Xàbia’s fireworks from the sea: special night cruise on 8 September

The fireworks of the Loreto fiestas are Xàbia’s showpiece every year: a castillo acuatico fired over the water of the harbour bay. This year you can watch it from the best side of all, the water itself. Boat operator Mundo Marino sails out of the harbour on Tuesday 8 September at 11 pm for a special night cruise, with a glass of cava and music on board. This is what awaits, and this is how to get aboard.

What the evening looks like

The trip lasts about an hour and a half: at 11 pm the boat casts off in Xàbia harbour, and around half past midnight you are back on the quay. Along the way you cruise past the illuminated coast, with music on board and a welcome glass of cava in hand. The highlight comes at sea: the traditional fireworks that close the fiestas of the Mare de Déu de Loreto, fired over the water and therefore nowhere better seen than from a gently rocking deck. On shore, thousands gather along the Duanes de la Mar; you watch it head on, with not a single head in the way.

8 September is the big day of the Loreto fiestas

The cruise does not fall on this date by chance. The 8th of September is the main day of the Loreto fiestas, the harbour district’s celebration in honour of the Mare de Déu de Loreto, with processions through the port quarter during the day. After the evening programme, the crown on the day is traditionally made of gunpowder: the castillo acuatico above the bay. Curious what else the season holds? Our Jávea fiesta calendar lists the year’s festivities.

Practical: booking, price and places

The trip costs from 27 euros per person; children up to 3 sail for free. Places are limited to the boat’s capacity, and with the fireworks as the crowd puller, booking ahead is wise. You can do so online through the Mundo Marino website, by phone on +34 966 42 30 66 or by email. Bring a light jacket: even in September it cools down at sea after midnight. And head to the harbour early, because on the evening of the 8th, parking in the port district is a sport in itself.

About the authorMilo Schuijt

Milo Schuijt is an entrepreneur and DJ on the Costa Blanca. He writes about the places where he lives, works and plays: from beach bars to the housing market.