Hogueras de Alicante

Introduction and local significance

Las Hogueras de Alicante are the official festivities of the city of Alicante, located in the Comunitat Valenciana, and are celebrated from 20 to 24 June 2027. This festival has held the declaration of International Tourist Interest since 1983 and was catalogued as an Intangible Cultural Heritage Asset in 2014. Its celebration commemorates the summer solstice through a combination of ephemeral art, fire and popular tradition in the streets of the municipality.

Historical origins and tradition

The festival has its roots in ancient times when Alicante farmers celebrated the longest day of the year for harvesting and the shortest night for the destruction of evils. Following precedents such as the decree issued in 1822 by the mayor prohibiting the lighting of bonfires and the spontaneous street celebrations of 1881 with games and the first ninots (figures), the official festivities were born thanks to the impetus of José María Py. Inspired by the Valencian fallas to attract tourism, he managed to get the Alicante Atracción association to organise the first celebrations, whose first festive event with a parade and firecrackers was held on 7 April 1928, with nine bonfire monuments erected on 23 June of that same year.

Institutional development continued in 1929 with the creation of the Comisión Gestora de Les Fogueres de San Chuan and the composition of the official anthem, the paso doble Les Fogueres de San Chuan (also known as A la llum de les fogueres), with music by Luis Torregrosa García and lyrics by José Ferrándiz Torremocha. In 1931, the first regulations were established by the Civil Governance and the first barraca (festival marquee) appeared, the Peña Els 31, followed in 1932 by the creation of the first women's committee and the election of the first Bellea del foc (Queen of the Fire), Amparito Quereda Bernabeu. A year later, in 1933, the palm tree of fireworks was launched for the first time from Mount Benacantil, located at the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. After the interruption of the Civil War, the festivities resumed in 1940, with the floral offering to the Virgen de los Remedios being introduced in 1941, the first child Bellea del foc, Teresa García González, alongside the Special Category in 1946, and the official bonfire in 1951.

Programme and main events

The official programme for this edition will run from 20 to 24 June 2027 and includes such prominent milestones as the Nit de la Cremà (Night of the Burning) during the night of 24 June. Likewise, the calendar includes the traditional mascletàs (daytime firework displays), scheduled for 14:00 in the Plaza de los Luceros during the preceding days and the main days, and the Floral Offering to the Virgen del Remedio, structured over two afternoons. Street work begins with the setting up of the children's bonfire on 20 June at 06:00 in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, followed on 21 June at the same time by the setting up of the adult bonfire in the same location. To check the full details of the events, it is necessary to consult the official programme.

Traditional festival food

Official documents and sources of Las Hogueras de Alicante do not include a specific list of traditional dishes, recipes or exclusive gastronomic products formally linked to the festivity. During the celebration dates, activity is concentrated on participation in the monuments, the barracas and institutional events, without the official record detailing typical culinary elements unique to this event.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To organise your visit to the festivities, it is advisable to bear in mind the general advice provided by the official organisation of the celebrations. It is recommended to book accommodation well in advance for the designated dates, choosing establishments located within the municipality itself or in nearby towns that facilitate following the night-time events. During the days of highest public turnout, it is preferable to use public transport or choose to park the vehicle outside the city centre. Finally, before travelling to the municipality, it is advisable to check the official programme to stay informed of possible changes in schedules or event locations.