ONE OF THE MOST eagerly anticipated events happens next week, as thousands of people are expected to descend upon Cala Bosque beach in Orihuela Costa to celebrate the festive season at the La Zenia Beach Christmas Day party.
The annual celebration was first held over a decade ago and has grown year-on-year into the most prominent outdoor festive celebration in the Costa Blanca region, and the largest Christmas beach party in Europe.
The origins of the La Zenia Beach Christmas Day party can be traced back to a group of expatriates who, far from their snowy homelands, sought to create a celebration that captured the spirit of Christmas in a Mediterranean setting.
Those initial events were a small, intimate gathering of friends and fellow expats. Still, its popularity quickly grew, turning it into a beloved local tradition spread through word-of-mouth and shared experiences.
The history of the La Zenia Beach Christmas Day party
Suspended during the pandemic, the event returned to the Orihuela Costa social calendar just last year after a three-year hiatus, with thousands of partygoers attending the family-friendly event, enjoying the brilliant blue skies, the fine white sands, and a daytime high exceeding 20°c.
The established international event is held annually. It brings together residents and visitors from over 100 nationalities, with people travelling from cooler climes in Northern Europe and diverse parts of the world to participate in the celebrations.
It's a testament to the creativity and adaptability of communities in embracing the festive spirit in unconventional ways. The beach party has become a cherished tradition in a town where the sun often shines on Christmas Day, blending established festive customs with the relaxed atmosphere of Spanish coastal living.
The La Zenia Beach Christmas Day party is a spontaneous community gathering, neither organised nor sponsored by any individual or organisation. The event is supported by the local Police, who provide a safe environment for people to enjoy the festivities and manage the traffic around the event location.
A festive celebration of food on Cala Bosque beach
It is traditional (although not compulsory) for partygoers to dress in Christmas attire. Rudolph antlers and Santa hats are an expected part of the special day.
Many attendees at last year's event brought folding chairs, picnic tables, oversized parasols, and cool boxes full of refreshments. In addition, visitors often bring their own fresh food and outdoor cooking equipment for a very different and unique Christmas lunch experience.
Attendees bring an assortment of traditional dishes from their home countries to the beach to enjoy on the day, creating a multicultural banquet with flavours from around the world.
From paella to mince pies, the spread is as contrasting as the attendees themselves. Sharing food, stories, and laughter, there can be no doubt that the party bridges cultural gaps and fosters a shared sense of festive unity.
What's On at Christmas in Orihuela Costa
Orihuela Town Hall has arranged for a Christmas Concert to take place on the beach with live music from DACAPO at 11:00, and Santa Claus will be in attendance, leading a Cuban-style musical Charanga through the streets of La Zenia at 11:00.
Sadly, the much-loved Chiringuito beach bar won't be present for the first time in many years, having been recently removed from the beach and placed into storage.
However, the La Mirada restaurant adjacent to the beach is expected to be open for business as usual. Reservations are highly recommended, and service times will likely be relaxed at best. The restaurant also offers toilet facilities.
The La Zenia Beach Christmas Day party starts at 10:00. Nonetheless, attendees are advised to get to the beach early, as long traffic queues often build up in the areas around the venue, particularly along the N-332 in both north and southbound directions.
Christmas Day Party on La Zenia Beach 2023
Parking spaces on the day can be challenging to come by, so be prepared to walk the final leg of your journey.
One of the highlights of the Orihuela Costa annual social calendar, the La Zenia Beach Christmas Day party takes place this year on Monday, 25th December 2023. The event is non-ticketed, open to everyone, and free to attend.
Please drink responsibly and ensure that you apply adequate sun protection if necessary. Most importantly, please respect nature – remember to take any litter home with you and stay outside the cordon surrounding the protected dunes.
Click here for more information about La Zenia Beach, or follow this link for a Google Map of the event location. We look forward to seeing you on Christmas Day!
Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.
Photo credit:Â LaZenia.com / Alexander Pichlmayr
