Santa Pola is a busy fishing port, so the Fiesta of the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm. The 2023 fiesta starts on Saturday 6th July and continues until Tuesday 16th, the actual saints day for Ntra Senora del Carmen. The programme in English is:
Friday 12th July
21:30 Serenade to the Virgen del Carmen in front of the Capilla de Virgen del Carmen beside the port.
Saturday 13th July
10:30 Traditional Grilled Sardines at the fishing port, next to fish market (La Lonja).
Monday 15th July
Flower Offering Parade with the Fiesta Queens, Banda Unión Musical de Santa Pola and other dignitaries from the Glorieta along calle Muelle, to the Capilla of the Virgen del Carmen , where the offering will take place. This is followed by a performance by the dance group Sal Marinera, accompanied by the Rondalla and Los Romeros groups.
Tuesday 16th July
08:00 Presentation of a plaque in honour of all the retired sailors at the Capilla of the Virgen del Carmen.
09:00 Solemn Mass in front of the Capilla of the Virgen del Carmen, accompanied by the Romeros group. After the Mass the dignitaries and Banda Unión Musical de Santa Pola will parade to the harbour where wreaths will laid on the water in memory of sailors who have lost their lives at sea.
08:00 Presentation of a plaque in honour of all the retired sailors at the Capilla of the Virgen del Carmen.
09:00 Solemn Mass in front of the Capilla of the Virgen del Carmen, accompanied by the Romeros group. After the Mass the dignitaries and Banda Unión Musical de Santa Pola will parade to the harbour where wreaths will laid on the water in memory of sailors who have lost their lives at sea.
21:00 Solemn Procession of Virgen del Carmen from the Capilla to the fishing port accompanied by the Banda de Union Musical
23:30 Fireworks display on the Levante beach ending the festivities.
23:30 Fireworks display on the Levante beach ending the festivities.