As a student fortunate enough to explore the beautiful city of Alicante, Spain, while studying abroad here, I've been captivated by the city’s culture and history since my arrival. Having been here for a month and a half now, I find myself exploring new parts of the city each day.  

This is a photo from our culture of wine workshop hosted at Urban Wine Shop & Bar. We were introduced to the science and study of winemaking and sampled wines from our region while practicing identifying their nuances. Food was paired with the wines, including patata bravas, one of my favorite Spanish dishes. 

One of my favorite parts of Alicante culture is the people. Through daily interactions with Alicante natives at my favorite coffee shop, Coffee Nutz, meeting classmates at the university, or even on the tram, I find myself connecting with my community.  

These experiences have not only helped to advance my Spanish-speaking skills but have also allowed me to gain insights into the customs, traditions, and way of life in Alicante.  

A photo from my trip to Villajoyosa and the Valor Chocolate Museum! Here we learned about Chocolate Valor, one of the most famous fine chocolate producers in Spain and which exports internationally. 

A cooking workshop my CEA CAPA group and I attended. In teams of three, we were able to prepare a seafood paella known as arroz a banda. Once the paellas were ready, we all sat down and enjoyed them for dinner. 

By engaging with the host community through my academic institution, I've been able to form genuine connections and friendships. From the moment I arrived, I have felt at home due to the welcoming culture this city contains. The kindness and openness of locals have greatly contributed to my sense of belonging and immersion.  

This is from a flamenco dance class I attended. Although I am not much of a dancer, this was a super fun experience. 

Another highlight of Alicante culture is the local festivals. On February 10th, the Alicante Carnival (known as the Carnaval de Alicante in Spanish) takes place. This is an annual festival in the weeks leading up to Lent. This celebration was truly amazing as the streets were filled with parades, extravagant costumes, music, dance, and cultural performances. This was a beautiful time for the people of Alicante to come together in a celebration of life, community, and cultural heritage. 

This is from the weekend of Carnaval de Alicante. This was taken on the street right below my apartment. 

Finally, I have truly fallen in love with my local neighborhood in Alicante. My apartment is located in downtown Alicante. All within only a short walk, I have access to la Playa del Postiguet, Castell de Santa Bàrbara, Mercat Central d’Alacant, MACA Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante, Esplanada, and Parque el Palmeral.  

The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MACA), located in front of the Basilica de Santa Maria. This museum exhibits 20th-century and contemporary art. During my visit, I saw pieces by a local artist, Eusebio Sempre. 

One of the most famous tourist spots in Alicante, “the house with the blue pots.” On my way up to the Castell de Santa Bàrbara, I pass this beautiful street, known as Calle de Santa Cruz.  

I have never lived in a city before, so being only a walking distance from so many amazing experiences has been awesome!  

La Playa del Postiguet as seen on my walk down from the Castell de Santa Bàrbara. I had a friend visiting for the weekend, so of course I had to show her Alicante’s most famous spots, including the castle and beach! 

Something that I have embraced within this culture is the idea of mostly walking or using public transportation. Honestly, I don’t mind taking a 30-minute walk to a destination as the streets of Alicante are a treasure trove of culinary delights, artistic expression, and beauty. I often find myself getting lost wandering around as it is truly mesmerizing.