Hogueras de San Juan 2026 Alicante Program
Hogueras de San Juan 2026 in Alicante: Everything You Need to Know
After more than twenty years of attending the Hogueras festivities, I know one thing for sure: there is no other celebration in Spain quite like these days in Alicante.
The smell of gunpowder fills the air. Music echoes through the streets. Giant works of art appear on every corner. And the entire city lives day and night for one unforgettable moment: La Cremà .
Whether you're visiting Alicante for the first time or you've been here before, Hogueras is something you should experience at least once in your life. This spectacular festival takes place every year from June 20 to June 24 and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
What are the Hogueras de San Juan festivities?
Hogueras de San Juan is to Alicante what Carnival is to Rio: the celebration the entire city looks forward to all year long.
Enormous artistic monuments made of wood and papier-mâché appear throughout the city. Every day brings fireworks, parades, street parties, music, and thousands of people celebrating together.
For several days, Alicante revolves entirely around tradition, fire, art, and festivities.
The most impressive part? Everything builds toward the night of June 24 , when the entire city quite literally goes up in flames during the famous La Cremà .
Tip: Expect extreme crowds; especially in the evenings.
Highlights You Don't Want to Miss
Walk Among the Giant Hogueras
From June 20 onwards, Alicante transforms into an open-air museum. Across the city, you'll find huge artistic monuments known as ninots , often portraying current events and social themes with humour and satire.
My favourite places to see the most impressive monuments are:
- Plaza del Ayuntamiento
- Plaza de los Luceros
- Plaza Séneca
- Explanada de España
- Avenida Alfonso X El Sabio
If you want great photos without the crowds, head out early in the morning.
The Daily Mascletà at Plaza de los Luceros
Every day at 2:00 PM , thousands of people gather at Plaza de los Luceros for one of the most iconic traditions of the festival: the Mascletà .
Don't expect a traditional fireworks display.
The Mascletà is all about sound, rhythm, vibration, and power. You don't just hear it ,you feel it throughout your entire body.
Even after all these years, it remains one of my favourite moments of the festival.
Noche de San Juan on the Beach (June 23)
The evening of June 23 is perhaps the most magical night of the year in Alicante.
Along the city's beaches, thousands of families and groups of friends gather around small bonfires. People share food and drinks, play music, and celebrate together late into the night.
According to tradition, jumping over the flames brings good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Whether you believe it or not, the atmosphere is absolutely magical.
Tip : Going here? Expect massive crowds and to get drenched. Tip: bring a waterproof phone pouch. And avoid clothes that catch fire easily, like synthetic fabrics.
La Cremà: A Night You'll Never Forget
At midnight on June 24, the grand finale of Hogueras begins.
First, the famous Palmera fireworks display is launched from the top of Santa Bárbara Castle . Moments later, the monuments across the city are set on fire.
Want to witness the most spectacular Cremà?
Head to Plaza del Ayuntamiento .
The square becomes a breathtaking combination of fire, water, emotion, and celebration. Firefighters spray the crowd with water, people cheer and sing, and within minutes a monument that took months to create disappears into the flames.
It's a moment you'll never forget.
Hogueras Alicante 2026 Program
Friday, June 5
- 6:30 PM – Música per a una Festa , featuring 1,100 musicians and 25 bands at Plaza de España.
- 7:00 PM – Tribute to deceased Foguerers and Barraquers at Plaza de España.
- 7:30 PM – Pregón Parade from Plaza de España to Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 9:00 PM – Official Pregón from Plaza del Ayuntamiento, marking the start of the festivities.
- 11:00 PM – Pregón Celebration at Zona Volvo.
Saturday, June 6
- 7:00 PM – Ninot Parade along the official route from Plaza de los Luceros to Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Sunday, June 7
- 2:00 PM – Mascletà as part of the Pólvora Tot l'Any series on Avenida Unicef 6.
- 6:00 PM – Traditional folklore dancing, workshops, crafts, games, and performances on Avenida de la Constitución.
Saturday, June 13
- 2:00 PM – Mascletà at Gran Vía Shopping Centre (Plaza Agatangelo Soler).
- 7:00 PM – Parade of bands and festival commissions.
Sunday, June 14
- 8:00 PM – Closing of the Ninot Exhibition and award ceremony at La Lonja del Pescado.
Wednesday, June 17
- Afternoon – Installation of the official Hoguera monument at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- 11:30 PM – "Arribada del Foc" light and sound show on the façade of El Corte Inglés near Plaza de la Estrella.
Mascletà Competition
Thursday, June 18
- 2:00 PM – First Mascletà at Plaza de los Luceros (non-competitive), by Fuegos Artificiales del Mediterráneo.
Friday, June 19
- 2:00 PM – Second Mascletà of the official competition.
Saturday, June 20
- 12:01 AM – Official Plantà of children's monuments and street ninots.
- 2:00 PM – Third Mascletà of the competition.
- 8:30 PM – Opening of the Barracas and Racós (festival tents and social gathering areas).
Monday, June 22
- 11:00 AM – Awards parade from City Hall to La Rambla.
- 2:00 PM – Fifth Mascletà.
- 6:00 PM – Second Flower Offering to the Virgen del Remedio via La Rambla towards the Basilica of San Nicolás.
Tuesday, June 23
- 12:30 PM – Flower Offering Awards Ceremony at Mercadito de Fogueres.
- 1:00 PM – Colla de Nanos i Gegants (the traditional giant figures).
- 2:00 PM – Sixth Mascletà.
- 6:00 PM – Traditional Dansà d'Alacant around the official monument.
- 7:00 PM – International Folklore Parade from Luceros to Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Highly recommended!
Wednesday, June 24
- 1:00 PM – Colla de Nanos i Gegants.
- 2:00 PM – Seventh and final Mascletà of the competition by Pirotecnia Alta Palancia.
- 8:00 PM – Official Hogueras Mass at the Concatedral de San Nicolás.
- 12:00 AM – Launch of the monumental Palmera fireworks display from Monte Benacantil.
- 12:00 AM – Start of La Nit de la Cremà .
Fireworks Displays (June 25–29)
After La Cremà, attention shifts to Alicante's famous fireworks competition.
This year, fireworks will be launched from Postiguet Beach , near Paseíto Ramiro , every night at midnight from June 25 through June 29.
On June 29 , the festival concludes with the colourful Coso Multicolor Parade , featuring confetti, costumes, music, and plenty of fun around the Gran Vía area.
Practical Tips for Hogueras
- Always carry a bottle of water. June temperatures in Alicante can be extremely hot.
- Plan your walks to see the monuments in the morning.
- Expect large crowds every evening.
- Bring a waterproof phone case for La Cremà.
- Avoid wearing synthetic clothing near fireworks and burning monuments.
- June 24 is an official public holiday. Most shops, supermarkets, and many services will be closed.
- Avoid driving into the city centre during the main festival days, as many roads are closed.
What to Eat During Hogueras
Hogueras is not only about fireworks and celebrations—it's also about local traditions and food.
One of the most traditional dishes during these days is Coca amb Tonyina .
This savoury pastry is filled with tuna, onions, and pine nuts and has been enjoyed by locals during the festivities for generations.
You'll see people eating it in the streets, during fireworks displays, and on their way to the San Juan beach celebrations.
Simple, local, and exactly what Alicante tastes like.
My tip? Buy one from a traditional bakery and enjoy it while walking to your next Hogueras event, just like the locals do.
Where to Stay During Hogueras
Meliá Alicante
Eurostars Mediterránea Plaza
If you want to stay in the heart of the city while enjoying comfort and sea views, this remains one of the best options. You'll be perfectly located between the marina, Postiguet Beach, and the main festival areas.
Want to be right in the middle of the action? This hotel overlooks Plaza del Ayuntamiento, home to the city's most famous Cremà.
Hotel Alicante Golf
Prefer a quieter stay? This hotel offers a peaceful base outside the city centre while still providing easy access to all the festivities by tram or taxi.
Discover Every Location on the Alicante Highlights Map
Where is the best place to rent a car?
Renting a car to get into the city? Reserve one with Sunny Cars . No hassle, just a good rental car. Is Hogueras fun with children?
Want to view the figures with children? Go early in the morning; it’s less crowded then. Is it very hot in the city?
Bring a hat for the heat. It’s scorching in the city and if you plan to walk around to see the figures, it’s wise to protect yourself from the intense heat shimmering through the streets. How many people come to Hogueras?
Last year there were more than 2 million visitors during Hogueras de San Juan in Alicante. Be prepared for extreme crowds. Do I need tickets for Hogueras events?
Most events, like the parades and the burning, are free to attend. For special grandstands or VIP areas you may need tickets.
What time does the Cremà start during Hogueras de San Juan?
The Cremà; the burning of the hogueras; takes place on June 24 at midnight (00:00) at various locations throughout the city.
Which dishes and drinks are typical during Hogueras de San Juan?
Popular treats include coca amb tonyina (tuna pastry), bacores (early figs), and horchata (a plant‑based drink).
What is the meaning of Hogueras de San Juan?
Hogueras de San Juan, with its fire, parades, and traditions, symbolizes burning the old to make way for the new — a perfect start to summer!
Can I combine Hogueras de San Juan with a holiday?
Absolutely! Many visitors plan their holiday around Hogueras de San Juan to experience both the festival and the beach parties of the Costa Blanca. Check out the nicest accommodations here.
