Organised by a commission of local residents, the first Orihuela Costa Carnival will take place on Saturday 17 February, starting and ending in Playa Flamenca.

The parade will take a route along the street normally occupied by the Saturday market, starting at 5pm at the Nicolás de Bussi and Pintor Ribera roundabout, and then follow a course along Nicolás de Bussi to the Los Dolses school parking lot, where there will be a stage with live music and DJs, as well as inflatables for the children.

During the post parade gathering there will be a symbolic presentation of prizes made to each of the participants.

As well as the support of a stage and toilets from the Orihuela council the organisers have attracted additional sponsorship from a number of local businesses, including Zenia Boulevard.

The parade itself will feature displays of music, costumes and dance that will include 17 groups from the coast and another three from Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada.

Unfortunately, the organisers will not have the help that festival commissions from other parts of the municipality enjoy, but the intention is to present themselves formally, seeking financial assistance for future events, at the next opportunity.

Although this carnival commission was established purely on the initiative of a small number of residents, the councillor for the Coast, Manuel Mestre, has said that he will try to integrate local associations into the commission for the organisation of all future events.