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The Best Festivals in Alicante: Experience Year-Round Celebrations
Alicante, located on Spain’s sunny Costa Blanca, is not only known for its stunning beaches and rich history but also for its vibrant festivals that bring the city to life throughout the year. From centuries-old traditions to modern celebrations, Alicante’s festivals offer a unique glimpse into the heart of Spanish culture. Whether you're a visitor or a local, participating in these events is a must-do to experience the true spirit of Alicante.
In this article, we will explore the best festivals in Alicante, showcasing the diverse and lively celebrations that make this city a year-round fiesta. Don't forget to check out The Best Festivals in Alicante: A Year-Round Fiesta for more in-depth information and insider tips on these remarkable events.
1. The Bonfires of San Juan (Hogueras de San Juan)
When: June 20-24
Where: Throughout Alicante
The Bonfires of San Juan is Alicante’s most famous and eagerly anticipated festival. Celebrated every June, this festival marks the arrival of summer and is known for its spectacular bonfires, fireworks, and street parties. The event culminates in the burning of large, intricate sculptures called "hogueras," which are made of wood, cardboard, and other materials.
Highlights:
- La Planta: The night when the "hogueras" are installed throughout the city.
- La Cremà: The dramatic burning of the hogueras, accompanied by fireworks.
- Mascletà: A daily afternoon event featuring loud and rhythmic firecrackers in the city’s main squares.
- Parades: Colorful parades featuring traditional costumes, music, and dancing.
2. Moors and Christians Festival (Moros y Cristianos)
When: Various dates, with the main celebration in April
Where: Various towns in the Alicante province, with notable celebrations in Alcoy and Villajoyosa
The Moors and Christians Festival is a historical reenactment of the battles between the Moors and Christians that took place in Spain during the Reconquista. This festival is celebrated in many towns throughout the Alicante province, but the most famous is in Alcoy, where it originated.
Highlights:
- Parades: Elaborate parades with participants dressed in stunning costumes representing Moors and Christians.
- Reenactments: Dramatic reenactments of battles between the two groups.
- Fireworks: Spectacular fireworks displays to celebrate the Christians’ victory.
3. Alicante Carnival (Carnaval de Alicante)
When: February or March (dates vary)
Where: Alicante city center
Alicante’s Carnival is one of the liveliest and most colorful events of the year. This pre-Lenten celebration is filled with street parties, parades, and flamboyant costumes. The carnival kicks off with the "Don Carnal," a massive parade that marks the beginning of the festivities.
Highlights:
- Ramblero Parade: A vibrant parade down the Rambla de Méndez Núñez, featuring floats, music, and dancers.
- Night Parties: Themed parties that take place in the city’s main squares and streets, where locals and visitors dance until dawn.
- Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine): A humorous mock funeral that marks the end of Carnival, where a large sardine effigy is burned.
4. Holy Week (Semana Santa)
When: March or April (dates vary)
Where: Throughout Alicante
Holy Week in Alicante is a solemn and deeply religious event, marked by processions that commemorate the Passion of Christ. The processions feature participants in traditional robes and hoods, carrying religious icons through the streets of Alicante.
Highlights:
- Palm Sunday: The processions begin on Palm Sunday, with participants carrying palm fronds.
- Maundy Thursday: One of the most significant days of Holy Week, featuring the Procession of Silence.
- Good Friday: The day is marked by several processions, including the Solemn Procession of the Holy Burial.
- Easter Sunday: Celebrations culminate with a joyful procession marking the resurrection of Christ.
5. Alicante Summer Festival (Festival de Verano de Alicante)
When: July-August
Where: Various locations in Alicante
The Alicante Summer Festival is a cultural event that takes place during the height of summer, offering a wide range of activities, including music, theater, dance, and film screenings. The festival attracts both locals and tourists who come to enjoy the warm evenings filled with entertainment.
Highlights:
- Open-Air Concerts: Live performances by national and international artists in outdoor venues.
- Theater Performances: A variety of theatrical productions, from classic plays to modern interpretations.
- Dance Shows: Flamenco performances, contemporary dance, and more.
- Film Screenings: Outdoor movie nights in some of Alicante’s most iconic locations.
6. All Saints' Fair (Feria de Todos los Santos)
When: October 31 - November 1
Where: Cocentaina, Alicante
The All Saints' Fair in Cocentaina is one of the oldest and most traditional festivals in the Alicante region, dating back to the 14th century. This fair is a celebration of agricultural and artisanal crafts, with hundreds of stalls offering local products, food, and handmade goods.
Highlights:
- Market Stalls: Over 800 stalls selling everything from local produce to handmade crafts.
- Livestock Exhibitions: A nod to the fair’s agricultural roots, featuring various livestock.
- Cultural Events: Music, dance, and theater performances throughout the fair.
- Medieval Market: A special area of the fair dedicated to medieval-themed goods and entertainment.
7. San Fermín Festival (Fiestas de San Fermín)
When: July 6-14
Where: Various towns in Alicante, with notable celebrations in Dénia
Though the most famous San Fermín Festival takes place in Pamplona, many towns in Alicante also celebrate this event with their own unique twist. In Dénia, the festival is known for its "Bous a la Mar" (Bulls in the Sea), where bulls are run through the streets and into the sea.
Highlights:
- Bull Runs: Exciting and adrenaline-pumping events where bulls are released into the streets.
- Bous a la Mar: A unique event where bulls are chased into the sea, followed by a lively party.
- Fireworks: Nightly fireworks displays to celebrate the festival.
8. Christmas and Three Kings’ Parade (Navidad y Cabalgata de Reyes)
When: December 24 - January 6
Where: Throughout Alicante
The Christmas season in Alicante is magical, with festive lights, markets, and the grand Three Kings’ Parade. This parade takes place on the evening of January 5th and is one of the most beloved events of the year, especially for children.
Highlights:
- Christmas Markets: Stalls offering holiday treats, gifts, and decorations.
- Three Kings’ Parade: A grand procession where the Three Kings distribute sweets and gifts to children.
- Nativity Scenes: Elaborate nativity scenes displayed in churches and public spaces.
- Concerts: Christmas carol concerts and performances in various locations.
Alicante is a city that knows how to celebrate, with festivals that reflect its rich history, culture, and traditions. Whether you're drawn to the fiery spectacle of the Bonfires of San Juan, the historical reenactments of the Moors and Christians, or the lively atmosphere of the Alicante Carnival, there’s a festival in Alicante for everyone to enjoy.