A Showcase in Alicante Pays Tribute to Pedro Espadero's Official Bonfires

Since early June, anyone strolling through the streets of the Virgen del Remedio neighbourhood cannot help but stop in front of the showcase of Autoservicio del Hogar. Both in its windows and above them, a well-placed bonfire appears. In fact, there are several, as they are different reproductions of Pedro Espadero's official ones in the Town Hall square.

For the showcase competition organised by the Alicante City Council, Miguel Ángel Montero has crafted a very artisanal tribute to the artist who, this June, marks 18 plantàs in front of the Town Hall.

Even in previous editions of the contest and other more Christmas-themed ones, this showcase surprises with Montero's ingenuity, it is during these days that customers and neighbours stop abruptly to admire the work. "Have you seen it? He has worked hard," comments one of the neighbourhood ladies who has seen the merchant grow and, with it, all his creations in the area.

These and many others are the reactions that Miguel Ángel Montero receives daily from his neighbours, who admire the work that hangs from this showcase every year. Among the most striking novelties is the appearance of two bonfires, as well as criticism in the scenes.

And all of this has a reason. "I saw a photo of Pedro Espadero's bonfire and I liked it." It was the lion that crowned the back of 'Under the Same Sun' in 2017. Thus, after appreciating all its details, Montero ventured to reproduce this ninot of the top in a format adapted to the showcase of Autoservicio del Hogar.

To give it even more realism, he also built the towers of the Alicante Town Hall, with this lion fitting between them as it did in the snapshot that inspired him. Among the curiosities, the clock - like the original - works and tells the time accurately.

And not only that, but far from everything, Miguel Ángel Montero sought more official bonfires of Pedro Espadero in the Town Hall square and opted for the rear top and counter-top - continuing with the same view - of 'Legacy', planted in 2016.

In this case, they are placed in a different perspective, fitting the dimensions of the showcase of this Virgen del Remedio shop. However, the reproduction meets the reality in terms of aesthetics and details, although Montero insists that "Pedro Espadero would have done it better".

He might be right, but it is worth noting that Espadero is an expert artist in building bonfires and, with all, he has a human and technical team at his level; while the merchant has crafted each ninot with the help of a cutter with which he has achieved the shapes and gestures.

This tribute to Pedro Espadero has been underway since Christmas, just after dismantling the previous showcase. Thus, after months of hard work and patience, Miguel Ángel Montero brought out the first ninots a few weeks ago, experiencing his own plantà at the shop's doorstep.

However, he acknowledges that this year "it has been more challenging to set up because the pieces are larger". The wind that has been blowing through the area these days has heightened Montero's nerves, just as it happens to Pedro Espadero with the plantàs in the Town Hall square, especially when raising the top.

Despite this feeling, which he rightly experiences, Miguel Ángel Montero feels very happy and proud of his work, especially for bringing life to the neighbourhood in Fogueres time. Also for the details he has managed to incorporate.

From original photographs of Pedro Espadero's bonfires to a plaque with the artist's biography, also with a ninot of Foguet to pay tribute to this figure recovered for the 2024 exercise and, even, with much criticism.

This is the case of one of the scenes that appears in this showcase turned bonfire. It is the bellea del foc on the Town Hall balcony, a satire that leads to the day of the proclamation and the next of the cremà. This area has been restricted due to its condition, after a cornice collapsed at the end of 2024 a cornice.

"To the balcony of the noble Town Hall came the bellea with daring. With a harness, she displayed her mantilla upon seeing it. Let her not fall, let the cement fall," reads the plaque accompanying this satirical ninot that shines in the showcase of Autoservicio del Hogar.

Thus, with ingenuity, satire, and above all, good craftsmanship, Miguel Ángel Montero has once again surprised his neighbours with this showcase that demonstrates, once again, that bonfires are not only planted in the streets of Alicante.