Discover Alicante in Hogueras de San Juan
The city of Alicante is living this June its big weeks of parties, which will culminate on June 24 in San Juan with its famous “fogueres”. Next, we will make a tour explaining what you should know about Alicante in Hogueras de San Juan. You will see that it is worth living these holidays up close. Remember that you have the possibility to travel by plane and request a transfer from Alicante airport to any point in the city or province.
History of the Bonfires in Alicante
The Bonfires of San Juan in Alicante are a tradition of remote origin. Rites with fire have been common throughout the centuries on the Valencian coast. Another clear example of this are the Fallas de Valencia. In the case of Alicante, the fire was used by farmers to celebrate the longest day of the year. This became his most fruitful day. The burning of different materials symbolized in turn the purification and destruction of evils.
This custom was extended little by little until it was celebrated by everyone in the city. In 1822, the mayor of Alicante published a bill that fined those who lit bonfires or launched rockets in San Juan. It would continue to be that way for years to come. But it was in 1881 when, in a mistake, the City of Alicante did not publish the side. This caused that year the neighbors of Alicante were distributed the streets establishing the calls “street parties”, where there were games, music and the first “ninots”. The latter are satirical figures who caricature famous people of culture or politics. In 1928, the Bonfires of Alicante were officially established as a local festival.
What to do during the Bonfires of San Juan de Alicante
There are many activities of tourist interest that surround Alicante in Hogueras de San Juan. One of them, every weekend of the month of June, are the “mascletás”. These pyrotechnics shows are very appreciated by visitors and by the people of Alicante.Each “mascletá” lasts about 10 minutes in which the spectacle of sounds and the smell of gunpowder hook the viewer. At the top of one of the tallest buildings facing Plaza Luceros, where they are usually made,there is a jury that rates the “mascletá”.
For the most partying visitors, street parties and barracks are equally recommendable. These are some places on the street with original decoration on the outside where people from the neighborhood hang out with food, drink and music.
Before they are burned on the night of San Juan, theirs is to make a route to see the different bonfires with their “ninots”, which are distributed in the neighborhoods since days before. When the night of the 23rd arrives, a day before the “cremá” of the Hogueras, it is time to light bonfires on the beach with family and friends. People take advantage becauseit is the only night of the year in which it is allowed.
Finally, on the night of San Juan, the celebrations begin when “the palm tree” is launched from the Castle of Santa Bárbara. That is, a burst of fireworks shaped like a palm leaf, visible from the whole city and announcing the beginning of the burning or “cremá” of the Bonfires. You start with the bonfire of the Town Hall Square and then turn on the rest, becoming a great show.
During the holidays, do not forget to taste the gastronomy of Alicante anddrink a good blue horchata. There are also concert cycles throughout the month and large folkloric parades are held periodically. So it’s sure you will not get bored.
