Hogueras de San Juan is a vibrant and exhilarating festival celebrated in the coastal town of Torrevieja, located in the province of Alicante, Spain. Every year, from June 20th to June 24th, locals and tourists alike come together to commemorate the arrival of summer with a series of lively events, culminating in the burning of massive bonfires known as "hogueras." The Hogueras de San Juan festival in Torrevieja is a unique cultural experience that blends tradition, art, music, and fireworks into a remarkable celebration of community spirit.
The origins of the Hogueras de San Juan festival can be traced back to ancient pagan rituals that celebrated the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Over time, these rituals merged with Christian traditions, specifically the celebration of Saint John the Baptist, resulting in the current festival known as Hogueras de San Juan. Today, the festival serves as a way for the people of Torrevieja to pay homage to their cultural heritage while embracing the joy and warmth of summer.
Months before the festival begins, different neighborhoods in Torrevieja compete to build the most impressive and elaborate monuments called "hogueras." These monuments, made of wood, cardboard, and papier-mâché, can reach staggering heights, often exceeding 20 meters. Each hoguera tells a unique story or represents a specific theme, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of the local artists and designers involved in their construction. The process of building the hogueras involves meticulous planning, teamwork, and attention to detail, as the final creations will be judged and awarded during the festival.
The Hogueras de San Juan festival kicks off on June 20th with the "Plantà," the official unveiling of the hogueras. This is an exciting moment when the completed monuments are revealed to the public, and the streets come alive with color, music, and joy. Throughout the festival, the city becomes a vibrant stage for parades, concerts, traditional dances, and fireworks displays that illuminate the night sky. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and witness the passion and dedication of the Torrevieja community.
Hogueras de San Juan de Torrevieja: A Spectacular Midsummer Celebration
The Night of San Juan:
The highlight of the Hogueras de San Juan festival is the Night of San Juan, which takes place on June 23rd. As midnight approaches, crowds gather on the beaches of Torrevieja, carrying out age-old rituals. People write their wishes on small pieces of paper, often symbolizing what they hope to leave behind in the past year, and then burn them in small bonfires. It is believed that as the flames consume the wishes, a fresh start is granted. As the clock strikes twelve, the main event commences—the burning of the hogueras. These massive bonfires are set ablaze, creating a breathtaking spectacle of fire and light that fills the night sky. The burning of the hogueras symbolizes the renewal of energies and the purging of negativity to welcome a prosperous future.
The Hogueras de San Juan de Torrevieja is an enchanting festival that combines ancient traditions, artistic expression, and a sense of community. The grand monuments, lively festivities, and the magical bonfire spectacle make it an event not to be missed. Whether you are captivated by the elaborate hogueras or wish to experience the vibrant atmosphere, this celebration offers an unforgettable cultural experience that highlights the rich heritage of Torrevieja
Program of the Hogueras de San Juan de Torrevieja 2023
TORREVIEJA
JUNE 18 TO 24 I 2023
BONFIRE MOLINOS DEL CALVARIO
C/ JOAQUIN CHAPAPRIETA c/ SAN JOSÉ
SUNDAY, June 18
Throughout the day the planté will take place.
- 22:00 h.: Passacaglias comission relogida of beauties and presidents.
- 23:00 h.: Lighting of the street.
MONDAY, June 19
Inauguration barrack
- 17:30 h.: Games, mats
- 20:00 h.: performance ARANTXA BLANCO dance school.
- 21:30 h.: Drawing of gifts. Then, chocolate with mona. Free of charge.
TUESDAY, June 20
- 17:30 h.: Games, mats
- 20:00 h.: Performance MERY DANCE ACADEMY DANCE SCHOOL.
- 21:30 h.: Gift raffle. Then DJ RAFA
WEDNESDAY 21 June
Visit to our brothers of fire of Benidorm and Guardamar.
- 17:30 h.: Games, mats.
- 21:30 h.: Drawing of gifts.
- 23:00 h.: DJ RAFA performance.
THURSDAY 22nd June
Offering of our representatives to the patron saint of Alicante.
- 17:30 h.: Games, mats
- 20:00 h.: SOUL DANCE School performance.
- 22:00 h.: Gift raffle.Then, DJ RAFA
FRIDAY 23 June
- 14:00 h.: PAELLA POPULAR PRICE 4 €.
- 17:30 h.: Games, mats 19:30 h.: Children's performance 21:30 h.: Gift raffle.
- 23:00 h.: Performance Drag empire and DJ RAFA
- From 23:00 h.: CASTILLO PIRO-MUISCAL DE SAN JUAN PLACE PASEO JUAN APARICIO NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS
SATURDAY June 24
- 09:00 h.: Awakening.
- 13:00 h.: PASACALLES COMISION 14:00 h.: BIG MASS OF HOGUERAS PLAZA DEL MOLINO, 17:30 h.: Games, mats. 20:00 h.: Performance PAYA S dance school.
- 22:00 h.: Gift raffle. Then, DJ RAFA 01:00 h.: It will end with the cream of the children's monument and then the adult monument.
