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June 19-24 Bonfires of San Juan festival in Alicante
A week-long celebration combining tradition, music and fireworks on the Costa Blanca
Every June, the city of Alicante quite literally lights up with one of Spain’s most spectacular festivals: the Bonfires of San Juan (Hogueras de San Juan). Rooted in ancient midsummer traditions and now a full-blown explosion of art, fire and fun, this week-long celebration marks the start of summer with a unique blend of fire-filled rituals, street parties, music and dazzling fireworks.
This year, the festivities will take place from June 19 to 24, transforming the Costa Blanca capital into a vibrant hub of celebration where tradition meets pure fiesta energy.
The Bonfires of San Juan are more than just a nod to the summer solstice; they’re a cornerstone of Alicante’s cultural identity. And for six unforgettable days, the entire city gets involved.
Here’s what to expect:
June 19 – La Plantà
Things kick off on Thursday June 19 with La Plantà, the official start of the festival. Artists and crews work through the night to install the enormous, satirical bonfire monuments called hogueras all across the city.
These intricate sculptures, often political or humorous, are made of wood and papier-mâché and will be judged before being set ablaze.
Daily Festivities (June 19–24)
- Despertà (8am): Wake up to the sound of firecrackers and marching bands as neighbourhoods come alive with the traditional morning revelry.
- Mascletà (2pm): Head to the Plaza de los Luceros for a daily thunderous firework display. Earplugs optional, excitement guaranteed.
- Night-time Verbenas (11pm-6am): As the sun goes down, Alicante’s many districts erupt into late-night verbenas, open-air parties in barracas (pop-up huts) where music, dancing and cold drinks keep the party going until sunrise.
June 21 – Entrance of Bands (7pm)
Marching bands from all over parade through the city in full festive style. This musical procession is a fan favourite and sets the tone for the weekend ahead.
June 22 – Awards and Flower Offering
- Awards Ceremony (11.30am): Recognition is given to the best and most creative hogueras.
- Flower Offering to the Virgin of the Remedy (7pm): A more solemn but beautiful tradition, with participants dressed in traditional costume parading through the city to offer flowers to Alicante’s patron saint.
June 23 – International Folklore Parade (9pm)
Cultures from across the globe take the stage with a vibrant parade of music and dance, celebrating Alicante’s international spirit. Bonus: June 23 is a local holiday, so the party goes even harder.
June 24 – La Cremà (midnight)
This is the big one. At the stroke of midnight, after a spectacular firework known as the Monumental Palm is launched, all the hogueras are set alight in a cathartic finale known as La Cremà. Firefighters stand by to cool the crowd with hoses, as the sky fills with smoke, sparks and cheers.
June 24 is also a local holiday, giving everyone a chance to rest, recover… or keep celebrating.
Image: Hogueras de San Juan de Alicante
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