Festivals and events held in countries usually contribute to the country’s tourist attractions. The Spanish city, Alicante, has a host of seasonal events ranging from the authentic Spanish fiestas, Spanish dance festivals and colorful carnival parades. Explosive fireworks and large bonfires are a feature in most of the city’s festivities and celebrations.
Alicante observes a number of public holidays including New years on the 1st of January, Epiphany which is held on the 5th of January, St Josephs day observed on 19th of March, Maundy Thursday observed in late March going into early April, Good Friday also observed during the March-April months, Labor day on the 1st of May. Feast of the Assumption held on 15 August, national day on October 12, All Saints day on 1st of November, Constitution day on 6 December, Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December and Christmas day on the 25th day of December.
Towards the middle of January, St Anthony’s market opens. The market offers an assortment of produce for sale and the bullring hosts an animal show. The Carnaval commences in mid February offering major carnival shows accompanied by processions, bands marching and people dancing all over the streets. On Ash Wednesday, a sardine is buried in line with a long standing Spanish tradition, which is accompanied by entertainment from costumed street dancers and other artists.
The Holy week, locally known as Semanta santa is observed late in March going into April. A number of religious processions are part of this event. The Santa Faz pilgrimages are held in April. The pilgrimages take place from the conclusion of Easter Sunday and run through two Thursdays. The Moros y Cristianos festival is held in the middle of April and celebrates Spain’s freedom from the Arabs captivity in the 12th century period.
Cruses de Mayo takes place in the month of May and sees flowers and crosses adorning the streets of the city. The event is accompanied by numerous parties, lively music and Spanish dancing displays. Hogueras de San Juan festival takes place towards the end of June and is highlighted by bonfires and fireworks displays street concerts and colorful parades.
Virgen del Carmen day is celebrated, in memory of mount Carmen’s blessed virgin, in July. Processions take place on all of the city’s main streets on the Virgen de Remedio day also held in August. A day to feast is held on 3 August. The city’s Jazz festival is held in July and August and features famous Jazz performers. Festival de Verano de Alicante is held in July going into August. The summer festival features a number of concerts and family fan.
In September, the Virgen de Soccoro day is celebrated commemorating the patron saint. The Raval district celebration sees fishermen throwing large feasts in memory of their patron. Cooking competitions, dances and parades are featured during the celebration. The International puppet festival is celebrated in early December and features puppetry workshops, performances and puppetry displays. New year’s eve is on 31st of December.