The city of Alicante is preparing for the official start of the Hogueras 2026, with the first monuments already installed in the streets and a festive atmosphere taking over. The Plaza de los Luceros hosts today the second firecracker show of the cycle, marking the first one to participate in the official contest.
The schedule of events is extensive, and today, Friday, June 19th, in addition to the gunpowder display at 2:00 PM, the official planting of the children's hogueras and street ninots will take place. This activity will continue throughout the night, preparing the monuments for the jury's visit tomorrow, which will decide the best monument of the year.
The festival also impacts local businesses, with traffic diversions hindering customer access to areas with monuments and marquees, particularly in neighborhoods like Carolinas. Meanwhile, the Official Children's Hoguera, "Equilibri", designed by artist Sergio Gómez, is now displayed in the Town Hall Square, inviting reflection on the importance of balance.
The Alicante City Council has allowed the Hogueras Market, located in Federico Soto, to have more festival days, offering music and alcohol starting today, even though the hogueras and marquees are not yet fully planted.
The Official Hoguera, "Singulares" by Pedro Espadero, highlights the province's traditions, with the presence of mayors and representatives from various Alicante municipalities. In other news, the Pedro Ferrándiz pavilion will not open for the Spain-Saudi Arabia match due to its clash with the Flower Offering and traffic closures in the city center.
The local and regional public holidays on June 23rd and 24th will affect the opening hours of supermarkets and shopping centers, which may vary to facilitate shopping during the celebration.
