The Sèneca-Autobusos Bonfire Revives 'Don Juan Tenorio' at the San Nicolás Cloister

On the night of October 31st in Alicante, there were no pumpkins or costumes. Before Halloween took over the streets, the 'Nit de Tots Sants' was a time of reflection, mystery, and tradition. Although times have changed, some corners of the city still resist modern noise to remind us of our roots.

One such place is the Cloister of the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás, which this Friday will once again be filled with voices, verses, and music to host the fourteenth dramatized reading of 'Don Juan Tenorio', organized by the Sèneca-Autobusos bonfire.

At 8:30 PM, the cold and silent stone of the cloister will transform into a living stage for one of the most emblematic works of Spanish literature. With free entry via Labradores Street, this event has become a staple in Alicante's cultural calendar during autumn.

The event is not just a simple reading but an experience that blends heritage, literature, and festive tradition. Twenty-two voices linked to Alicante society will bring José Zorrilla's characters to life, accompanied by the Sèneca Choir and several musicians under the direction of Marina Rubio.

This return to the 'Nit de Tots Sants' also carries added significance. The previous edition, due to the storm that hit the province of Valencia and other parts of Spain on October 29th, saw the bonfire decide to postpone the event as a gesture of solidarity with the victims and those affected. Thus, a year later, the tradition returns to its original date.

For the Sèneca-Autobusos bonfire, this event is much more than a one-off occasion. "It has become a consolidated cultural meeting in the city," explains its president, Josep Amand Tomàs. It is not an exaggeration to say that without their dedication, this custom might have been lost forever. Fourteen years ago, the commission decided to revive it, and since then, each edition has added more audience and significance.

'Don Juan Tenorio', by José Zorrilla, is a romantic drama divided into two parts that tells the story of Don Juan, a bold and blasphemous seducer who bets with Don Luis Mejía on who will achieve more romantic conquests and daring challenges. To win, Don Juan seduces Doña Inés, a pure and innocent young novice, but ends up genuinely falling in love with her.

After the death of Inés and his own tragic fate, the second part takes place years later when Don Juan returns to Seville and faces the consequences of his actions. There he discovers that Inés's love can offer him salvation, and after a final duel between eternal damnation and repentance, the protagonist finds redemption through her sacrifice and forgiveness.