hogueras

Hogueras are large outdoor fires built from wood and other combustible materials. The term hoguera (singular) and hogueras (plural) is used to refer both to the fire itself and to the festival or ritual events in which such fires play a central role. In many Spanish-speaking regions, hogueras are part of midsummer or Saint John celebrations and are traditionally lit on or around the night of June 23 to 24 to mark the arrival of summer and to purify or ward off evil spirits.

In Spain, bonfires are commonly built on beaches, streets, or public squares. In some places, communities construct elaborate wooden structures or sculptures that are burned in a final ceremony, sometimes accompanied by fireworks, music, and processions.

Alicante, in the Valencian Community, is renowned for its Hogueras de San Juan festival. There, neighborhoods and commissions erect large artistic hogueras, which are judged for their design and theme. The monuments are burned in a ceremony known as the Cremà, marking the end of the festival. The event runs through late June and is a major cultural attraction in the region.

Safety and environmental regulations govern the construction and burning of hogueras in many municipalities to prevent wildfires and air pollution. While the core idea is shared—bonfires as a ritual or communal event—the specific practices and dates vary by country and locality.