Sun Sea News - Weekly 17th February Roundup

This week (mid-February 2026), along the Costa Blanca from Denia down to Alicante, things are buzzing with carnival vibes, unseasonably warm weather, and a few local headlines keeping everyone chatting.

The big highlight is Carnival season in full swing — Alicante’s Carnival is running from February 12 to 22, with street parades, correfocs (fiery fire parades), live music, DJ sets, costume madness, and family-friendly events in the city centre (though some outdoor bits have been tweaked or postponed due to strong wind warnings earlier in the week). The peak was Sábado Ramblero on February 14, full of energy and dancing on the Rambla. Up in Denia, Carnival wrapped up over the weekend of February 13-15 with activities for all ages, including kids’ fun, young people’s parties, and a special afternoon of dancing for the older crowd at the social centre. Benidorm’s Carnival kicks off around February 21 with parades and fancy dress across neighbourhoods. If you’re near Benidorm, the Benidorm Fest (Spain’s Eurovision selection showdown) just wrapped up its semis and final from February 10-14 at Palau d’Esports l’Illa — massive crowds, live music, and all the glitz!

On the news front: The area’s enjoying freakishly warm winter weather (at last) — Alicante hit 23°C daytime high, making it feel more like spring than February. Transport-wise, towns in the Marina Alta (including Denia area) are pushing hard for a night TRAM service to Benidorm for better late-night links. Alicante Airport smashed records again with over 1.1 million passengers in January (mostly Brits leading the charge), showing the expat and tourist flow is stronger than ever. Other bits: A great white shark sighting from 2023 off Denia/Javea was officially confirmed this week (juvenile caught by tuna fishers — exciting but rare!), and there’s ongoing local chatter about a social housing scandal in Alicante city with resignations and complaints.

Overall, it’s a lively, sunny week with fiesta energy lingering — perfect for grabbing a sangria and joining the post-carnival buzz if you’re out and about! If you want more details on any specific town or event, let me know. ☀️🎭🍹