10/07/2026
Do you know what time it is? It's o'clock! This time by !!
Buenos díasssss! Couple weeks ago I visited my old Erasmus city, Alicante! Helena, a friend I met during my Erasmus, invited me to celebrate Les Fogueres de Sant Joan (Hogueras) with her family.
On our first day, Scott (another Erasmus friend) and walked around the city to reminisce about our Erasmus days while admiring the incredible Hogueras; giant sculptures built in every neighbourhood. Later, we headed to the Mercaditos, where everyone gathers to party before and after the Mascletàs, and later celebrated the Dutch football team's win in the Barraca, where people come together for dinner, drinks and dancing.
Every day started with the Mascletà at 14:00, where a different company competes to put on the loudest firecracker show. Between the smoke, traditional clothing, deafening bangs and thousands of people waving white handkerchiefs in appreciation, it was an experience like no other. After that, everyone headed back to the Mercaditos (and watched Spain play), before another evening in the Barraca.
The week ended with the Cremà, when all the Hogueras are set on fire one by one after a spectacular fireworks show from the castle. Then came the Banyà, where firefighters sprayed both the bonfires and the crowd with water! And just when you think it's over... Alicante celebrates with five more nights of fireworks on the beach. 🎆
Celebrating this tradition with a lovely Spanish family made it even more special. This week taught me how important family, friends and celebrating together are in Spanish culture. I also learned that cervezas are basically sacred 🍻 and that sleeping is apparently optional (think Dutch Carnival, but Spanish style 😂).
Although Scott and I were the only foreigners in the Barracas (we got called guiri about a thousand times 🤣), I also reunited with other Erasmus friends and my old roommate. On our last day, we went on a boat trip and snorkelling with Helena's family, which was the perfect ending to an unforgettable week. 🇪🇸