Bonfires as a Refuge

Social criticism is one of the traditions of the Alicante Bonfires that each year puts art at the service of irony, creativity, and humour. The commissions propose current and social themes in their monuments, which for four days adorn the city's streets in each of its squares and intersections.

In this context, the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid in Alicante (CEAR) has launched the 'I CEAR Refuge Bonfire Competition'. With this initiative, they aim to unite the festive tradition with social commitment, inviting bonfire commissions to use their monuments as loudspeakers for silenced realities: those of refugees, migrants, and stateless people.

Through a statement, they expressed that these festivities "are much more than a celebration: they are the soul of Alicante." They acknowledge that from June 20 to 24, "the city transforms into a stage of ephemeral art, social criticism, and symbolic renewal, where the purifying fire gives way to new beginnings."

Moreover, the date coincides with the International Refugee Day, celebrated on June 20, which is why they consider the Bonfires "the ideal platform for citizen awareness."

The competition will reward the commission whose monument stands out for its creativity and commitment to the social inclusion of refugees and migrants, the defence of human rights, and international solidarity or the denunciation of social injustices related to forced migration.

"The Bonfires have always been a mirror of society. Today, more than ever, we need that mirror to reflect empathy, justice, and humanity. Participating in this competition is a way to ignite a flame that does not destroy but builds a more inclusive future," they expressed in their statement.

Registration is free and will be open until midnight on June 19, 2025. Interested commissions must complete a form with their details and a brief description of their proposal.

The jury, composed of refugees, volunteers, and members of the CEAR Alicante team, will visit the monuments on June 21 and evaluate their ability to convey the values of the competition. The winning commission will receive the "Refuge Bonfire" trophy, along with public recognition through social media and the CEAR website.