The annual La Olla firework display will light up the sky tonight Saturday August 11 – always taking place on the nearest Saturday to 10th August, which marks the end of the local San Lorenzo fiest.
It attracts over 40,000 visitors, who come not only from this region but from all across Spain, so it has a huge beneficial economic impact on the town, with many spending the weekend there. If you were planning on driving - my advice is don't. Roads have been closed off since this morning.
Also, if you are thinking of going to one of the many restaurants for a meal and making a night of it be warned that if you do not have a reservation you will probably end up at the local take away! People actually reserve tables at restaurants from one year to the next - especially those that have a sea view - it is probably the one night of the year that every single restaurant will be turning disappointed people away. However, if you go early enough, say at 6.30/7.00pm and can vacate the table by 9pm then you may be lucky.
The fireworks are set off at midnight from floating pontoons on the shoreline at L´Olla, which is at the far end of Altea going towards Altea Hills. If you have never been just follow the crowds - or rather you will be carried along by the mass of people, which are all heading in the same direction! Many turn up in the afternoon with picnics in tow and make a day of it – staking their place on the beach.
There a two chiringitos on the beach at L’Olla, which will undoubtedly be very busy. It is certainly worth going to, but if driving be warned, the main street will have barriers up to stop people parking due to the sheer volume of people attending. The FGV tram service put on extra services for this one night and it is definitely worth considering using - however, be warned, it will be packed!