Alicante’s summer culture programme brings Tintin, Cirque du Soleil and free concerts to the city

Alicante is offering an impressive programme of cultural attractions this summer, with world-famous entertainment, nostalgic exhibitions and weeks of free live music. Whether you’re a lifelong Tintin fan, eager to experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil or simply looking for an evening of open-air entertainment, there’s plenty to enjoy across the city in the weeks ahead.

Tintin exhibition opens at Santa Barbara Castle

Fans of Tintin have a new reason to visit Alicante’s Santa Barbara Castle this summer with the opening of a new exhibition celebrating the famous comic book reporter.

The exhibition, titled The Young Reporter and His Adventures at Santa Bárbara Castle, features more than 300 figures, models, books and collectables from the private collection of Enrique Lucas. It is on display in the castle’s Taberna Hall until January, with free admission.

Lucas began collecting Tintin memorabilia after discovering Hergé’s classic comic books many years ago. What started as a hobby has grown into an impressive collection celebrating the adventures of Tintin, Snowy, Captain Haddock and many of the series’ best-known characters.

Among the highlights are detailed models of the famous Moon Jeep and Captain Haddock’s convertible, alongside original comic books, vintage posters and classic cover artwork. A multimedia area also explores the history of Tintin and the lasting influence of Hergé’s work.

The exhibition is divided into four themed sections, including The Imaginary Museum of Tintin, The 1972 Christmas Card, The Moon Jeep and Captain Haddock’s Convertible.

Councillor for Tourism Ana Poquet said the exhibition gives adults the chance to rediscover a childhood favourite while introducing younger generations to Tintin for the first time.

The exhibition is open every day until January. From 16 June to 4 September, opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Cirque du Soleil brings KURIOS to Alicante

Cirque du Soleil has raised its famous Big Top on Playa de San Juan ahead of the Alicante premiere of KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities.

Around 100 workers helped erect the giant tent, which will host performances until 23 August. Alicante is one of only six Spanish cities included in the show’s current tour.

Councillor for Culture Nayma Beldjilali attended the raising of the Big Top and said the return of Cirque du Soleil reinforces Alicante’s reputation as a city capable of hosting major cultural events.

KURIOS returns Cirque du Soleil to Alicante following the success of Luzia and Alegría: In a New Light.

First staged in Montreal in 2014, KURIOS has since been seen by more than six million people in 40 cities around the world, with more than 3,000 performances.

The show tells the story of a scientist who discovers a hidden world where imagination knows no limits.

The international cast features 50 performers from around the world.

Founded in Canada in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has entertained more than 378 million people across 86 countries and now employs around 4,000 people, including more than 1,200 artists from 80 nationalities.

Tickets and further information are available through the Cirque du Soleil website: cirquedusoleil.com/kurios.

Free summer concerts continue across Alicante

Music lovers can enjoy more than a month of free live entertainment as Alicante’s Verano de Músicas programme continues until 15 August.

The annual summer series features 21 concerts in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, with performances ranging from classical music and jazz to blues, flamenco, musical theatre and pop-rock.

The programme follows this year’s Summer Brass Festival Alicante, which recently celebrated its 15th edition and brought together professional musicians for concerts, workshops and training sessions.

Among those taking part in Verano de Músicas are Alicante’s Municipal Symphony Band and the city’s four musical societies, alongside local artists, choirs and visiting performers.

Highlights still to come include vocal jazz with Vera Lu Quintet on 17 July, flamenco and Spanish dance by the José Soriano Dance Company on 24 July, a zarzuela evening with Coral Tabaquera and the Municipal Symphony Band on 26 July, and blues performances by María Carbonell Blues Mood and Slideboy Vegas & His Blues Buddies.

August also includes concerts by L’Harmonia Societat Musical d’Alacant, Sociedad Musical La Amistad de Villafranqueza and several performances by the Municipal Symphony Band.

The programme concludes on 15 August with a final concert by the Municipal Symphony Band.

All concerts are free to attend.