The San Juan Bonfires: Festival, Tradition and Fire in Alicante

The San Juan Bonfires 2025, to be held in Alicante from 20 to 24 June, are one of our most spectacular festivals. In a city transformed by tradition and art, they mark the start of summer with their magnificent atmosphere.

Make the most of your visit and discover every corner of Alicante through this route. Try some of its delicious rice dishes and check out the programme so you don't miss a thing. Make a note!

The San Juan Bonfires in Alicante

In the days leading up to the festival, you'll start to notice a special atmosphere, with competitions to cook the best rice dish or paella, theatre performances and vibrant mascletás or firework displays. On 6 June, the Pregón, or opening speech, takes place, when les Bellees del Foc (the fire festival beauties), along with their Cortes de Honor (courts of honour), light the first fireworks. The very next day, the Ninot Parade takes place!

The Entrance of the Bands and Committees on the 14 June is another memorable moment of the San Juan Bonfires, as the celebrations get into gear and take on a festive atmosphere. The 15 June is the last day you can visit the Ninot Exhibition, when the public votes to save their favourite creations from the fire.

A fireworks display takes place on 17 June that you simply must not miss, known as the Arribada del Foc or Arrival of the Fire. The next day the mascletás competition begins and the barracas and racons start to go up! These are enclosures where neighbours and festival-goers gather. On the 20 and 21 June, the bonfires are set up and you can stroll around the city to decide on your favourite.

The bonfires or fogueres are monuments commemorating the bonfires that were lit to celebrate the night of San Juan (St John’s Eve) and are organised by the city’s various neighbourhoods. Today, they have become ephemeral sculptures full of colour and delicacy! Furthermore, the artists themselves design and create impressive portadas (façades) to accompany the barracas, decorating the streets.

The traditional floral offering to the Virgin of Remedio next to the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás takes place on 21 and 22 June. Finally, on the 23 June, it's time for the International Folk Parade. We recommend arriving early to grab a good spot to enjoy it.

The San Juan Bonfires end on 24 June with the burning of the bonfires and the barracas' façades. This follows a spectacular firework display launched from Mount Benacantil, where Santa Bárbara Castle is located. Summer will have begun and the city celebrates with a festival that promises to be memorable. What are you waiting for? Come to the party!