Five Traditions to Experience Santa Faz Like a True Alicante Local

Alicante is gearing up for one of the most crowded celebrations of the year. On Thursday, May 1st, hundreds of thousands will walk the path connecting the city centre to the Santa Faz monastery in a pilgrimage expected to draw over 300,000 people.

The tradition dates back to the 15th century and remains relevant today, as it originally sought the end of a drought, a plight that unfortunately still affects Alicante. It is said that "to be a true Alicante local, one must be a foguerer, a herculano, and a pilgrim at Santa Faz."

However, to truly experience this event, walking the seven-kilometre route is not enough. There are other customs essential to enjoying this day like a true Alicante local.

This traditional garment originated from the work clothes of 18th-century labourers and farmers. Though much has changed since then, it has become an essential outfit for the city's festivities.

Whether at the Santa Faz Pilgrimage or the Hogueras de San Juan, it is common to see people wearing the traditional black smock. In recent years, fabrics and colours have changed, making it easy to spot floral, striped, or matching smocks with fellow festival-goers.

Rolled up, with sleeves buttoned, tied at the bottom, or freshly ironed, everyone personalises this garment, which must feature the annual Santa Faz badge.

The herb scarf or 'mocaor' is another Alicante tradition that accompanies pilgrims at Santa Faz. It is also commonly seen at other festivals like the Hogueras.

This simple scarf, with square patterns in various shades of blue, also hails from the countryside, where farmers used it for sun protection or to wipe sweat.

While it can serve the same purpose during the Santa Faz Pilgrimage, tradition dictates it is typically worn around the neck, tied with two small knots at the front.

To get one, you can visit one of the haberdasheries on Poeta Quintana Street in Alicante or the Hogueras clothing stores. There are also many options for personalising them with embroidery, featuring your name or the Hercules CF crest.

The word 'romería' originates from this fragrant plant, traditional to the Mediterranean climate. During Santa Faz, thousands of Alicante locals visit the Alicante Town Hall or San Nicolás to collect canes that will support them on their journey to the Monastery.

However, only the earliest risers usually manage to get one of the 15,000 units distributed by the Town Hall. After 8:30 am, it becomes difficult to find canes for the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who prefer not to start so early.

The anise rolls are another Santa Faz tradition that speaks to Alicante's culture. These dry sweets are easy to transport and allow pilgrims to stop and recharge along the way, often at Vistahermosa's traditional 'paraeta'.

In this space, the Alicante Town Hall sets up stalls where these sweets are distributed to pilgrims. This year, over 1,200 kilos of anise rolls are planned, baked in a wood-fired oven. Additionally, 10% will be gluten-free as a novelty.

If you don't want to miss out on the rolls, it's best to visit one of the city's traditional bakeries and reserve a box in advance. It's the best way to ensure a snack that will help you regain strength to continue the journey.

The best accompaniment for the rolls at Santa Faz is a small glass of mistela. This sweet drink made from grape must is another tradition of the Santa Faz Pilgrimage.

True Alicante locals bring this drink to share with friends at the 'paraeta', gaining the energy for a final push to reach the monastery.

The Alicante Town Hall will also distribute over 900 litres of this drink for free to pilgrims visiting the 'paraeta'.

Although xiulets are not strictly a tradition of the Santa Faz of Alicante, they are one of the traditional toys that survive modernity, associated with this pilgrimage.

Generations of Alicante locals have received this small ceramic bird as a gift during family strolls through the market surrounding the monastery. Traditionally, this space offered sweets and other traditional foods, like sugar cane. Ceramic stalls from Agost were also common, selling pots or piggy banks, as well as xiulets.

From grandparents to grandchildren and parents to children, this toy becomes one of the greatest joys for the little ones, who, once they receive the xiulet, run to the fountain to fill it with water and start whistling.