The 2026 Fogueres fireworks competition in Alicante concludes with a positive assessment regarding visitor numbers, estimated at around two million during the central days. However, complaints have been reiterated about the leasing of commission racó spaces to leisure companies for creating nightclub-style venues.
The councillor for Fiestas and Public Space Occupation, Cristina Cutanda, has confirmed the consolidation of the fireworks' location on the sand of El Postiguet beach. She noted that the space shortage issues encountered this year, due to renovation works on the Hotel Meliá facade and maintenance on the Levante breakwater, should not recur in 2027.
Furthermore, an increase in beach area at El Cocó is planned, with an estimated 1,000 square meters of sand added after the construction of a new breakwater. However, Cutanda has ruled out the return of fireworks to El Cocó, as the loss of over 9,000 square meters of surface area prevents compliance with regulatory safety distances. For 2027, space for the public will be increased, with a reminder that access will close one hour before the display.
Regarding the mascletaes competition at Luceros, no changes are foreseen in the rules or the budget per display. The Fiestas department is aware of sufficient interest from pyrotechnic companies to ensure participation without needing non-competition exhibition shots. Companies that indicated difficulties in interpreting the tender will receive advice.
The councillor also does not anticipate modifications to the design competition for the 2027 Official Hoguera, which is expected to be announced in the second half of June. She believes that Pedro Espadero's 'Singulares' monument met expectations by highlighting Alicante's capital status and acknowledging other towns in the province.
The government team will analyze the behavior of the commissions and compliance with space authorizations for racós to prevent their transfer to leisure companies. Cutanda indicated that the annual decree regulating space leases will be reviewed, with changes introduced if deemed necessary and sanctions applied according to the ordinance in case of anomalies. "We grant authorizations to hogueras and barracas, and they know they cannot cede space to a third party; if they do, we will apply the ordinance," she explained.
