"No matter how much they tell you what a year of the 'foc' is like, living it is always a thousand times better"

A few hours remain before Martina Lloret Rocamora takes the stage. It will be on Friday night when alongside her name, "bellea del foc infantil d'Alacant" will be heard, at least in official events, as the title will remain with her forever.

After greeting the stands and the arena, this girl - who fulfilled her dream just over a year ago - will enjoy the first moments of the festival that will introduce her successor. Not without first addressing the people of Alicante, foguerers, and barraquers, who have accompanied her on this golden journey.

The 'bellea del foc infantil' of Alicante 2024 is living the final stretch "with great intensity," with the same enthusiasm that also writes her last chapter in the golden book of the Hogueras de Alicante. Of her reign, she acknowledges: "I'm sad it's ending because I'm enjoying it with great joy and always accompanied by my 'dames d'honor'."

Besides your 'dames d'honor', you have bonded with more girls during trips to other festivals.

We had a great time and loved the hospitality of the sister festivals. They welcomed us as if we were one of them. They were always attentive to us. I also highlight how much fun I had when their representatives came to the Hogueras: I enjoyed it immensely, they accompanied me to all the events and made me feel very special. I had the opportunity to meet different girls and it was a pleasure to be with them. I felt at home, they gave me all their love and kindness. I am very happy.

You also experienced up close the 'dana' that hit the province of Valencia half a year ago, as your father Nacho was one of the firefighters who acted to save lives.

My father worked that day and told us everything that happened. It was very sad, a tough situation. All the firefighters, police, and volunteers did everything possible to help. From our 'foguera' Sèneca-Autobusos, we also got involved and organized aid collections to send things that were truly needed. We did everything we could.

How has it been to balance the role of 'bellea del foc infantil' with your studies?

School is going very well. My friends help me balance everything, the teachers also cooperate and make it easy for me. When I leave early, they give me what I missed. I organize myself very well and always find time to study.

A year ago, you said you wanted to be a paediatrician, do you still have the same idea?

Paediatrics catches my attention, but I also find it interesting to be a businesswoman. I have many years left to decide. In secondary school, I'm seeing which subjects I like the most and which ones interest me more. When I'm older, I'll decide which path to take.

This year you also received the extraordinary Primary award.

In the final stretch of sixth grade, I worked very hard. I love having good grades and always being up to date. I was thrilled to receive that award.

On some trips to other festivals, you must have also had to hit the books.

On some trips, I had to study. Luckily, when I went to Valencia and Castellón, we had already finished the second term exams. We were starting the third, so I didn't have to study much because they brought the exams forward before I left. I also remember that, in the car, on the way to the confetti of Burriana, I sometimes studied.

And between books, you also sing in the car, right?

When I'm at home or in the car with my parents, we usually listen to the radio. When I'm with my 'dames d'honor', they play fun songs and I let myself go. I have no preferences, I like to listen to a bit of everything.

How involved do you see children in the Fogueres festivals?

Children are the present of the festival, but also the future. They participate in more and more activities, and I think it's a great idea to go to schools teaching what les Fogueres are. Fun activities are held, a lot is learned, and new friends are made. I love seeing how they get more involved.

In your case, you have grown up in the Hogueras, both in sentiment and height, how many times have you had to adjust your outfit this year?

I've grown a lot, in every sense. I still love les Fogueres. In height, I've grown so much that we've had to let out the bodice and skirt three times. Everything was too short! I've also changed shoe size.

You have had other 'women of foc' very close, like your mother Ana.

My mother experienced it very closely, she's at home every day and always tells me how her year was as 'dama d'honor' of the 'bellea del foc'. No matter how much they tell you, living it is a thousand times better.

You also met Raquel Vázquez, 'bellea del foc infantil' 45 years ago with your 'foguera'.

I was lucky to talk to her at the beginning of the year, she advised me to live this experience with joy, and encouraged me to let myself go.

How have they experienced your great year from your 'foguera'?

They have supported me, accompanied me to all the events, always taking photos, applauding me... I have felt the love of my people throughout the year. It's my 'foguera' forever, where I've been since I was very young. They have seen me grow, and this year has been especially exciting. They have accompanied me at all times.

What events do you highlight from your reign?

There are two that have marked me a lot. The first, the proclamation. Since I was little, I've experienced it coming down as 'dama d'honor' and I was very excited for that day to come. This year I had the privilege of saying "Ja estem en Fogueres!" and it was fantastic, I enjoyed it immensely with my 'dames d'honor'. The second was the offering, a super special moment. I always offer with my 'foguera', I never miss it. This year I was able to deliver the bouquet directly to the Virgin of Remedio and felt the love of all the people. Also, my father, who had never dressed up, surprised me and accompanied me, as did my mother. It was beautiful.

What message do you send to the child candidates?

That they enjoy this stage a lot, that they let themselves go. I hope they are enjoying it as much as I am. They have experienced almost all the events, and now comes the final stretch which is very intense. I ask them to bond with their companions, to enjoy, because that's what it's all about. Being 'bellea del foc' is something very special. Only seven girls can experience it and it is a privilege. The best thing is to let yourself go and live this beautiful experience.