As the Costa Blanca South rang in 2026 with fireworks and celebrations, two local families received the ultimate New Year’s gift. The maternity wards in Torrevieja and Orihuela were buzzing with excitement as they welcomed the first “Vega Bajenses” of the year, gifting a hopeful start to the new calendar.
The region’s early bird: Israel
The title of the first baby born in the Vega Baja health district for 2026 went to little Israel. He made his grand entrance at 4.37am at the Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja “Manuel García Gea”. Weighing in as a healthy newborn, Israel and his parents were greeted by a team of delighted healthcare professionals.
The Torrevieja Health Department expressed their joy in an official statement, thanking the medical staff whose dedication ensured a smooth delivery during the first hours of the year. For the coastal town, Israel’s arrival is seen as a “heartbeat of hope”, symbolising the growth and future of the diverse community in Torrevieja.
Orihuela’s first arrival: Izan
Shortly after, the inland city of Orihuela celebrated its own milestone. Izan became the first baby of 2026 born at the Hospital Vega Baja. While he arrived a few hours after Israel, his birth was no less celebrated. Izan represents the first of many expected births this year for the regional hospital, which serves a wide catchment area of surrounding towns.
Provincial context
While Israel and Izan were the stars of the south, the first baby in the entire Alicante province was a girl named Elena, born at 2am at the Hospital General Universitario Dr Balmis in Alicante city.
Across the region, these births are a cause for celebration amidst a national focus on encouraging birth rates. For the families in Torrevieja and Orihuela, 2026 has begun with a message of life and renewal.