Festes de La Romana 2026

Introduction and local significance

The Festes de La Romana 2026 take place from 1 August to 24 August 2026 in the Alicante municipality of La Romana, situated in the Comunitat Valenciana. This patron saint festival brings together locals and visitors every year around its deeply rooted traditions, combining religious devotion with local festive culture. The town's streets host a wide array of cultural, sporting and recreational events that liven up the locality throughout the month of August. The active participation of the peñas (festival groups) and local entities sets the pace for days that are highly anticipated by both residents and outsiders.

Historical origins and tradition

The celebrations revolve around the Festes Patronals i de Moros i Cristians de La Romana, with the active participation of the Moros, Pirates and Zíngars peñas alongside the Societat Instructiva Musical Romanense. Among the most prominent rituals of the festive calendar are the presentació de les banderes (presentation of the flags) and the solemn Ofrena de Flors als Patrons (flower offering to the patrons). Music takes on a special role with the traditional Entrada de Bandes (entry of bands) and the subsequent joint performance of the pasodoble La Romana by the participating groups. Another unique moment is La Retreta, conceived as a humorous parade where the peñas display their most satirical and informal side. The traditional programme also includes a match of llargues within the modality of pilota valenciana (Valencian pilota), a native sport deeply rooted in the area, in addition to the solemn procession in honour of the Sagrats Cors de Jesús i Maria and the correfocs (fire run) by the Colla de Dimonis La Quarantamaula.

Programme and main events

The festive calendar stands out for well-established events such as the inaugural pregón (opening speech) that marks the official start in Plaça Gómez Navarro and the colourful parades of peñas through the town's main streets. Throughout the weeks of festivities, a wide variety of sporting competitions are scheduled, including the Campionat Local de Tanganilla per Parelles in Carrer de La Bassa, the Campionat Local de Natació at the municipal swimming pool, and the XXIX Marxa Cicloturista Local i Convidats. In the recreational section, the special throwing of Codornius bottles launched by machine in the Casa Nova area stands out. The bous al carrer (bull-running) festivities concentrate much of the attention in Carrer L’Horta, alternating with traditional pyrotechnic acts such as the mascletà (daytime firework display) in Carrer Isabel-Clara Simó and the castell de focs artificials (firework castle). For the little ones, children's theatre plays, simulated bull runs and the traditional banyà (water soaking) with water games in Parc Doctor Pérez López are organised. You can check the full details of schedules and locations in the official programme available at the top of this profile.

Traditional festival food

The traditional cuisine of these festive days is deeply linked to neighbourhood socialising and open-air popular contests.

• Gatxamiga: Emblematic dish of the area made with flour, water, oil and various accompaniments that is slowly cooked over firewood, being the central focus of the contest held in Pi de la Vaca and at the recinte de la vaca (cow enclosure).
• Coca amb oli i sardina: Traditional brotherhood breakfast that gathers neighbours in Carrer de l’Horta during the key days of the patron saint festivities.
• Sessió Paloma: Refreshing drink very typical for combating high summer temperatures, made with aniseed such as Anís Salas or Anís Tenis, widely consumed during popular events.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To attend the various events spread across the municipality during the Festes de La Romana 2026, it is recommended to check the official programme beforehand in case of last-minute changes to schedules or locations. During the days of highest public turnout, it is preferable to use the available public transport or park vehicles in the designated areas outside the urban centre to avoid traffic jams in the central streets. It is advisable to book accommodation well in advance, as tourist demand increases significantly on these summer dates. Staying in the town itself or in nearby localities makes it easy to comfortably follow both the nocturnal events and the early morning calls of the festive programme.