The Alicante Municipal Symphonic Band, conducted by Pedro Lara, opened the Fogueres 2026 Band Parade with a performance of the pasodoble ‘Gastón Castelló’, originally by José Alfosea, in memory of the hogueras artist who passed away 40 years ago. Throughout the official route, the Symphonic Band also performed the pasodoble ‘Ramón Marco i les Fogueres’, a work by Antonio Ferriz, to pay homage to another of the 'greats' of Les Fogueres, marking 20 years since his death. Additionally, ‘Valcárcel, ¡Viva Alacant!’, also by José Alfosea, was heard.
Mayor Luis Barcala highlighted the significance of this parade, the one with the longest history in the 98 years of Hogueras, emphasizing the importance of band music and its inseparable connection to the festival. He pointed out that the performance of scores remembering Gastón Castelló, Ramón Marco, and Tomás Valcárcel keeps the legacy of these 'greats' of the festival alive.
The Belleas del Foc, María Pastor and Leire Arellano, along with their Ladies of Honor, led the parade together with the members of the Federació de Fogueres, presided over by David Olivares. From the grandstand set up on La Rambla, they watched the procession of the various hogueras and barracas commissions, accompanied by their respective music bands or groups of dolçainers and tabaleters.
“"This is a parade, the one with the longest history in 98 years of Hogueras, in which the music of the bands is valued. The Official Festival would not be understood without this soundtrack."
The jury awarded the prizes for the Band Parade. In the Bands category, the first prize went to Benalua (Sociedad Musical La Amistad de Villafranqueza). In the BARRACA music band category, the award went to I no Voliem (L'harmonia d'Alacant). As for the Best Colla de dolçaina i tabal, the first prize was awarded to José María Py (Colla de dolçainers i tabaleters de San Blas). Finally, in the Commission Parade Awards, the first position was secured by the barraca Tot Bacores.
