Every year, between the last weekend of August and until September 8, it is celebrated in the seaside neighborhood of Duanes de la Mar, The Festes of the Mare de Déu de Loreto. Centennial patron saint festivities that honor the patron saints of the Virgin of Loreto and the Christ of the Sea and that mark the end of summer for the xabieros.
For about 15 days, the streets of this urban center of Xàbia are filled with color, music and joy to celebrate the events of these festivities.
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History
The origin of the festivities in honor of the Virgin of Loreto is not entirely clear. According to several articles by the bibliophile and writer, Manuel Bas Carbonell, basing himself on historical documents, "these festivities could have originated as a reminder of the naval battle of the 'Virgen de Loreto'".
On the one hand, history tells that the Loreto festivities have their origin in 1850 when an Italian ship ran aground in Cap Prim carrying the image of the Virgin of Loreto. Some sailors from Jávea rescued her and took her as their patron saint.
On the other, as Manuel Bas wrote, he advocated the possibility of a naval battle being the reason that gave rise to celebrating the Loreto festivities in Jávea. Bas indicated that a "rare document" narrated "a bloody battle off the coast of Jávea, which occurred on March 8, 1679 between a Christian ship, the "Virgin of Loreto" and seven Turkish warships."
The article points out that the Christian ship, instead of retreating, faced the Turks and was victorious. "We do not know of any other fact that justifies the maritime dedication of Jávea to the Virgin of Loreto, which has had the Virgen del Carmen for centuries, nor do the most informed specialists in marine science explain it to them," Bas Carbonell wrote.
Thus, and according to history, the Loreto festivities began to be celebrated in 1896, more than 125 years ago.
Dates
These festivities begin on the last weekend of August, so the exact starting day varies, but they always end on September 8, the day of the Virgin of Loreto. In 2020 and 2021 the festivities were not celebrated due to the coronavirus health crisis, although in 2021 some religious acts were carried out in a symbolic way.
Stars of the parties
The success, roots and permanence of the Loreto festivities is thanks to the residents of Xàbia. Through their participation and dedication, both directly and indirectly, these patron saint festivities have celebrated more than a century.
On the one hand, the Loreto Festival Commission, made up of dozens of volunteers, is in charge of organizing the festivals and events each year. On the other side are the foremen, the other protagonists of the festivities. These are couples who decide to be the festeros of that year. Despite the traditional regional costume of a sailor or sailor, the foremen and mayoralesas wear a suit and tie (for men) and a long white suit (for women).
main acts
The program is very extensive and begins in mid-August, although the main days of celebration are in September. Among all the activities, the following stand out:
- The bous to the sea
- El baret dels bous
- religious events
- The aquatic firework display
Bous a la mar
This popular act is celebrated in the breakwater area of the fishing port. In this place a bullfighting enclosure is installed where a large public congregates in order to see the moment of the fall of the heifer into the water. Hundreds of people participate in this act.
Baret dels Bous
Outside the bullfighting area is the Baret dels Bous. Located in the port area, this place is transformed, during bullfighting days, into one of the busiest spaces in Duanes de la Mar. Organized by the Festival Commission, the baret It offers different seafood tapas, drinks and a good atmosphere.
religious events
Among the acts of fun are also those of a religious nature. Parades, offering of flowers or processions in honor of the Mare de Déu or Christ are some of the events that complement the extensive program of festivities.
Fireworks
The festivities end with the firing of an aquatic fireworks display. This act takes place at midnight and is launched, through platforms, from the bay of Jávea, making it even more spectacular.
Other activities
The program of the festivities of the Virgin of Loreto de Xàbia is also complemented with many acts for all audiences, among which we can find:
- Sports tournaments: paddle tennis, pilota valenciana, chess, etc.
- Mobile disco and verbenas.
- Theater.
- Decorating streets, balconies and shop windows: which participate in a contest organized by the Xàbia Port Merchants Association and the Mare de Déu de Loreto Festival Commission.
- Children's Day: day of fun dedicated to children with water activities, foam party, popular games and the traditional Merengà: the merengà is already around 40 years old. This act began as a joke, but is now part of these traditional festivals.
- Parade of floats: the streets of Duanes are filled with music and color with the participation of numerous musical and entertainment groups. The peñas parade (which put their touch of humor with the criticism), children in costumes and representatives of the various local festivals such as Rocío, Moors and Christians, Sant Joan and finally the Festival Commission and the mayorales and mayoralesas.
- Seniors Day: there are activities designed for them, such as brisca contest. There is always a visit from the Mayorales and the Fiestas Commission to the Asilo Hospital Hermanos Cholbi. The main weight of the organization of this day is carried by the Penya La Bufa, one of the oldest of these festivals.
The complete program of events can be consulted at this link.
Where can I get a program of events for the festivities of the Madre de Deu de Loreto del Puerto for this year…,