María Álvarez Moreno: "Les Fogueres are tradition, my most cherished legacy"

María Álvarez Moreno has once again donned the bellea sash. The first time she wore it was during the pandemic year, an experience she "could not enjoy as much as I would have liked." Thus, far from being left wanting, she has returned with a vengeance, proving that "second times are not just good, they are even better."

This Alicante native proudly represents her foguera, Plaza del Mediterráneo. In fact, this new phase "has far exceeded my expectations" and she feels "eternally grateful for this great opportunity." It is now that she has decided to run for bellea del foc, a role that adds to her history, having also been the district's lady of honour twice.

If there is something she loves, it is enjoying the Hogueras and all their events, "as much as I am enjoying this interview." For her, "the secret lies in the company" and, in her case, "it is a pride to represent my foguera to the ends of the earth if necessary." She highlights her commission's hardworking and artistic spirit, demonstrated in events like the presentation, the ninot parade and the plantà.

Moreover, "les Fogueres are tradition, my most cherished legacy." María Álvarez Moreno has experienced Alicante's official festivities "since I was very little," because "my grandmother instilled in me with pride the culture, love, and respect for them."

Among her anecdotes, she highlights the colour of one of her skirts, which "we always joke about." It has a navy blue tone, hence it is called "the rain skirt." And indeed, "every time I wear it, it rains, no matter how good the weather is." In fact, she ventures a forecast: "I might be the most jinxed candidate, will it rain this year during the election?"