Events
Alicante Carnival
February
Enjoy this festival that spans three weeks, kicked off by the Don Carnal and Dona Cuaresma plays. A colourful parade marks the main event on 2 February, which vibrantly winds its way through the city’s streets.
Pilgrimage of the Holy Visage
April
Around 200,000 pilgrims from around the world descend on Alicante on the second Thursday after Easter to worship at the Monastery of the Santa Faz. Participants carry the traditional pilgrim’s cane and wear orchard-worker blousons as they complete the journey up to the monastery.
Fogueres de Sant Joan
June
This festival marks the beginning of summer in a celebration of St John that dates back hundreds of years. St Barbara Castle is the setting for the bonfires and fireworks that follow the burning of a number of satirical papier mâché statues.
Festival de Jazz de Alicante
July-August
Throughout the months of July and August the international jazz elite flock to Alicante for a series of concerts and events. There are plenty of free street performances throughout the city, marking the long-running festival.
Virgen del Socorro
September
The Raval neighbourhood sees an annual parade pass through its streets in honour of the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. If you’re planning on being in Alicante around the beginning of September the music, dancing and fireworks are well worth checking out.