Think Alicante is all beaches and tapas?
Sure, the coast is beautiful — but the real energy of this city lives in its fiestas. From centuries-old pilgrimages to all-night beach bonfire parties, Alicante celebrates with passion, music, food, and fire almost every month of the year.
This is your complete 2025 guide to every major event happening in the city — including traditional festivals like Hogueras de San Juan, huge cultural moments like Santa Faz, and modern hits like the Alma Occident Festival. Whether you’re a visitor or local, this calendar helps you plan your year around the most unforgettable celebrations.
Our tip: The best-known fiestas get the buzz, but don’t skip the cultural events in fall — Alicante stays lively long after summer ends.
📅 Main Festivities in Alicante – 2025
🗓️ January
New Year’s Day (1 Jan)
A quiet start, but fireworks and public celebrations welcome the new year.Three Kings Parade (5–6 Jan)
One of Spain’s most magical traditions. Alicante’s cabalgata features elaborate floats and sweet-throwing Wise Men parading through the city.
🗓️ February – March
Carnival (27 Feb – 9 Mar)
Alicante’s streets burst with color, music, and costumes. The highlight? Sábado Ramblero on 1 March, when La Rambla becomes one giant street party.
🗓️ April
Holy Week / Semana Santa (11–21 Apr)
Processions from city parishes take over the streets, creating powerful scenes with floats, candlelight, and solemn music. Recognized as a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
🗓️ May
Santa Faz Pilgrimage (1 May)
Over 350,000 people walk 8 km from the cathedral to the Santa Faz monastery in one of Spain’s largest pilgrimages. It’s both spiritual and festive — expect picnics and local stalls.Cruces de Mayo (early May)
In the Santa Cruz neighborhood, locals decorate the streets with colorful floral crosses and throw impromptu street parties.Spring Festival (30–31 May)
A vibrant music festival at Rabasa, with headliners like Suede, Amaia, and La Casa Azul.
🗓️ June
Hogueras de San Juan (19–24 Jun)
Alicante’s biggest and most iconic celebration. Satirical monuments are built and burned in a fiery, joyful explosion of music, fireworks, street food, mascletàs, and local pride. Don’t miss the Nit de la Cremà on the 24th.Post-Hogueras Fireworks Competition (25–29 Jun)
Watch international pyrotechnics light up the sky over Postiguet Beach each night.
🗓️ July
Alma Occident Festival (12–31 Jul)
A boutique concert series at Multiespacio Rabasa. 2025 headliners include Seal, UB40, Texas, Jethro Tull, and more.Festival Noches Mágicas (24 Jul – 10 Aug)
Held in nearby Sant Joan d’Alacant, this open-air festival blends live music, food, fashion, and art under the stars.
🗓️ August
Noches Mágicas Continues (1–10 Aug)
With Bonnie Tyler, Los Secretos, El Kanka, and others performing — a classy summer night out.Kool & The Gang in Alicante (6 Aug)
Performing as part of the Alma Occident Festival.Rabolagartija Festival (15–16 Aug)
Held in nearby Villena, but draws big crowds from Alicante — La Raíz returns after six years.
🗓️ September
I’M KRIOLA Festival (26–29 Sep)
A celebration of Creole music and dance styles like kizomba, semba, and zouk. Expect workshops, parties, and cultural vibes.
🗓️ October
Alicante Soundhound Festival (27–29 Oct)
A newer electronic music festival bringing international DJs to the city’s nightlife scene.Bloodtober Fest (30 Oct – 1 Nov)
Horror movie lovers rejoice — this themed festival in nearby Aspe screens classic and indie horror films.
🗓️ November
Fira Novios (7–9 Nov)
Planning a wedding? This event at IFA (Institución Ferial Alicantina) is a hub for wedding inspiration, vendors, fashion, and event planning.MORGENSHTERN Live (26 Nov)
The Russian superstar rapper plays at VB Spaces, bringing energy to the late-autumn season.
🗓️ December
Christmas in Alicante (all December)
Expect citywide lights, festive markets, Christmas trees, nativity scenes (belenes), and the New Year countdown on Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
✅ Editor’s Conclusion
Alicante isn’t just a summer city — it’s a city that lives to celebrate, all year round. Whether you come for tradition, music, or unexpected street fiestas, you’ll find a reason to raise a glass and join the locals.
Locals say: You haven’t really been to Alicante until you’ve danced during Hogueras and walked in the Santa Faz.
Definitely don’t skip: June. The whole city is on fire — literally and culturally.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest festival in Alicante?
Hogueras de San Juan (19–24 June) is the city’s largest and most iconic celebration — with giant sculptures, fireworks, and fire-themed rituals. It’s Alicante’s answer to Fallas in Valencia.
Is Santa Faz religious or fun?
Both! It’s a pilgrimage with religious roots, but it’s also become a festive event where friends walk, eat, and celebrate together.
Are the summer music festivals free?
Most require tickets, especially Alma Occident Festival and Noches Mágicas, but some smaller concerts and post-Hogueras events are free and open to the public.
Does Alicante celebrate Halloween?
Yes, especially with themed events like Bloodtober Fest in late October and All Saints’ Day on 1 November. Bars and clubs also host costume parties.
Are the Christmas markets worth visiting?
Absolutely. They’re small but charming — with local food, artisan gifts, and family-friendly events around Plaza Séneca and Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
