Torrevieja’s May Fair gets under way today and continues until Sunday, bringing four days of music, dance and Andalusian tradition to Parque Antonio Soria. The event, declared a Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest, is one of the Costa Blanca’s best-known spring celebrations.

Festivities begin at midday with the opening of the fairground, followed in the evening by the official inauguration, the performance of the local anthem by the UMT band and a fireworks display. Dance academies and live music will feature throughout the weekend.

Saturday will see the traditional Rociera mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, sung by the Coro Brisa del Sur. A parade of horse riders and carriages will then make its way to the fairground for the customary horse procession. The fair concludes on Sunday with dance performances and the grand final of the Copla competition, organised by Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti”.

This year, 13 organisations will run a total of 15 casetas, creating a lively and varied atmosphere. The municipal tent will raise funds for the charity Alimentos Solidarios, adding a charitable focus to the celebrations.