Alto Palancia Triumphs in Alicante's Hogueras with a Double Earthquake Display

Alto Palancia has finally arrived at Alicante's Plaza de los Luceros. This new pyrotechnic team, despite their debut, brings experience from the ashes of Zarzoso. The team from Altura, Castellón, landed with enthusiasm and 118 kilograms of gunpowder for this fourth display in the Hogueras competition, lasting 5.37 minutes and reaching a maximum of 127 decibels.

On Saturday, June 21, the main day of the festival with all the bonfires fully set up, the Plaza de los Luceros was packed from all sides, including the balconies above. Everyone awaited the call of the 'belleas del foc', accompanied by representatives from sister towns, provinces, and capitals.

"Senyor pirotècnic, pot començar la mascletà," they announced, and a Valencian firecracker led to the first aerial hold. Thunderous booms and flashes kicked off the display, which intensified in the initial stages. With streamers, they continued to create smoke palm trees over the square.

The 'roncadoras' appeared alongside the crackers in a new phase, featuring thunderous sounds that set the rhythm for Alto Palancia. An initial bombardment followed the holds, now including whistles and ground impacts, creating a dialogue between asphalt and air.

The octopuses surrounding the Bañuls fountain detonated with increasing intensity, while the aerial accompaniment also played a key role. This 'Altura' display was not trivial; they crafted a classic and complete mascletà with a good rhythm.

Of the detonated artifacts, 90% are self-produced. These, fresh from the workshop, arrived in Alicante to create a dense smoke curtain at the plaza's edge midway through the mascletà. The firecrackers gained power and quantity on the ground, while the shells continued to whistle in the air.

The holds also increased in speed with rapid sequences that created new rhythms and stanzas, akin to a melody. These resonated in the surroundings, in front of the horses, which almost danced to Alto Palancia's tune. The rumble generated anticipation, along with vibrations in the asphalt.

And then, the grand surprise, a double earthquake display stretching a kilometre, lasting in the style favoured in Alicante. Many seconds of power, echoing in the eardrums. Alongside an initial bombardment, a hermetic air blast, and a final blow that drew cheers from the crowd. As a finale, a digital display that made the plaza erupt.