What to expect
In honour of the traditional festival of Sant Antoni in Moraira, organised by the Grup de Teatre El Portitxolet in collaboration with the Teulada Town Council, a series of events will take place from 17 to 19 January to commemorate the day of the patron saint of animals. On Friday, 17 January, at 5:30 pm, the festivities will begin with the gathering at El Fortí and the procession of “l’entrà del pi” to the church square. Afterwards, the conference “Moraira and its women cooks of sea and land” will be held at the Tina Bru Auditorium of Espai La Senieta, followed by “Memòria viva dels menjars morairers” (Living memory of Moraira’s traditional dishes). On the second day, Saturday 18 January at 12:00 pm, the bonfire of Sant Antoni will be lit and the Church Square and Plaça de les Sorts will be decorated. In the evening, at 8:00 pm, a parade of the giant figures of the Devil and Saint Antoni and their entourage will depart from El Fortí. Upon arrival at the Church Square, the theatrical performance “Sant Antoni i els dimonis” will take place, followed by the blessing and lighting of the bonfire. At 9:00 pm, a popular dinner around the bonfire with musical accompaniment will be held. On the final day, Sunday 19 January, the morning will begin at 9:00 am with the despertà. At 10:30 am, the image of Sant Antoni, accompanied by members of the Grup de Teatre El Portitxolet and children from the catechism classes, will be taken to the church, where the Mass in honour of Sant Antoni and the blessing of the traditional bread rolls will take place. After the Mass, at 11:15 am, carts and animals will gather at Plaça de les Sorts, and at 11:30 am the procession to the church will begin for the blessing of the animals. At 12:00 pm, the “Dansà de La Marina” will take place on Doctor Calatayud Street, with dance groups from various towns in the Marina Alta and central regions. At 1:00 pm, the Muixeranga d’Alacant will perform at Plaça de les Sorts. To conclude the weekend, a popular lunch will be held in the same square, organised by the Festival Committee of the Virgen de los Desamparados of Moraira 2025, accompanied by live music. Josep Ivars, Councillor for Youth, encourages the entire population to enjoy these festivities, which are considered intangible heritage of Teulada Moraira. He stresses that “it is important to continue protecting our customs and identity in order to keep our traditions alive, passed down from generation to generation and forming the essence of what Teulada Moraira is today.” He also thanked the Grup de Teatre El Portitxolet and all those involved for their efforts in making it possible to enjoy the Sant Antoni festival once again this year.