Javea Port Fiestas, "Mare de Déu de Loreto" 2023
Or, the “Feast of the Virgen de Loreto”, is an annual celebration that honours the “Virgen de Loreto”, the patron saint of fishermen.
When is it?
The fiesta (party) starts on the 26th of August, ending with spectacular aquatic fireworks on the 8th of September, this is also when the children return to school, symbolising the end of summer.
The 10th of December is typically the feast day, but Jávea celebrates the day on the 8th of September along with Santa Pola further south, and Bejís in Castellón in the north.
A bit on history.
It is said that in 1850 an Italian ship ran aground in Cap Prim headland, Jávea, carrying the image of the Virgin of Loreto. This image was rescued, along with the ship's bell, by some sailors from Jávea, who took it as their patron saint.
It is also said that Jávea fisherman sought the safety of the Mare de Deu de Loreto long before the supposed 1850 shipwreck just outside the walls of the Jávea old town.
A more recent legend has it that a group of Jávea fishermen prayed to her for deliverance from a terrible storm, promising to build a new church in her honour should they reach the shore in one piece. The church, Iglesia de la Mare de Deu de Loreto, also known as “Parroquia del Mar” resembles a boat crashing through the waves, the modern church won national architectural awards when it was built in 1967.
Fiesta highlights.
This fiesta celebrates community and culture, bringing Jávea residents and visitors together, and they celebrate with gusto!
With over two weeks of partying, houses, streets, and shop fronts are decorated, on various evenings there are large neighbourhood dinners where everybody brings their own food and enjoy the company of friends.
Events include Chess Championships, a table tennis competition, and various tournaments of typical local sports, “Majo-pong Tournament” and “Valencia Pilota” are played in the street and running with bulls in the harbour.
Childrens day, on Saturday 2nd September, starts with a “wake up” parade, children bring and play instruments to “make a noise”. A chocolate party mid-morning (for energy) is followed by the traditional “Merinque” (foam) and water fiesta. There is a play park with water games and “Traditional Greasy Pole” game in the harbour. For lunch there is paella, drinks, and ice cream for participating children. A float parade to sit and watch in the afternoon. Much later there will be Correfocs (street fireworks), followed by music playing until early morning.
Senior citizen’s day, Wednesday 6th September, involves a procession to the historic
centre to give out Coca María and Mistela (sponge cake and a traditional Valencian liqueur made from grapes), a flower offering procession in honour of Mare de Déu de Loreto and a lot of music and dancing.
Other events include wine tasting, beer sampling, traditional dancing, comedy night theatre, orchestra music and discos! All the above and many other events have been prepared with great enthusiasm so that everybody meets again with a smile by the sea.
A grand finale under the stars.
Friday 8th September is the last day of celebrations, at midday (Spanish time 2pm) there is a “Mascleta”, a loud, noisy firecracker display, which is so loud you can feel it! A float parade with music and dancing in the early evening. The "Festes Mare de Déu de Loreto" fiesta reaches its crescendo with a spectacular firework display over the sea, our main photo above was taken by Singelinde Czer. It is a visual reminder of the magic that Jávea holds.
Join in the fun.
If you're eager to experience the magic of the "Festes Mare de Déu de Loreto" fiesta for yourself, mark your calendar for the dates. Full programme details can be found on Javea Connect. As locals, we can attest that joining in on the festivities is an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in Jávea's vibrant community and enjoy the unique charm of our beloved coastal town. See you there!
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