A futuristic monument focused on technology and life preservation, from the Florida Portazgo neighborhood and with a budget of 123,000 euros, has won the first prize in the special category of the San Juan Bonfires festival in Alicante in 2026. Thus, the monument 'Génesis', by Valencian artist Josué Beitia, has taken over from Baver-Els Antigons, which came in second place, while the third position went to the Diputación-Renfe commission.
'Génesis' projects a look into the future, posing the question: 'what will remain of us when technology is the only way to preserve life?'. Upon hearing the news of the victory, dozens of people in Florida square erupted in jubilation. The monument from the San Blas de Baix neighborhood suffered damage due to a gust of wind, but there were no personal injuries.
Its artist, the aforementioned Beitia, has made a successful debut with the Florida Portazgo commission, which wins again after two years. The Valencian artist also achieved the second award in the Fallas of València with the 'l'Antiga' falla in the Campanar neighborhood.
The president of the bonfire, Ximo García Larios, stated that hiring Beitia aimed to win the competition again with a monument that was 'tall, powerful, and wide', with a spectacular finish. The commission member, Alba Muñoz, expressed 'immense happiness' for winning the award, which represents 'culminating a year's work'. The child beauty queen, Lola García, added that the commission had 'faith' in winning.
The jury's verdict was read by the city's mayor, Luis Barcala, and the Councilor for Festivals, Cristina Cutanda. Among those present were the President of the Generalitat, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, the presidents of the provincial councils of Alicante, Toni Pérez, and Valencia, Vicent Mompó, and the Councilor for Tourism, Marián Cano, among others.
Following Florida-Portazgo, Baver-Els Antigons, and Diputación-Renfe, La Cerámica came in fourth place, followed by Sagrada Familia, Sèneca-Autobusos, Calvo Sotelo, Port d’Alacant, Explanada, Florida Plaza La Viña, Carolinas Altas, and Polígono de San Blas, respectively in the special category. The criticism award went to Sagrada Familia, and in the best barraca category, the top award was given to Los Gorilas. The winning children's bonfire was Ángeles-Felipe Bergé with the monument 'Mediterrània'.
