September
Holidays in honour of the Virgen de Loreto
The "Mare de Déu de Loreto" holidays symbolize the end of Summer. From the end of August until the 8th of September, the Duanes de la Mar neighbourhood dresses in its best finery to celebrate the centennial holidays of its Patron Saints: the Virgen de Loreto and Cristo del Mar.
The origin of these holidays is due to the arrival of an Italian ship in 1850, which ran aground in Cap Prim with the "Virgen de Loreto" statue on board. This statue was salvaged jointly with the ship's bell by the Xàbia fishermen who adopted her as their Patron Saint.
These festivities have a well-defined maritime identity since this neighbourhood has been traditionally linked to export and fishing activities.
The festivities offer an extensive program, where we highlight the popular “bous a la mar” (running the bulls into the sea) in the jetty where participants jump into the sea to avoid the horns of the young bulls. One venerated holiday tradition is visiting the popular “baret” (little bar) which the Festivities Commission sets up in the “bous a la mar“ area to enjoy the festive atmosphere and enjoy delicious snacks made with the day's fresh catch of fish and sea food from the local fish market. Numerous activities such as the commission's street parades, flower offering, and musical performances take place during these holidays. On the last day, 8th of September, solemn religious ceremonies are held in honour of the "Mare de Déu de Loreto" and the holiday concludes with a splendid fireworks display which is launched from the sea and they are always astonishingly beautiful in the charming setting of the Xàbia bay.