Alicante's Barracas Honour Journalist Luis Miguel Sánchez Moreno

Las barracas de Alicante celebrated their annual brotherhood dinner, presenting traditional awards to festival-goers and notable figures from Alicante society. The event was filled with surprises that highlighted the importance of this "essential part" of the Hogueras.

With an emotional Javier Seguí leading the gala, a live broadcast was shown from the intersection of Alfonso el Sabio Avenue and Sant Vicent Street, where Marina de la Casa paid tribute to the first barraca, the peña Els trenta ú.

Following this, to the lively tune of 'Sweet Caroline', the two hosts of the brotherhood dinner, Gemma Villanueva from the Trons i bacores barraca and Verónica García from Seguim sense tindre un clau, took the stage. They announced all the award recipients.

First, various anniversaries were recognised. A band-corbatín and statue were awarded to the barracas Darrere de l'últim no ve ningú for 25 years; Amics de l'Hércules and Tenim lo que volem for 50 years; and I no volíem for their 75th anniversary.

With nerves running high, the hosts announced the selection of a jury to award the traditional prizes, which were given to various barraquers and personalities linked to the city's official festivities. They were presented by the president of the Federation of Barracas, Antonio Galindo.

The first of these, the 'Media Award', was given to journalist and writer Luis Miguel Sánchez Moreno, author of 'Barrac-Alacant 2019', dedicated to the 88 years of these associations at that time.

The awards continued with the 'Gent de la Festa' prize for María José Sicuter Miralles, former president of Tot bacores, who was part of the Andrés Llorens Management Committee and delivered the 2022 Hogueras proclamation.

The 'Dean of the barraquers' award went to Pepe Severa Mondéjar for his 47 years of dedication to these associations, while the 'Extraordinary Barracas' award was received by Irene Mas from the restaurant El Sorell.

The most anticipated award, the 'Els trenta ú', was given to the Pica i vola barraca, the second oldest in the Fiesta with its 84-year history. The association was praised for its commitment to culture through various initiatives and its support for great artists like Ángel Martín, Pedro Soriano, and Pedro Abad, among others. It was received by its president, Verónica Hernández, alongside Toñi Méndez.

The event was also attended by Alicante's Deputy Mayor, Manuel Villar, the Councillor for Festivities, Cristina Cutanda, the president of the Federació de Fogueres, David Olivares, the bellea del foc, Alba Muñoz, and her dames d'honor, the Vice President of Barracas, José Luis Torres, and the Barracas delegate, Ereide Jauregui.