Spaniards like to have fun, not work and observe traditions, and there is more than one holiday that combines all three points! “Hogueras” or in Spanish: “bonfires” or “lights” is the largest festival in the city of Alicante and the entire coast of Costa Blanca. This holiday has its origins in the tradition of burning useless objects with the onset of the summer solstice. The holiday officially begins on June 20 and lasts until the 29th of the same month. More than two hundred papier-mâché figures (bonfires) with satirical themes are set up in the city. They range from a meter to the height of a 5-storey building. Each figure is individual and has its own plot and bright colors and design.
In addition to the beautiful and cultural component of the holiday, Spaniards would not be Spanish without the noisy family feasts with beer and wine that they hold every day during the week, peppered throughout the streets. All of this is accompanied by loud music, dancing and constant pero-technical performances. Usually at noon, the whole town comes to a standstill to listen to the “Mascletàs,” a spectacular fireworks competition held in the main squares. However, people don’t come to the square for the bright lights, which you can’t see during the day, but for the rumble and explosions of firecrackers that fill the whole city and become its heartbeat.
What do bonfires have to do with it then, you ask? It is those very beautiful figurines that, after a week of exhibition and selection of the winner among them, turn into blazing high bonfires. The figurines are burned, accompanying all this with music and applause, saying goodbye to the holiday until next year. This makes each year unique, as you will only be able to see each statue for a few days.
Do you want to see this holiday and experience the Spanish fiesta? Come to Alicante in June and see for yourself!
