The Bonfires of Saint John (Spanish: Hogueras de San Juan) is the largest city-wide festival in Alicante, it is considered to be a landmark event for the region.

Summer celebrations of San Juan, also known as Saint John, is a city festival with folklore traditions and perhaps in some part with religious connotations. Saint John is celebrated on the 24th of June in Spain: the festivities are hosted in many towns across the country, but the biggest one takes place in Alicante where the festival is one the most important events on the calendar.

The Bonfire night coincides with Midsummer. Besides, Alicante’s festival is famous even beyond Spain: every year it attracts tens of thousands of citizens and thousands of guests from all over the world.

The festivities go on for several days. The events start on June 20: every area of Alicante prepares two bonfires, the main one and one for children, a little later bonfires participate in a competition for the best luminous construction.

Rituals with flower offerings to the Vestal Virgin, Virgen del Remedio, the patron saint of Alicante, take place over the next two days. Dressed up girls and elegant senoras from every area of the city walk to the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas as part of a flower parade and create a vivid blooming carpet of petals there.

On June 23, the International Folklore Parade takes place, it’s reminiscent of a carnival and involves, dancing, musical ensembles and fantasy-inspired floats on which participants from all over the world dance to music from their countries.

And finally, it’s the most anticipated, long and magical Bonfire night, the main event is called the Burning (La Cremá) when hundred of bonfires light up all over the city. The fires are built around colourful figures – fairytale characters destined to burn to serve the celebration.

At midnight, over Mount Benacantil with Santa Barbara Castle, a firework display takes place. The Bonfire Night continues in the city even after the official programme is over: the most popular lace is Postiguet Beach where people have picnics, night swims and long get-togethers with friends and family.