Festivals and Holidays in Alicante

Festivals in Alicante

If you're in the party mood and want to get to know some of the traditions Alicante has to offer then take a look at these festivals, each offering their own aspects of entertainment. What better way to get to know the culture than to just get involved?

Moors & Christians
First on the list is the recreation battle that depicts the Moors conquering Spanish land and the reconquest - or "Reconquista" of this land by the Christians. It is celebrated in several methods all around Spain with the battle being known as the Reconquista. Several parades are held throughout towns with a collection of bright and detailed costumes that help to create a thrilling atmosphere. The ultimate display is a simulated battle which depicts the victory of the Christians.

Carnival & Sabado Ramblero
The second big festival is humbly named the Carnival and it follows the days prior to Ash Wednesday and has a host of activities which keep the town entertained. A good example of the proceedings is the sabado ramblero, a parade on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. It has a vibrant feel to the action as music fills the streets with the company of the parade in their costumes.

Easter
The third is well known around the world and is referred to in Spain as la Pascua! The religious festival occurs for the Christian faith and it has origins from pagan beliefs, though in Spain the festivals are celebrated with a set of brotherhoods who construct floats generally with religious meaning and parade them through the town.

May crosses
A real treat that is an enjoyable festival for the whole family. The story follows Saint Helen concerned as her son is to have an important battle to which he will likely lose. However, in a dream he discovers a large contruction of a cross that takes him to victory as it brings him good luck. It is said that when back in reality he took the cross that had been constructed and won the battle. This event led to his family converting to Christianity, after which they went in search of the healing cross. Saint Helen eventually found the cross, which had been credited with miracles, from then on she urged people to worship it. From there she became a heroine.

Saint John's bonfires
The final one on the list is the Saint John's bonfires, a heated time to say the least. The festival celebrates the beginning of summer and has a range of activities, such as a parade as well as music and dance performances. You also have a range of gastronomy delights to keep those energy levels at the same tempo as the festival itself.

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