Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
74. Bonfires of Saint John, Alicante
June 21st is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.
This event has been celebrated since ancient times, and the festivities of
Saint John's Day
are directly linked to it, even though Saint John is celebrated three days later on June 24.
Different regions in Spain have their own ways to celebrate Saint John; the most typical
includes lighting bonfires on the beach or in the main square of a city and celebrating
throughout the night.
In Alicante, Saint John is the most important festival of the year. It begins on June 20 and
includes fireworks, parades, and street parties. The highlight of the festival occurs at mid-
night on the night of the 23
rd
, when fireworks launched from Santa Bárbara Castle light the
sky, followed by the Burning (
La Cremà
): the lighting of the bonfires across the beach.
Image Credit: General view of Toledo. Image by
orvalrochefort
.
When It's Free
This is an open festival, free to all.
