Los Alcazares prepares for iconic Sardine Day celebrations this weekend

The coastal town of Los Alcazares is set to come alive with joy, tradition, and community spirit on Saturday, August 22, with the official closing event of the 54th International Week of the Orchard and the Sea. The municipality will host the highly anticipated Sardine Day, a celebration that coincides with the incredible 175th anniversary of the Burial of the Sardine, one of the most iconic cultural celebrations in the Region of Murcia.

Festival kicks off with music and free feast: Bringing celebration to the local community

Celebrations will begin at 11:45am along the seafront promenade with lively entertainment and DJ sets. Shortly afterwards, at 12:30pm, attendees can experience the headline addition to this year’s roster: the First Annual Popular Sardine Feast, a free community event that will offer complimentary grilled sardines alongside brass bands and family-friendly activities. The feast is meant to honour the rich traditional history of the festival while giving locals and tourists a true taste of local identity, and bringing people together in support of the community.

Festival participants will also visit the El Palmeral and Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles senior homes in the afternoon, bringing music, joy, and festivities to elderly residents who cannot attend the main procession.

Grand evening parade and local heritage

As night falls, the festivities are set to reach their peak at 8:30pm with the grand Sardine Parade. Departing from Plaza del Espejo, the quirky and colourful spectacle will wind along the seafront promenade toward Plaza Manuel Floreal Menárguez, culminating at the municipal Sardine Space.

Mayor Pérez Cervera expressed gratitude to the Sardine Association for incorporating this tradition into the municipality’s summer calendar, noting how the event “brings joy to the little ones, but is capable of turning the oldest into children for a while.” During the announcement, officials also highlighted that the 175 years of history belong to everyone, and that the seaside town is an ideal host for this grand sardine celebration.

Pairing the coastal charm of the Mar Menor with the historic generosity of the Burial of the Sardine, Los Alcazares promises an unforgettable day of culture, gastronomy, and festivity for visitors of all ages.