Tibi: Festival Traditions, Waterways and Mountain Landscape

Culture

The centuries-old Entrà de les Vaques takes place in Tibi from 21 to 25 July in honour of Saint Mary Magdalene, the town’s patron saint, and is recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Local. Its roots lie in the transhumance of fighting bulls; originally, it was associated with driving the cows from the river into the town.

The patron saint festivities in honour of Saint Mary Magdalene date back to the 15th century and take place from 20 July. In January, they are followed by the winter festivities Danzas de reinados moro y cristiano with the Reinado Cristiano and Reinado Moro groups, traditional dances, music with charamita and drum, as well as the Subasta de Tonyes.

Les Aixames, also known as Rodà d’aixames, is a tradition in Tibi: On the evening of 24 December, people walk through the streets of the town from Plaça d’Espanya and in small groups. On the penultimate weekend in October, the Feria Tradicional de Artesanía y Oficios de Tibi showcases local handicrafts and typical products. The pilgrimage to Casa de la Pedrera takes place on the Saturday closest to 28 November and commemorates the discovery of the Sagrada Forma Incorrupta in honour of Nostre Senyor Trobat.

History and Water

Construction of the Pantano de Tibi began in 1580 and was completed in 1594. The reservoir serves to store river water for the Huerta de Alicante.

According to tradition, the Ermita de Santa María Magdalena is associated with an apparition of Saint Mary Magdalene to Juana Amat on 9 July 1445. A branch of the olive tree associated with this story is kept in the Camerino.

The Castillo de Tibi is attributed to Arab origins; the medieval fortress was a strategic communication point between the inland areas and the coast. On 28 December 2000, the Castillo de Tibi was listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category and placed under heritage protection.

The Parroquia de Santa María Magdalena dates from the 18th century. Its bell tower is attributed to a possibly Arab origin.

Routes and Viewpoints

The A L’Aljub route leads from the Balcón de Alicante to the l’Aljub urbanisation and is classified as a moderately difficult route covering 2.5 kilometres one way with 305 metres of elevation gain. The Ruta Castillo is a local route leading to the Castillo de Tibi, with panoramic views over the region. The Ruta Casco runs on foot through Tibi’s old town and to viewpoints with panoramic views.

The Ruta L’ull de la Font conveys Tibi’s special historical relationship with water, its water channels and the history of the Pantano de Tibi. La Villa de Tibi is an 8.5-kilometre circular route with a stated duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a moderate difficulty level. For personal planning, the routes can be compared by their stated length, duration and difficulty.

Nature

Tibi is located in the protected landscape area of Serra del Maigmó i Serra del Sit. This forms an important natural area of the Mediterranean mountain landscape with numerous habitats as well as plant and animal species.

The Tibi Tourist Information Office is located at Plaza d’Espanya 1 in Tibi, 03109.

More destinations: Orihuela, Calpe, Agres, Santa Pola, Javea, Pinoso, Ontilles, Castalla

To the higher-level travel overview: Alicante.