DOLORES,
Costa Blanca, SPAIN
Dolores is a
beautiful town located in the Vega Baja region of Alicante.
It’s just 4km from Almoradi and Catral.
Its excellent location gives easy access to various main towns including
Torrevieja, Murcia,
Alicante, Cartagena
and Elche.
Dolores is just
10kms from the nearest Blue Flag beaches of La Marina and Guardamar, which has pine
trees making the backdrop for the long stretch of sand
and the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean.
The
average temperatures in this area are between 61 degrees between December –
January and 85 degrees in July – August.
Dolores is just 4
metres above sea level, where its fertile land has much fruit and produce for
exportation and local market sales. The typical cuisine of Dolores takes advantage of
the fresh vegetables in the area (artichokes, beans, broccoli), and also
includes an abundance of meat and seafood.
The most typical dish is
“cocido con pelotas” which includes meatballs and potato and chickpea stew. There are also many fresh fruits such as melons,
watermelons, oranges, apricots, etc. An
open-air market is held every Friday morning where the local produce is sold.
Dolores was
founded in 1715 by the Bishop of Cartagena.
He was given approximately 40,000m2 of land by the Town Halls of
Guardamar and Orihuela to start a town. In 1737 the first stone of the church
was laid. In 1795 there were 656 residents, now the population is close to 11,000
residents of lots of nationalities.
Housing in Dolores
is relatively affordable, and substantially cheaper than in the nearby beach
areas. In November 2005 the Municipal government of Dolores approved the
development of a 145 acre golf
course. This development is expected to
be completed over the next couple of years.
Dolores has lots
of Fiestas.
Easter
time.
On Good Friday the
Fiesta de la Virgin is celebrated, this being one of the most important Fiestas
in the calendar. Easter Saturday and
Sunday feature many processions making the weekend very popular and always
spectacular.
August
The
first week in this month for 4 days includes a funfair, theatre and dance, fayre
of various Tapas (more than 50 varieties), acrobats, Medieval market and much
more. A date for your diary!!
September
Mid September is
the Fiesta of de Agosto it features a Spanish Horse contest. More than 1,500 horses are shown each year in
all sorts of games and activities.
Cattle and dogs contests are also held at the fair. The
Fiesta also includes a carriage parade, the running of a variety of small cows
and bulls fully decorated. The procession is to honour the Virgin de los
Dolores (Virgin of Sorrows), the patron Saint of the village.
In conclusion
Dolores offers something for everyone throughout the year. A typical Spanish Village
has proved it popularity by being offered a Town Status.
