21st 22nd June Alicante

We chose Alicante because it was a convenient place for our friends to fly and join us. A little more research would have told us that this is the week of one of the biggest and noisiest festivals in Spain. There was a significant clue when at 2 in the afternoon, when we were still 5 miles from the harbour entrance, we could hear what sounded like a small war  (fireworks in the afternoon?). Effigies are erected all over the City, and following a week long party they are burned on the 24^th of June (thank goodness we won’t be here). The last 2 nights the parties have gone on until 4.30am and though we are a little distance away we can still tell that they are having a very good time.  

This is replica of a huge 4 deck ship, the largest in the Spanish navy. The original was captured by the British at Trafalgar, but was so badly damaged it sank on the way to Gibraltar.

One of the many effigies due to be burnt on the 24th June. Glad we won't be there it looks as if it's made from polystyrene!

Thousands of people march through the city in traditional dress

All the family dress up for the occasion.

The marina is busy, one of the few where you need to book to be shure of a berth. Yet another Moorish castle on the hill.