Alicante, a vibrant city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, is not only known for its stunning beaches and delicious cuisine but also for its lively festivals that capture the essence of Spanish culture. These festivals, deeply rooted in tradition, are celebrated with enthusiasm by locals and visitors alike. If you want to experience Alicante like a true local, immerse yourself in the city’s most beloved festivals. Here’s a guide to Alicante’s best local festivals, where you can celebrate and make unforgettable memories.
1. Hogueras de San Juan (Bonfires of Saint John)
The Hogueras de San Juan, celebrated every June, is Alicante’s most important festival, marking the arrival of summer. This UNESCO-recognized festival is a spectacular display of art, fire, and community spirit. The city comes alive with vibrant parades, fireworks, and the burning of large satirical effigies known as hogueras.
- When: June 20-24
- Where: Throughout Alicante, with the main events in the city center.
- Highlights: The Plantà (assembly of the bonfires), the Mascletà (daytime fireworks), and the Cremà (burning of the bonfires on the night of June 24).
- Local Tip: Head to Plaza del Ayuntamiento for the best views of the Mascletà, and don’t miss the Banyata* at Postiguet Beach, where locals jump into the sea after the bonfires are burned.
2. Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians Festival)
This festival is a colorful reenactment of the battles between the Moors and Christians during the Reconquista. Celebrated in many towns and cities across Spain, the version in Villafranqueza, a district of Alicante, is particularly famous for its grandeur. The festival features elaborate costumes, mock battles, and parades that transport spectators back to medieval times.
- When: April (dates vary)
- Where: Villafranqueza, a neighborhood in Alicante.
- Highlights: The grand parades of Moors and Christians, the Embajadas (dramatized negotiations), and the final battle reenactment.
- Local Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot for viewing the parades and bring earplugs—the gunpowder used in the battles can be quite loud!
3. Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Semana Santa in Alicante is a deeply religious and solemn festival, celebrated with processions that depict the Passion of Christ. The streets are filled with cofradías (brotherhoods) carrying ornately decorated floats, some weighing several tons. The atmosphere is one of reflection and reverence, with the city’s historic center providing a dramatic backdrop.
- When: The week leading up to Easter Sunday.
- Where: The historic center of Alicante, with processions starting from various churches.
- Highlights: The Procesión del Silencio (Procession of Silence) on Holy Thursday and the La Madrugá (The Early Hours) on Good Friday.
- Local Tip: Dress modestly and be respectful of the solemnity of the event. Watching from the balconies of the old town offers a unique perspective of the processions.
4. Romería de la Santa Faz (Pilgrimage of the Holy Face)
One of the oldest and most important religious festivals in Alicante, the Romería de la Santa Faz, attracts thousands of pilgrims each year. The festival commemorates a miraculous event involving the veil of Saint Veronica, which is said to have wiped the face of Jesus. Pilgrims walk from Alicante to the nearby village of Santa Faz, where the relic is kept.
- When: The second Thursday after Easter.
- Where: Starts at Alicante’s Cathedral of St. Nicholas and ends at the Monastery of Santa Faz.
- Highlights: The pilgrimage itself, with locals walking 8 kilometers to Santa Faz, and the vibrant market that springs up around the monastery.
- Local Tip: Join the pilgrimage early in the morning to experience the full journey, and don’t forget to try the traditional panquemado (sweet bread) sold by vendors along the way.
5. Carnaval de Alicante
Alicante’s Carnaval is a lively and colorful festival that takes over the city with parades, music, and dancing. The festival is a prelude to Lent and is marked by a spirit of revelry and excess. The most famous event is the Ramblero, a grand parade that winds through the city’s main avenue, La Rambla.
- When: February (dates vary based on the Easter calendar).
- Where: La Rambla de Méndez Núñez and various locations throughout Alicante.
- Highlights: The Ramblero parade, the Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine), and the Noche de la Mascletà (Night of Fireworks).
- Local Tip: Wear a costume and join the locals in the Ramblero parade. The more creative your outfit, the better!
6. Virgen del Remedio (Feast of Our Lady of Remedy)
The Virgen del Remedio is the patron saint of Alicante, and her feast day is celebrated with various religious and cultural events. The highlight is a solemn procession through the streets of Alicante, where the statue of the Virgin is carried by members of the local brotherhoods. The festival also includes traditional music, dances, and fireworks.
- When: August 5.
- Where: The historic center of Alicante, particularly around the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás.
- Highlights: The procession of the Virgin, the Danza de los Enamorados (Dance of the Lovers), and the final fireworks display.
- Local Tip: Attend the early morning Misa del Alba (Dawn Mass) for a truly local experience, followed by a chocolate con churros breakfast in the nearby cafés.
How to Celebrate Like a Local
To truly experience Alicante’s festivals like a local, it’s essential to immerse yourself in the city’s customs and traditions. Rather than simply observing, take an active role by joining in the processions, dancing in the parades, and savoring the local cuisine and drinks.
Understanding and respecting the deep religious significance of many of these festivals is also important, so approach the solemn moments with reverence. Your attire should reflect the nature of the event—dress modestly for religious festivals, while for Carnaval, embrace the opportunity to wear something creative and fun.
Even a basic understanding of Spanish can enhance your interactions with locals and deepen your festival experience. Lastly, some festivals, particularly the Hogueras de San Juan, require careful planning. Ensuring that you book accommodations and events well in advance will help you fully enjoy the festivities without any last-minute hassles.
Alicante’s festivals offer a unique insight into the city’s rich cultural heritage and provide an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to celebrate like a local. From the fiery bonfires of Hogueras de San Juan to the solemn processions of Semana Santa, each festival reflects the vibrant spirit of Alicante and its people. So, whether you’re visiting for a short time or planning a longer stay, make sure to mark these festivals on your calendar and immerse yourself in the joyous celebrations that define life in Alicante.