Javea lights up the night with more than 16,000 glowing candles illuminating town

Javea’s historic centre was transformed into a spectacular sea of candlelight on Saturday, August 22, as more than 16,000 candles illuminated its streets for the annual Nit de Sant Bartolomé.

The popular celebration saw the town switch off its usual public lighting, replacing it with thousands of flickering flames across streets, squares, façades and alleyways.

The result was a dramatically different atmosphere in the heart of the Costa Blanca town, as residents and visitors gathered to enjoy the candlelit streets, live music and evening entertainment.

Thousands of candles transform Javea

The 2026 celebration featured more than 16,000 candles, illuminating the historic centre and creating a striking backdrop around Javea’s historic buildings.

The event was held under the slogan ‘The night becomes calm and Javea becomes light’, with the candlelight creating a peaceful and atmospheric setting.

Ronda Norte and Calle Príncipe de Asturias were also pedestrianised during the celebration, allowing visitors to walk between the different areas more easily.

The evening began with a Mass at the Church of Sant Bartolomé at 7.30pm, followed by the lighting of the candles at 7.45pm.

Music filled the candlelit streets

Music played a major role throughout the evening, with more than six performances taking place at different locations across the historic centre.

The programme included Blues en la Plaça, Bassudo, a performance by the Orquestra Jove del Centre Artístic Musical de Javea, pianist Marek Brazda and a swing session featuring a live DJ and Marina Lindy Hop.

A vigil with Hakuma was also held at 8.30pm.

Local shops and businesses joined in by extending their opening hours, adding to the atmosphere and encouraging visitors to explore the historic centre throughout the evening.

A popular summer tradition

The event brought together residents, families and visitors for one of Javea’s most distinctive summer celebrations.

The candlelight provided a unique way to experience the old town, with the historic streets and buildings taking on a completely different appearance once the normal lighting was switched off.

Local organisations, businesses and residents all played a role in creating the displays, helping turn the historic centre into a glowing spectacle.

The Nit de Sant Bartolomé was organised by the Parish of Sant Bartomeu and Javea Town Hall, with support from AMJASA and Javea Històrica.

The annual celebration has become a much-anticipated date in Javea’s summer calendar, combining tradition, culture, music and community spirit in one atmospheric evening.