Altea

Altea(Valencian:[alˈtea],Spanish:[alˈtea]) is a city andmunicipalitylocated in theValencian Community, Spain, on the section ofMediterranean coastcalled theCosta Blanca.
At present, the economy of Altea is based ontourism, which started to grow in the 1950s because of its good weather, beaches and the labyrinthine streets with whitewashed house-fronts that characterize the town. Altea is protected on the north by the bluffs of theSerra de Bèrnia, creating an especially mildmicroclimate. Its seafront esplanade is planted with palms.
Russian elite lives in Altea Hills.
TheIberiancoastal settlements at the mouth of theAlgar riverin the wide Bay of Altea were later joined by a Greekmarketplace, namedAlthaia.
During theMoorishdomination the land around Altea belonged to theTaifa of Déniauntil it was recaptured by the Christians in 1244 underJames I of Aragon. The town was quickly fortified, and walls were erected to enclose what is now known as the "old town" outsiders.
This maze of cobbled narrow and crooked streets with glimpses of the bay is one of the better features of the town.  Other sights include the church ofLa Mare de Déu del Consol("Our Lady of Solace"), easily identifiable by its picturesque blue and white domes, tiled with glazed ceramics. There are numerous quaint restaurants near the church, some with a view over the Mediterranean. Note that, if visiting by car, you will need to park several blocks away from the church area as the immediately surrounding area is either off limits to cars and/or the streets are so narrow and steep (or have stairs) that cars cannot pass.
Altea shares a campus of theUniversity Miguel Hernández, in which the Faculty ofFine Artsis located.
The most important and well-known festival in Altea is the Castell de l'Olla, a festival offireworksthat are launched into the sea, on the beach of l'Olla, giving rise to an impressive combination of light, gunpowder and music. In theValencian language, this type of fireworks is calledCastell(Castle). It takes place on the Saturday closest to the day ofSt. Lawrence, the 10th of August. The spectacle usually includes a golden-palm-tree-firework rising into the night sky. The event began as a tribute to local pyrotechnician Blas Aznar (locally known astio Blai). The fireworks display is a gesture of utmost respect to this man, a way of honouring his memory, and of giving all spectators the gift of miraculous beauty. More than 50,000 people come every year to enjoy the spectacle, some sitting on the beach, others floating in rented boats to get a better view.[1]
Every year, many Spanish cities participate in a symbolic war betweenMoors and Christiansto commemorate the 500 years ofMuslim dominanceover most of the Iberian Peninsula and its end in the 15th century in the course of theReconquista. The festival lasts several days, and is supposed to represent the fall of the city into the hands of theMoorsand its recovery. On the fourth weekend in September, Friday, the festival begins with a peal of bells and a cannon fire. The inhabitants of the town divide into groups, as the two sides in the conflict, and stage battles in the old town and on the beach. In addition to the battles, the festival includes parades in costumes and dress inspired by the fashions of medieval times. The Christians are on horseback and wear furs, metal helmets, armour andarquebuses. In contrast, those who become Moors for the weekend ride camels or elephants and wear ancient Arab costumes.
InPascua(spanish word forEaster), the inhabitants of Altea hold solemn, somewhat macabreprocessionsthroughout the town during theHoly Week, which have a vivid dramatic flair to them. There is also a carnival beforehand, traditionally and symbolically representing the last chance to have some fun before Lent begins.
DuringLent, Altea has a special festival dedicated topork. Pork is very present inSpanish cuisine, with traditional hams,suckling pigsin celebratory meals and pig's tails or pig's trotters for stews. Nothing is wasted, every part of the animal is used. This festival takes place in mid-February, and consists of a parade through the old town at midday, after which everyone shares a hearty plate of rice, sings folk songs and dances, and finally tastes a roast pig.
The Encontes festival is a celebration of the ancient art ofstorytelling. It is held from 15 to 20 May. Dozens of events are organised to entertain the visitors with stories and songs. This festival is aimed at all audiences.
Altea is a founding member of theDouzelage, a uniquetown twinningassociation of 24 towns across theEuropean Union. This active town twinning began in 1991 and there are regular events, such as a produce market from each of the other countries and festivals.Discussions regarding membership are also in hand with three further towns (AgrosinCyprus,Škofja LokainSlovenia, andTryavnainBulgaria).