Hondon Valley Villas & Property

Fiesta Time Again !!! What a great summer this is turning out to be. If you look you shall find many local festivals in or near the Hondon Valley.

Nit de L’Alba

One of the biggest festivals nearby is the Nit de L’Alba in Elche, near Alicante, Costa Blanca. Elche (city of the palms) is a lovely place to visit anyway. But go to this AWESOME FIREWORK DISPLAY (which has some historical and religious significance).

WOW! It was an unbelievable and relentless display with 100′000’s of aerial fireworks and FREE !!! All part of their Fiesta calendar. The whole city was buzzing (and banging ! ) … must have cost a fortune.

It’s impossible to describe the experience really SEE THE VIDEO HERE - but this is no ordinary firework night, more a war-zone, , hell on earth, exciting, scary! You cowered at the sheer volume of bangs and noise, the power and spectacle of this event is jaw-dropping.

You had to be there to understand … and it was still going strong into the early hours!

But forget Health and Safety, You’ll see things that would NEVER happen in the UK, kids as young as 5 have mini-crackers and bangers, dads who should know better acting like teenagers. Afterwards the Fire Fight starts known as “Guerrilla Carretillas” who have ‘organised’ firework combat (they even have the gear) !!!!

Well recommended for next year. I’ll be there hopefully !

The Fiesta season carries on regardless… in the sweltering heat - a popular July and August ‘treat’ in Spanish Culture is the Bull Run - often seen in small local towns and villages. A sort of poor man’s Bull Fighting without the fighting and finery (and no killing).

This spectacle seems to travel from town to town in the Hondón Valley region, including Pinoso and La Romana.

What is the Bull Run?

It consists of a make-shift ‘bull-ring’ of laddered walls (see pictures) these protect the viewing public but also serve as an escape route for the brave souls (or foolhardy) that enter the ring to be chased by or taunt the bull(s). It’s entertaining enough for a while, but the poor bulls are teased and prodded to make then more angry. Still it;s their custom and at least I’ve seen it.

The great thing is though that it’s a BIG family day for the Spanish (as are all Fiestas) and they bring food, wine and music to make a BIG PARTY !! The one I visited had a Spanish Brass band, market , bar and later a rock pop band on stage.

You have to say that the Spanish know how to do parties even in the remotest of places or small villages. More power to ‘em.

One of the biggest summer festival highlights in recent years is the Medieval Festival in Hondon de las Nieves (usually July/August). It’s 2 days of themed markets, crafts, food, events, shows and general firework mayhem to finish off with at Midnight! It seems the whole village and more attends - great fun, great atmosphere and not to be missed. The fireworks are ‘performed’ by Correfocs which roam the villages streets, lights are off and ponding music to accompany the party. Luv it!

Check out the YouTube Video for 2008.

It’s still Fiesta Time in Hondón de las Nieves in July / August this year… events left include the Paella Contest + “Kasi Clásica” musical evening at the Sports Centre + Medieval Market (well worth a visit) in the Main Plaza and surrounding Streets usually with an impressive Firework Display at Midnight. If you are in the Hondón area please come along + program of events are available from the Town Hall or local establishments.