Thursday, July 05, 2007

Summer has arrived

The San Juan fiestas, which came to a close last Sunday, mark the start of Summer in this region. The week long partying in many towns in the Alicante province culminates with the night of the Crema when huge satirical sculptures made from polystyrene and wood are burnt. It is very similar to the Spring burning of fallas in Valencia but on a  smaller scale.

At midnight in Alicante a spectacular firework display behind the Santa Barbara castle signals the lighting of the first Hogueras in the city. As the crowds watch the fires burning they shout  "impotente" to the firemen who reply by soaking them with water.

The party then moves to the beach where families have built their own bonfires and continues until dawn.

I don't suppose a lot of work got done on the Monday!

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