Dolores
The Town of Dolores is situated in the Comarca de la Vega Baja in Alicante, only 9 kilometres from beautiful beaches or Guardamar and La Marina. It is a beautiful country town, in the heart of the Spanish huerta (vegetable garden) easily accessible by means of the Alicante to Cartagena motorway (a 10 minute drive away).
Dolores has an approximate area of 18.25 km2 (7 square miles) and the average monthly temperature varies between 16°C (61°F) in December and January and 28°C (82°F) in July and August.
The town of Dolores was founded in the year 1715, and its population is now close to 11,000 people. The typical Dolores cuisine is basically huertana (everything from the orchard), taking advantage of the exquisite fresh greens and vegetables produced in the area. Poultry and Game also being popular in some of the more typical recipes. With Dolores being so close to the Mediterranean, many dishes include fresh fish and seafood. As for fresh fruits; watermelons, peaches, oranges and many more are simply delicious.
All towns in Spain like to party and have their fiestas, Dolores is no exception!
The Feria de Agosto is one of the more important fairs of Spain, and it features a Spanish Horse Contest. More than 1,500 horses are shown each year in all sorts of games and activities. Cattle and dog contests are also held at this event. The Fiesta de la Virgen includes a carriage parade, the running of the "vaca toposa" (a variety of a small, aggressive cow), and the procession to honor the Virgen de los Dolores (Virgin of Sorrows), the patron saint of the village.