Hogueras face the fire
The ' Hoguera' outside Alicante city hall and hundreds more will go up in flames on Saturday night (see programmes for each town in our What's On section), the night after thousands gather on Costa beaches to celebrate the night of San Juan
THE BIGGEST annual party is set to take place on beaches across the region on Friday night, June 23, to celebrate the festival of San Juan.
Ritual dictates that it is a special night to ward off evil spirits and clean out everything bad in your life. It is a very ancient festival, originally with deep religious meaning, but has become diluted and is basically a night of partying and fun with friends and family.
The beaches will be crowded with both locals and tourists out to celebrate the start of the Midsummer solstice.
Starting from about 19.00, many will gather in groups, bringing tables, chairs, food and plenty of drinks in cool boxes. It is an amazing atmosphere and at midnight those brave enough go into the sea; for those who are not that courageous a splash and paddle will do!
Although bonfires are banned on the beaches, particu- larly during this very dry, hot period, Albir council usually construct a small “hoguera” near to the anchor, ready to be lit by the firemen at midnight.
As the fire dies down the firemen will rake up the remains, hose down the surrounding sand and allow people to jump over it - always on hand with the hoses spraying water. It is a tradition like none other and certainly worth attending if you are in the area. There will be a DJ playing music, dance demonstrations and a bar set up next to the anchor.
Meanwhile, in La Cala Finestrat at 19.30 there will be an open-air beach zumba session which is free for everyone to join in. Then from 21.00 onwards a host of DJs including Antony Vercher, Jesús Castillo, Rubén Aguiló and SBNZ and Arhamys G will help everyone party the night away.
Parking will be extremely difficult around all beach areas, so be prepared to park some way further back and walk down to the beach.
Alicante city beaches will agains she hundreds of bonfires and thousands of visitors on San Juan night, and similar gatherings will take place in other areas - see page 37.