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Are you ready? Dogs with Christmas hats, red outfits, and sometimes even reindeer antlers. Adults and children dressed up in similar festive attire. A babble of different languages, cheerful culinary encounters. In short, an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness that perfectly matches the Christmas spirit.
We’re talking about the annual Christmas party on La Zenia Beach. It’s been over 10 years since a handful of foreign residents of Orihuela Costa set up their beach chairs and a well-stocked cooler on the sands of Cala Bosque beach. They probably didn’t realize it at the time, but a new phenomenon was born: Christmas on the beach. If the weather gods are on our side, this year on Christmas Day, thousands of foreigners from all corners of the world will undoubtedly gather again to celebrate together.
The success of the annual gathering undoubtedly lies in its unorganized spontaneity, relaxed atmosphere, and the unexpected friendships that are forged.
There’s a good reason for that last part. Many attendees make it a habit to share culinary 'highlights' from their own countries with random neighbors on the beach.
The exchange of typical foods from dozens of different countries often has a unifying effect. And let’s be honest: love goes through the stomach, as they say.
When it comes to food and drink, more and more Christmas revelers are coming well-prepared to the beach. Of course, there are the well-stocked coolers, foldable chairs, picnic tables, and umbrellas to get through the day comfortably. But barbecues and gas stoves are also popping up everywhere, so fresh snacks can be prepared on the spot, often shared with others.
All of this makes the annual gathering (according to many, the largest Christmas party on the beach in Europe) a roaring success every year.
It also helps that there’s no organizing committee trying to plan and streamline everything. Spontaneity is the key to these festivities. It also means that no one knows ahead of time what entertainment will be on the agenda. But live music is more or less guaranteed.
Many people arrive at the beach around 10:00 a.m. Not a bad idea, as traffic jams on the N-332 and parking issues can be hard to avoid later on.
The last word now rests with the weather gods.
