Alicante Bonfire Programme for Wednesday, 18th June: Day of Plantà and First Mascletà

Alicante is already filled with the scent of gunpowder and festivity. This Wednesday, 18th June, marks the official start of the grand week of les Fogueres de Sant Joan 2025 with the much-anticipated plantà of the adult and children's monuments across all city districts. Artists, bonfire makers, and residents are working against the clock to ensure everything is ready on the streets: bonfires, barracas, racós, street ninots, and decorations will fill Alicante with a festive atmosphere.

One of the key moments of the day will be the plantà of the official bonfires. In the morning, artist Sergio Gómez will install the children's bonfire, titled 'H₂O', a three-metre-tall work with a square base of 3x3 metres. This monument aims to raise awareness among the young about the importance of water and its conservation, representing its three states: solid, liquid, and gaseous. It also incorporates real marine debris to highlight the work of the Environmental Volunteers Association.

Alongside, Pedro Espadero will give the final touches to the official adult bonfire, 'Identity', which will reach 20 metres in height and have a base of 12 by 11.90 metres, the maximum allowed dimensions. This work pays homage to an Alicante tradition: the names citizens gave to the endings of ONCE lottery tickets. The top will be a large heart, symbolising the soul of Alicante, and predominantly wood has been used to ensure a cleaner and less polluting cremà.

Both artists are returning for the tenth consecutive time to the Town Hall Square, consolidating their commitment to Alicante's festivals and culture.

At 2:00 PM, gunpowder will take centre stage with the first mascletà at Luceros Square. Although it is not part of this year's official competition, it will be a spectacular pyrotechnic display by Pirotecnia Crespo from Alzira (Valencia), shaking the city centre from the intersection of Federico Soto, General Marvá, Alfonso X El Sabio, and Estación avenues.

Additionally, at 12:00 PM, the traditional Fogueres Market will open its doors on Federico Soto Avenue, a must-visit meeting point for bonfire makers, barraca owners, tourists, and curious visitors before and after each mascletà.

The Wednesday, 18th June, bonfire makers and barraca owners will start a day of fervour. Throughout this day, the plantà of adult and children's bonfires, barracas, decorated streets, and street ninots will continue.

Additionally, at 2 PM, it will be the turn of the second Mascletà Contest shot at Luceros, this time by Pirotecnia Turis (Valencia). That night, the barracas and racós will be operating at half capacity, without music, awaiting the grand official opening of the festive venues on Thursday 20th, when everything will be ready for coca amb tonyina and figs.