María Gea Llopis: "Alicante Dresses Up for the Offering"

María Gea Llopis is a foguerer by birth. She has been part of the festival since she was a child, which has enabled her to promote Alicante's culture "wherever she goes." This young woman acknowledges that being part of the Fogueres de Sant Joan makes her "intensely happy," especially because she has the fortune to enjoy them every year with her family and friends.

This Alicante native was bellea of Rabassa during the past year. Just a few weeks ago, she began her journey as a candidate for bellea del foc 2025. Nevertheless, she remains connected to her festive roots, which she has experienced in two other districts: Don Bosco and Sant Blai-La Torreta, where she has held various positions such as children's president and lady of honor.

"Being part of the Fogueres de Sant Joan is a pride," she admits. Additionally, she confesses that the most symbolic event of the grand days is the flower offering to the Virgin of Remedio. "It's when Alicante dresses up, not only the foguerers and barraquers, but many people from the city wear their regional costumes to offer to our patron saint."

During the parade, "I can't help but shed a tear of emotion." However, other events of the grand days of the Alicante Bonfires are filled with laughter, such as the ninot parade. Last June, they dressed up as a photo booth, and three foguerers from Rabassa dressed as three well-known photographers from the city.

"When we saw them taking photos, they took photos back, and it seemed like there were two identical people," she recalls. While recounting this anecdote from her reign, she explains that "it was very fun, and we had a great time."