The traditional night of San Juan, one of the most anticipated moments of the Hogueras de Alicante, does not permit fires to be lit on all beaches across the province. While some municipalities are maintaining a complete ban, others have set up specific designated zones or are authorising bonfires under strict security measures.
The Hogueras de Alicante are already filling the city with atmosphere from 20th to 24th June. However, one of the most anticipated events of these festivities will arrive on the night of 23rd to 24th June with the celebration of San Juan. Tradition invites people to gather on the beach to jump over bonfires, take a midnight swim in the sea and make a wish to attract good luck. Nevertheless, anyone wishing to keep up this custom must bear in mind that local councils are increasingly banning fires on the sand or limiting the practice to specific areas. These are the rules being applied this year in several municipalities across the Alicante province.
Alicante: Alicante Town Council is maintaining its ban on lighting bonfires, making fires or holding street drinking parties on all beaches in the municipality during the night of San Juan. To ensure compliance, the Local Police will deploy an operation with around one hundred officers to block access to the sandy areas for anyone carrying firewood or glass bottles. The objective is to prevent safety and cleanliness issues, as well as the risk that leftover sharp objects pose to beach users in the following days.
Santa Pola: Santa Pola will permit bonfires, though solely within two designated areas located on the Levante and Gran Playa beaches. Lighting fires outside of these areas is completely banned. Furthermore, cooking with embers and consuming alcoholic drinks is prohibited. A security operation consisting of 36 Local Police officers, supported by the Guardia Civil, will monitor compliance with the regulations and control access to the rest of the beaches in the municipality.
Elche: total ban The beaches of Elche will once again ban bonfires during the night of San Juan. The special security operation will feature 45 Local Police officers alongside drones.
Benidorm: Benidorm is maintaining its tradition and will permit bonfires on its beaches during the night of San Juan. The security operation will include 13 Local Police officers to monitor the area, though beach cleaning operations will begin from 2:00 am.
Torrevieja: The City Council will distribute about 30,000 kilos of pine wood and mimosa for authorised bonfires. They remind you that the use of other materials will not be allowed and that, for safety, it is recommended that bonfires do not exceed one metre in height. The council ask all attendees to take responsibility, follow the instructions of the security services and cooperate by keeping the beaches clean so that everyone can enjoy a great night of togetherness, tradition and fun without incident.
