Costa Blanca is home to Spain's second largest pilgrimage

Visitors can witness a varying range of festivals and events that take place during March and April and get a taste of Spanish culture.

Each year nearly 200,000 people walk to the Moasterio de Santa Faz as part of the second-largest pilgrimage in Spain, known as the Santa Faz pilgrimage.

Starting at around eight am the route runs along eight kilometres of road from Alicante's town hall to the monastery.

People stop along the way for paraeta which is a traditional breakfast of anise rolls and mistela wine.

On arrival at the monestary a veil is placed which is said to be the one with which Veronica dabbed at the bleeding face of Jesus as he carried his cross to Calvary.

The first pilgrimage was made in 1489 and the tradition is very popular in the region.

When the religious celebrations are over visitors can go to the stands that sell different kinds of objects, particularly earthenware bells, and then head to a quiet spot for a picnic.

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