Control over 'Botellón' and Music at Popular 'Racós' during Alicante's Hogueras

During the 2025 Hogueras, the Alicante City Council will impose restrictions on the afternoon gatherings at popular 'racós'. The council will launch a special surveillance campaign to prevent overcrowding around some of the festive areas in the city centre.

The aim of this measure is to end 'botellón' gatherings, especially in the Federico Soto-Doctor Gadea area, where some of the most crowded public 'racós' are located during the city's official festivities.

In recent years, scenes of hundreds of people occupying the roads and surrounding central walkways have become common. This is a practice the City Council aims to eradicate by increasing surveillance, as legislation prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public spaces.

Additionally, these are unauthorised gatherings on Alicante's streets, prompting security forces to act to disperse them. Since these roads are usually open to traffic, such gatherings obstruct private and emergency vehicles and cause disturbances to residents.

The municipal decree for the Hogueras of Alicante stipulates that music in 'racós' and 'barracas' is only allowed between 10:30 PM and 4:30 AM from June 20 to 24. This exemption applies to events using electronic means.

However, this prohibition does not apply to bands and 'charangas' that fill the city and accompany the commissions during their parades on the main days of Hogueras.

Security forces will strictly monitor the time limits, both at the start and end of music in 'racós' and 'barracas'.

Furthermore, to avoid inconveniences to the commissions waiting for their turn to enter the official flower offering parade, the 'Mercadito de Fogueres', located near Luceros, will only be allowed to play ambient music between 7 PM and 11 PM. This restriction will be in place on June 21 and 22.