Javea streets burst into colour as Loreto festival winners are revealed

Javea’s port has been transformed into a sea of colour, creativity and local pride as residents decorate their streets and balconies for the much-loved Loreto fiestas.

Duanes de la Mar is already buzzing with celebrations, but this year some of its streets have become attractions in their own right, thanks to the annual Carrers i Balcons Mare de Déu de Loreto competition.

Residents have gone all out with their decorations, turning balconies and everyday streets into colourful displays celebrating the character and traditions of the port.

The competition, now in its eighth edition, saw three streets and five balconies officially entered, while other residents also joined in by decorating their homes independently.

One Javea street takes the top prize

Calle Bartolomé Ros came out on top in the street category, scoring an impressive 626 points from the judging panel.

Its winning display secured the €200 first prize, beating Calle Triana, which finished second with 459 points and received €100.

The decorated streets have added another reason for people to wander through Duanes during the Loreto celebrations, with residents putting their own creative stamp on the neighbourhood.

For many, the competition is as much about community spirit as it is about winning.

Balcony inspired by Loreto church wins

The balcony category produced some equally eye-catching results.

Paquita Ros claimed first place for her balcony at number 13 Calle Magallanes, with a design inspired by one of Duanes’ most recognisable landmarks, the Church of Our Lady of Loreto.

Her display scored 602 points and earned the €100 first prize.

Geovanny Sánchez took second place with his balcony in Calle Andrés Lambert. Scoring 577 points, his decoration drew inspiration from the Mediterranean Sea, an unmistakable part of everyday life in Javea’s port.

He received €50 for the runner-up prize.

Colour takes over Duanes

The competition has once again demonstrated how residents help bring the Loreto fiestas to life beyond the official programme of events.

Bright colours, flowers, maritime details and traditional touches have appeared throughout the neighbourhood, creating a festive backdrop for locals and visitors.

The judging panel included representatives from the Xàbia Port Merchants Association, the 2026 festival representatives, local artist Joana Bisquert, a previous street decorator and members of the local community.

With the winners now announced, the decorations remain a colourful feature of the celebrations.

For anyone heading to Javea’s port for the Loreto fiestas, taking a walk around Duanes could reveal some of the most creative sights of the celebrations, with residents proving once again that the festival belongs to the whole community.