Christmas costal happenings

In the run up to Christmas, both Torrevieja and Orihuela Municipalities have a multitude of activities

In the run up to Christmas, both Torrevieja and Orihuela Municipalities have a multitude of activities on offer to put you into the festive spirit. Torrevieja is already awash with Christmas lights, their tree and Belen Nativity scene all located in the Town Square in front of the Inmaculada Church and Town Hall, while on the Orihuela Costa, their Tree is located in Plaza Iglesia in La Zenia, in front of the Church at the roundabout.

On Thursday night, December 15, the place to be is Benijofar, in front of the town’s church at the end of the cobblestone road, where Torrevieja’s Pipes and Drums will be helping to start the festivities that lead into a Carol Service and Christmas market. The carol singing is scheduled for 1800-hrs with the Pipes and Drums at 17.30. A special appearance by The Sound of the Supremes is also expected, prior to their concert in the Orihuela Costa Resort on Saturday night. A full evening of entertainment is planned and visitors will also have the opportunity to browse market stalls with Christmas goodies and ideas. More details from Karen Love at the Post Box in Benijofar.

The largest International carol service in the region happens on Friday in the Town Square in Torrevieja at 1800-hrs. If previous years are anything to go by, an estimated 4,000 or more will be in attendance, singing carols and revelling in the atmosphere accompanied by a mass choir and local musicians. The Massed Choir includes participation by many of the city’s local International choirs including the Rascals, Torrevieja Showgroup and others from the international community. The Carol Service is followed by the International Mass in the Inmaculada with Padre Rocamora. The entire Torrevieja City Council is also expected to be in attendance to join in with the festivities.

It’s the turn of Orihuela Costa on Saturday with Just Brass playing Christmas music to put shoppers and passers by into the festive spirit. The Orihuela Costa Resort feature not one but two original artists on Saturday with the Sound of the Supremes and Ray Lewis and his Drifters on stage, promising an incredible evening of soul and motown to keep your fingers clickers and toes a-tapping! After their very successful show in Torrevieja last week, the Rascals are performing their Seasonal Showtime Christmas show in Los Montesinos at the School of Music and Culture with the curtain up at 1900-hrs.

The action starts early on Sunday at 1000-hrs with a giant paella and free servings at the Colegio Público Playas de Orihuela and at 1800-hrs a prize ceremony for the Dibujo de la Fiesta Pirata. In Torrevieja there are a number of concerts n the town, with the choice of these going to the choirs performing at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre starting at 2000-hrs. More information on Torrevieja’s cultural events can be found in the Cultural guide which can be downloaded from www.Torrevieja,com or pick up a copy at any public office or the Town Hall. The new guide for 2012 will also be available shortly.

Keith Nicol