| Local parties in Alicante |
| Hogueras de San Juan (St John's Bonfires) |
| This is the most outstanding festivity held in Alicante, declared to be of International Tourist Interest. It is based on the ancient custom of burning useless objects to celebrate the summer solstice, connecting with the feast day of St John the Baptist. It was first held in 1928, with lots of colour, gunpowder and bonfires. Of note are the Flower Offerings to Our Lady of Remedy (22 June), the International Folklore Parade (23 June) and the mascletás or fireworks competitions (20-24 June). There are also processions with marching bands, outdoor dances and sports competitions. The feast coincides with a bullfighting festival bringing in leading matadors, on foot and on horseback. At midnight on St John's Night (from 24 to 25 June) a huge fireworks display is set off from the top of Mount Benacantil, and all the bonfires, and monumental floats made in papier-mâché and wood are burnt to ashes. The holidays continue until 29 June, St Peter's Day. During the second half, a Medieval market is held in the old quarter of town, and from 25 to 29 June there is a fireworks competition, with displays being set off from Postiguet Beach. |
| Porrat de San Antón (St Anthony's Market) |
| Traditional fair with street stalls selling typical products such as dried fruits and nuts, sugared fruits, quince jelly and turrón de novia (bride's nougat). Animal show and traditional blessing of the animals in the bullring. This feast is held on St Anthony's Day, 17 January, in the quarter of Alicante named after the saint. |
| The Pilgrimage of the Holy Visage (Santa Faz) |
This is a very popular pilgrimage, considered to be the second most important in Spain after the Andalusian Rocío, during which in one single day some 200,000 people holding pilgrim's canes and wearing typical orchard-workers blousons walk to the monastery of the Santa Faz to worship at the shrine. They have picnic lunches, and an arts and crafts market and fair are held. Thursday following Easter week continuing to the next weekend. |
| Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses) |
| The Santa Cruz quarter of town dresses up for May with sweet-smelling crosses made of flowers lining its streets. The finest win awards, and dances and children's games are staged. Held from 1 to 3 May. |
| Virgen del Carmen (The Blessed Virgin Mary of Mt Carmel) |
| This maritime city decorates its fishing boats and other vessels on the day sailors venerate their patroness. The biggest celebration, however, is held on the island of Tabarca, where an image of the Virgin is carried on a boat in a sailor's procession. Held on 16 July. |
| Virgen del Remedio (Our Lady of Remedy) |
| This is a feast to honour the patron saint and perpetual mayoress of the city. Two days before the feast day (3 August) an ancient choral concert is held called the Alborada On 5 August a procession is held with the image of the Virgin. The Port Summer Festival is also held at this time in the Patron Saint's honour. |
| Virgen del Socorro (Our Lady of Succour) |
| The Raval quarter, once populated with fishermen, organises a feast in honour of its patron saint, the virgin after whom the chapel and the main street, overlooking Postiguet Beach, were named. The festivity includes cooking contests, a procession, games, dances, etc. From 5 to 8 September. |
| Index