The pyrotechnics company Pibierzo, from Villaverde de la Abadía in the El Bierzo region (León), has been chosen to launch the luminous symbol that signals the start of the cremà (burning) of the foguerer monuments in the city. The launch is scheduled from the top of Monte Benacantil, at Santa Bárbara Castle.
From this vantage point, a 'palm tree' display will ascend, composed of 1,600 aerial rockets, containing 98 kilograms of pyrotechnic material designed to create a recognizable spectacle in the night sky for thousands of Alicantinians. The display will last approximately 18 seconds, featuring various shades of white, and will ignite progressively to fill the night sky precisely between June 24th and 25th.
This moment will officially mark the commencement of the cremà for the Hogueras de San Juan. Over 90 adult and a similar number of children's monuments, spread across Alicante's neighborhoods and avenues, will begin to burn after the launch. Thousands of people will witness the event from both the city center and its usual viewpoints.
The selection of Pibierzo marks the first time a pyrotechnics company not affiliated with Alicante or the Valencian Community has undertaken this launch. Previously, the 'palm tree' display has been associated with companies deeply rooted in Valencian pyrotechnic tradition. This debut opens the door for broader participation from firms across Spain in one of the festival's most iconic events.
Pibierzo has already had an initial engagement with the city during this year's Hogueras. Two days prior, on June 22nd, the company launched a mascletà for the first time at the Plaza de los Luceros, blending its own techniques with the classic structure of the Valencian mascletà.
“"It's such a short duration, and I see it has a lot of grip, a lot of focus. We manufacture for the entire national scope, and it's part of our culture, so I understand everything will go well."
The company's owner, pyrotechnician Pedro Alonso, has praised the experience in Alicante. He emphasized that aerial rockets are his specialty. Regarding the mascletà on the 22nd, Alonso explained that the 'Bercian' touch was 'more noticeable at the beginnings and endings,' and admitted he prefers not to 'tamper with the terrestrial body,' focusing instead on 'a classic Valencian mascletà'.
He recalled that this type of display has earned him four wins in the Magdalena competition in Castellón de la Plana. He has also participated in several editions of the Fallas in Valencia, gaining experience in major festival events within the Valencian Community. His current involvement in Alicante's Hogueras strengthens this professional connection with the Mediterranean's premier pyrotechnic festivals.
Alonso detailed the logistical challenges of transporting pyrotechnic material from El Bierzo to Alicante, a distance of over 830 kilometers. The transport required specific advance planning and constant coordination, with assistance from local workers and pyrotechnicians in Alicante who provided storage facilities. Coordination with the Government Delegation and the Civil Guard was also essential to adhere to all safety protocols.
The head of Pibierzo noted that moving such cargo 'involves very different and extensive logistics,' highlighting the support received in the city. This collaboration has allowed the pyrotechnics company to focus on refining the 'palm tree' design and ensuring a safe launch.
With the midnight 'palm tree' display, Alicante has provided its visual climax to the central program of the 2024 Hogueras. The launch once again served as a turning point between the festive activities and the intense night of the cremà in streets and squares.
