Xàbia Rings in 2026 with Traditional New Year’s Charity Dip
The proceeds from the annual dip with support the work of Cruz Roja de Xàbia, Heidi Eckert at PC Highway and La Visión clinic in Madacasgar.
Foto: Facebook - Rab Ronaldson
Xàbia welcomed 2026 with one of its most cherished and unique traditions: the New Year’s Day charity swim at Arenal Beach. At 1.00pm, following the starting signal, hundreds of participants plunged into the sea, staying in the water for several minutes despite the cold temperatures.
The event, organized by Chris and Stephen of the Lancashire Bruja, brought together residents and visitors for a day full of fun, camaraderie, and social commitment. From the shore, crowds cheered on the swimmers while supporting the charitable causes promoted by the initiative.
Proceeds from the swim will go to three significant projects: the Cruz Roja de Xàbia; Heidi Eckert’s initiative at PC Highway Jávea, which provides weekly support to around 20 vulnerable families in the town; and La Visión clinic, a healthcare project in Fort Dauphin, Madagascar, run by Quentin Blaise and Jessica Zimmermann, focusing on the treatment of eye conditions.
The morning was bright and sunny, making the experience more pleasant than last year’s edition, which was affected by rain. The total amount raised for the three charities is not yet known, but organizers have said it will be announced in the coming weeks.
