Beginning in 2024, the first festivities in Xàbia begin, those dedicated to Sant Antoni, patron saint of animals, and Sant Sebastià, patron saint of Xàbia. Deep-rooted festivities that are modernized for this new year and include new activities in order to continue enhancing the party.
At the presentation of the events, attended by the Festival Councilor, Mavi Pérez, and the representatives of the different organizing committees of both celebrations, have announced that the two celebrations have new features.
On the one hand, the festivities in honor of Sant Antoni, the most imminent, since they start this weekend and are prepared by the El Tirasset Equestrian Activities Center and the Penya La Burrera, will feature the traditional blessing of animals y Cremà del Pi. Additionally, this year, the celebration will feature a tribute to Juan Espasa, who was president of the Equestrian Club for 10 years and who died a month ago.
These festivities also include the opening of the amusement fair located on Palmela Avenue, which will open on January 12 and will remain open until February 4 from 17:00 p.m., with Friday, January 26 being Children's Day with popular prices at attractions and having a hot chocolate on Friday, January 19
On the other hand, on the occasion of the festivities dedicated to the patron saint of Xàbia, Sant Sebastià; this year there is programming news. The celebration of an afternoon at the Riurau d'Arnauda on January 20, the day of the patron saint's day, is incorporated into the program after the children's performance.
For his part, the president of the Bullfighting Cultural Association (ACT), Guillermo Bolufer, has indicated that this year the festive program has been restructured, moving the bullfighting session from Saturday to Thursday afternoon.
Bou embolat
Recovering the Bou Embolat was a goal of the ACT, although for these holidays it seems that will not be the case. Bolufer explained that this bullfighting activity was eliminated eight years ago by the previous government "and since then we have not been able to talk to recover this act. The new government has opened the doors to us, and although it will not be held for the Sant Sebastià festivities, we hope it will return. "We will continue with contacts."
New image of Sant Sebastià
The president of the Sant Sebastià Commission has stated that given the image of Sant Sebastià that disappeared from its niche on Calle Mayor a year ago, a new one has been purchased that will be placed on Wednesday, January 17, in the parade.
«That image had sentimental value, it was more than 60 years old. It was the carving that had always been in the niche, but its theft was surprising. “Overnight the Sant Sebastià and the flowers disappeared, and it was curious that they locked the door of the niche,” explains Vicente Salvador, president of the Sant Sebastià Association.
