Culture is king in Altea

Altea has had a strong appeal to artistic people for more than half a century. Its protected location in a beautiful bay has proven to be a source of inspiration for creativity. Since then, the aura of a paradise for art and culture lovers has only grown. Anyone walking through Altea’s streets today can feel how lively the art scene is, with its many galleries, painters, photographers, jewelers, and sculptors. Young artists keep coming, and it is not far-fetched to see Altea as the uncrowned cultural capital of the Costa Blanca.

Here is a selection of the annual cultural events:
Every Saturday before Easter, a concert route along “altars” begins. Classical concerts are held on seven consecutive days in the rural area of Altea. The performances are always dedicated to local saints at “altars,” usually in small churches in hamlets.
A very loud event is the Batacudas drummers. Hundreds of percussionists gather in the town on a Saturday in June. For twelve hours, their drumming creates an explosion of sound.
July is a busy month with a series of activities. Alteatre is a competition of theater shows created by local amateurs. Based on DVDs, a jury decides which three productions will be performed. National and international blues acts perform on several evenings during the Altea Blues Festival.
From mid-July to early September, the old town becomes a large open-air exhibition space. Almost all balconies in the narrow streets display paintings. An extra artistic element during a relaxed stroll over the cobblestones. There are no rules regarding theme or techniques.

The Baroque music festival takes place over three weekends in October. Also that month, Eco Altea is scheduled. For two days, exhibitors give workshops promoting physical and mental health. A wide range of alternatives is offered during these days.
Other annual events include: a storytelling festival (May), a fast painting competition (May), a photography contest (June), a handicraft market around Easter, and a Christmas market.
For culture throughout the year, the Palau Altea in the old town was built. With a capacity of 1,000 seats, it regularly hosts concerts, theater performances, ballet shows, and exhibitions.