St Juan Festival in Alicante
The Fogueres de Sant Joan is the biggest festival in Alicante’s calendar and pays homage to Saint John as well as celebrates the summer solstice with bonfires and fireworks. The festivities begin with the pregón (proclamation) where giant satirical artistic monuments of papier mâché and wood are set up all over the city on the night of 20 June, somewhat similar to Las Fallas in Valencia. Four days later, on the Nit del Foc, they are burned in a ritual known as the “cremà” following an incredible fireworks display at St Barbara Castle. Aside from the 200 bonfires and fireworks, there is a wide range of parades, processions, bullfights, musical performances and sports events all over the city meaning this is one of the best times to visit this tourist Mecca.
For more info on the festival, visit: http://www.alicante.es/ingles
For more info on what to see and do in Alicante, check: http://www.alicanteturismo.com
