Rise Over The Port  The Port Marina  View Over the Port Marina |