PARTY FOR ST GEORGE

Perhaps never before has the annual event of St George´s day received as much attention, or as much celebration as it will this year.

May bars, restaurants and clubs will be honouring the day that the patron saint of England was killed in the year 303AD, marking the life of the Roman soldier, priest in the Guard of Diocletian and venerated Christian martyr.

The 23rd of April marks the day of St George, who is not only the patron saint of England, but also of the autonomous regions of Aragon and Catalonia in Spain, amongst many other countries and cities around the globe, which make the celebrations of this day particularly poignant for culturally diverse areas such as the Costa Blanca.

Marking the date as of religious importance cannot be ignored either, especially as the date this year falls firmly within the Easter holiday period.
These facts combined are what makes the celebrations this year somewhat unique, and therefore something that should be applauded and praised as an event that can bring nationalities, religions, communities and people together with a positive notion of celebration and integration.

This year, the celebrations will spread over six days, split into two locations. The first event, which is run in collaboration with the Ayuntamiento de Orihuela, started today, Monday 18th April, and will carry on for the next 3 days at the new location for celebration on the Orihuela Costa, the large space alongside the Lidl supermarket, just off the N332 coast road.

Then, from Thursday 21st April, for another three days taking us right into Easter, the celebration will move to a brand new location under the management of, and in conjunction with, the Ayuntamiento de Rojales.

This new location is known as the Lo Marabu commercial centre, or Doña Pepa, and is just off the CV905, which is the main arterial road that links Torrevieja with the motorway network, via Quesada. Easily identified as the site of an Eroski fuel station, Consum supermarket, Lidl, toy store and the new Manolo restaurant, amongst others, the site is central to take in guests from Lo Marabu, Quesada, El Raso and the entire surrounding areas of Torrevieja, Los Montesinos and La Mata.

From just after the sun rises you will be able to pick up many a great bargain from the plentiful market stalls that will be on offer, with everything from fresh produce, electrical items, clothing, jewellery and more.

Event organiser Diane Hayes, who also runs one of the most popular outlets that grace both the markets and her own travelling store of must have items for every discerning lady, from her excitingly named brand of Bling Bling, says that “each year these events are just getting better. More markets stalls, more live acts, better locations and more people coming along and just having a great day out for all the family”, which only serves to prove the commitment behind these events that everybody puts into them.

The Exite Radio roadshow will be at both events, not only playing you the best music to give real party feel to the events, but also showcasing some of the best local talent around, performing live on the main stage.

At Playa Flamenca you can expect the likes of Kye James, Lynden B, Rob Bloomer, Emily Hullman, Kirsketn KcKay and many more besides, whereas at Lo Marabu we also add Dan the Man, Ghost Academy, Pete Hull, the Joy B Just Brass Band and more. Not only that, we will be introducing you to the best keep fit routines that are both successful and fun with demonstrations by Zumba dancers and even pole dancers to show you exactly how keeping fit is more enjoyable than you may have thought.

Stars in Bars have pulled out all the stops to bring you the cream of their talent and everybody involved will do their best to make your visit as memorable as possible. You will also be able to read more about the acts you´ve seen here in The Leader, keeping you informed as to who they are and where you can see them.

There will also be games, fun, prizes to be won, and a whole wealth of surprises in store, so for the best way to celebrate the Easter break, make sure you join us for our celebrations of St George as we party for six whole days at Playa Flamenca and Lo Marabu and see if you can spot St George and maybe the odd dragon or two.