Carrer Nou is once again being decked out with more than 60 colourful lanterns crocheted by the women belonging to Associació de Dones de Finestrat (Finestrat Women's Association). The longest street in the old town is dressed up in bright hues of green, red, yellow, orange and blue, creating a cheerful springlike atmosphere. This is the second that the lanterns have been hung and, after proving to be very popular the first time round, this year the display has been extended to Carrer Fonteta. These decorative motifs enhance the picturesque atmosphere so typical of the old town, which is dotted with houses painted in pastel shades.

The lanterns have a lovely background story dating back twelve months ago, when the Associació de Dones de Finestrat and the Town Council Equality Department launched this initiative to mark the celebration of International Women's Day on 8 March. The street looked so original, and it was so well received that in only its second year the display already seems more like a long-standing tradition than a novelty. The lanterns remain almost until the arrival of winter, when the women of the town start meeting up again to make the new ones.

Such a good idea has to have its touch of formality. Next Saturday 11 March the official inauguration will be held at 12:30 pm in Carrer Nou. The ceremony will be followed by a wine reception to mark International Women's Day in Plaça de la Unió Europea. This won't be the only event scheduled to mark this special day, which began on 8 March at 5:00 pm with hot chocolate served at the headquarters of the Associació de Dones de Finestrat in Carrer Nou. The celebrations are set to continue on Friday 10 March at 7:00 pm with the screening of the documentary "Les cures, mans invisibles que sostenen la vida" ("Carers, invisible hands that sustain life") and a discussion at the Casa de Cultura. The festivities come to an end on Sunday 12 March at 7:00 pm with a music concert by Camareta Aitana at Casa de Cultura.