Retroalacant makes its return to Alicante, presenting a refreshed edition this weekend at Las Cigarreras. The event is organized by the Cultural Center alongside Jorge Selfa, owner of the Alicante bookstore Raíces, a hub devoted to old books and printed treasures.
The gathering is a heartbeat of nostalgia for enthusiasts of video games, classic consoles, tabletop games, and the physical artifacts that transport fans back to the 1980s and 1990s. Over two days, the program blends community camaraderie with curated experiences, including charity tournaments, hands-on workshops, live music, exhibition spaces, and arcade competitions. Visitors can look forward to book signings and a slate of activities spread across Saturday and Sunday. The schedule kicks off on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m., with Sunday morning sessions from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
As part of the expansive lineup, attendees will be treated to a feature in the venue’s vertical garden on Saturday. The display spotlights KITT, the iconic car from a beloved TV series, and its renowned onboard computer. The audience will get a chance to listen as the voices behind the machine provide insights into its fictional intelligence and personality.
The event will host an interview at 6:00 p.m. with Roland Perry, who is visiting Spain for the first time to share the saga of Amstrad. Perry played a pivotal role as the engineer responsible for the Amstrad CPC’s design. He will recount the conception of the computer, reveal the curiosities encountered during its development, and discuss the challenges and decisions faced while leading the Amstrad project.
In addition, several video game championships will be held, including a Street Fighter II Champion Edition Arcade Tournament. The competition will be projected on a giant screen and run in collaboration with the Retro Marcianitos association. Participants must register at the venue for the event, which is slated for Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m. A community-focused food drive will accompany the festivities, with three kilograms of non-perishable food donated to the Alicante Food Bank to support local residents in need.