The city of Alicante now knows its new children's bellea del foc for 2026. Leire Arellano Ruiz, representative of the Plaça del Mediterrani hoguera (bonfire), was proclaimed on Friday in an emotional gala at the Teatre Principal. The event, one of the most anticipated dates in the festival calendar, was attended by the six maids of honor who will accompany her during her reign.
The new bellea entered the stage wearing for the first time the official espolín, in Palermo pink. This piece of attire, crafted by costumier Gabriel Blasco from a Vives i Marí design, stands out with its 6,210 warp threads, 45 weft colors, and three metallic threads.
“"Alicante is the place where magic happens every June"
The gala's maintainer, María José Sáez, highlighted the passion of Leire Arellano and the maids of honor for the festival. She described Arellano as "a very cheerful girl" who aspires to become "a primary school teacher" in the future. The Mayor of Alicante, Luis Barcala, had the honor of bestowing the sash upon the children's bellea, in a very moving moment.
Institutions such as the Generalitat (Valencian Government), the Alicante City Council, and the Provincial Council, along with the Federation of Hogueras and other entities, presented flower baskets. The event was also attended by the highest representatives of other Valencian festivals, including the children's major fallera of Valencia, Marta Mercader Roig, and the children's queen for Castellón's festivals, Ana Colón Sastriques.
The proclamation ceremony was broadcast live on television and the À Punt website, narrated by journalist Ferran Cano with contributions from Josep Àngel Ponsoda. Tomorrow, Saturday, the programming will continue with the proclamation of the 2026 bellea del foc, Maria Pastor González.
