We had a visit from family and we were so excited to have Janice and Scott here in Alicante. They arrived in Madrid and we met them at the airport and then came back to Alicante by train. They arrived at the perfect time because Alicante has a large fiesta called the Hogueras de San Juan, which is an annual event in June. Each day we tried to explore and see different things of Alicante. There is much to see and do here. One day we walked and explored some of the different hogueras that were being set up throughout the city.
The large pieces of art work and sculptures are made with wood and paper mache and are truly amazing to see. We walked along the different streets checking out the various hogueras.
After walking and exploring the hogueras we stopped along the way to enjoy some refreshments.
Scott and Janice enjoying a refreshment with a view of the Santa Barbara Castle behind them
Another day we went to explore and see the 9th century fortified Santa Barbara Castle which is located on Mont Benacantil and overlooks Alicante and the Mediterranean sea.
View of the Santa Barbara Castle from the Marina in AlicanteJanice and Shelley at Santa Barbara CastleView from the Santa Barbara CastleView from the Castle overlooking the Sea
We walked along the promenade and the beach enjoying the view of the Mediterranean Sea. There were parades and music everywhere we went.
We had friends come and visit with us from Sweden. We had a BBQ and enjoyed time together. We even decided to play a Virtual reality game together. It was a great experience involving a scenario of aliens invading Alicante and we had to save the city. It was a lot of fun, here is a short video of our game, spoiler alert, we saved the City.
We so enjoyed our time in Alicante but before we knew it, the time had come for us to head to our next adventure.
We packed our bags and headed to the airport, Budapest here we come.
We met our friends Dan and Kathy from Canada in Madrid. From there we did a tour of some of the most beautiful cities of Spain. We of course began our adventure in Madrid. We walked the city centre exploring the architecture, food and culture of Madrid.
Dan in front of a Bocadillo restaurant in Madrid
Ibérico de bellota, is a type of ham, the ¨bellota¨ refers to the acorn-rich diets of free-range Iberian pigs. It is considered one of the best type of ham in Spain.
Shelley, Kathy and Dan in front of the oldest restaurant in the world ¨Botin¨ located in Madrid.View of the Palacio de Comunicaciones in MadridThe front of the Royal Palace of Madrid
We decided to take a break and try some Madrid tapas.
Dan enjoying tapas in Madrid
Toledo
The following day we took the high speed train to Toledo.
Kathy and Dan at the Toledo sign
The city of Toledo represents the essence and soul of Spain. There are beautiful historical landmarks that are located throughout the city. Toledo was declared a Historic-Artistic Site by UNESCO in 1940 and later, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 for its extensive monumental and cultural heritage. It has a rich and long history and dates back to the fifth century BC. In 193 BC, it was taken by the roman empire and remained an important city. During the ages Toledo was known for the quality of the weapons it made for the Romans.
Store front in Toledo selling assorted swords and knives.
We went into the ¨Iglesia de los Jesuitas¨ a beautiful 18th-century baroque church.
Iglesia de los Jesuitas in Toledo Spain
We explored the church and even went up the tower and onto the roof area.
From there we could see the spectacular views of Toledo and the surrounding area.
View of Toledo Spain from the roof of the Iglesia de los Jusuitas
We had a wonderful day in Toledo exploring the many sites and historic areas.
Barcelona
The following day we took the high speed train from Madrid to Barcelona. The train speed was as fast as 300 kilometers per hour during the trip. We arrived in the heart of the city and began exploring the second largest city in Spain.
We went to the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, known as the Sagrada Familia basilica. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an extraordinary cathedral. It is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Designed by the Famous architect Antoni Gaudí,
Barcelona Cathedral
Dan in the base of the Sagrada Familia church
We went to see the Güel park which was built from 1900 to 1914. It was designed by the same architect Mr. Antoni Gaudí that was in charge of the construction of the Sagrada Familia Church. The Güel park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. It is one of the large green spaces in Barcelona, with more than 17 hectares. We walked throughout the park admiring the unique designs of the walls and walkways.
The Entrance to the Güel park in BarcelonaOne of the stone walls along the walkway in the Güel Park in BarcelonaStone pillars of the bridge section in Güel ParkShelley towards the top of the Güel park with views that overlook Barcelona
After exploring Barcelona for a few days we were off on the train again this time to Alicante
Alicante
Alicante is a historic Mediterranean port city with a long rich history. The history of Alicante spans thousands of years. The first settlements in the Alicante area were made by Iberian tribes. Since then the area has been inhabited successively by Greeks, Romans, Muslims, and Christians. Today Alicante is a bustling city of over 320,000 population.
Kathy and Dan near the entrance to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara in Alicante
We explored the city and walked the beautiful coastline of the Mediterranean sea enjoying the kilometres of white sandy beaches.
Kathy, Dan, Shelley and Ray on the beach in AlicanteKathy and Dan walking in the Mediterranean sea in AlicanteKathy and Dan leaving their mark on the shore of the mediterranean Sea.
Over the next few days we explored the city at a relaxed pace. We walked the promenade. It was decorated for Christmas and there was a very large nativity scene on the promenade.
Kathy and Dan at luceros plaza in Alicante10 meter hight Nativity scene on the promenade in AlicanteDan and Kathy on the Promenade in AlicanteDan and Kathy in front of an old Ficus Microcarpa tree in the Canalejas Park in Alicante.
We explored some museums which were quite unique. The Fogueres Festival museum was very special with different fogueres on display.
Kathy and Dan in the Fogueres Museum in Alicante
We went to the Castillo de Santa Barbara and explored this historic castle.
View of the Santa Bárbara castle from the waterfront of Alicante.
The medieval castle is a historic landmark and was built on the top of Mount Benacantil. The views of the mediterranean Sea where amazing and the colour of the water stunning.
View from the top of the Castle of Santa Bárbara in AlicantePartial view of the castle and the mediterranean seaKathy and Dan with some Knights of the Castle of Santa BarbaraKathy, Dan and Shelley on a section of the castle of Santa Barbara
Kathy in the lookout on the top of the Santa Bárbara Castle
Kathy on the lookout tower of the Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante.
While in Alicante we enjoyed trying a few of the traditional Spanish restaurants and walking through the fresh food markets.
Dan and Kathy at one of the Spanish restaurants in Alicante
Guadalest
After spending time in Alicante we took a few day trips around the area. The first trip was to Gaudalest a small village anchored in a small valley. Gaudalest was declared a Historic-Artistic monument in 1974. It is known for its ‘castle’, which is literally hanging on the edge of the cliffs.
Kathy and Dan looking out over the Valley in Guadalest
We did a day trip with our friend and tour guide Filipe to a town called Novelda.
Novelda
The day began with a tour of the Mola castle which stands 360 metres above sea level. The castle was built in the late 12th century by Islamic occupiers. The castle was originally a polygonal layout with eight square turrets jutting out from the outer wall, although only four still survive today.
Dan, Kathy and Shelley with Filipe explaining the history of the Mola castle
We climbed the steep narrow stairs inside the towers reaching the top of the tower.
Narrow and steep staircase within the Mola castle
We also could see the remains of the 12th century layout of the castle from the rooftop.
View of the remains of the rooms within the 12th century castle
We could also see the church Shrine of Mary Magdalene .
View from Castle of the Church Shrine of Mary MagdaleneThe church Shrine of Mary Magdalene in Novelda
We explored this amazing and unique church. Work began on the church in 1918 and was completed in three phases. The architect Jose Sala Sala, who is a native of Novelda, he dedicated the church to Mary Magdalene, the patron saint of Novelda.
The outside is made of stone, brick and marble with a similar style to the Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona.
Outside walls of the church
The main entrance archway is made of large sections of marble and is quite impressive. The marble organ system which is still under construction is made completely of marble. The three main marble pipes are mounted above the entranceway of the church.
Shelley and Dan at the entrance area of the church
After visiting the church we finished our day by visiting the Bodega Casa Cesilia which has a great restaurant. We enjoyed a great meal and then toured the winery.
Casa Cesilla winery in Novelda
It was a great way to end our day. Over the next few days we relaxed and enjoyed home cooked meals and some quiet time in Alicante before heading back out on our next adventure.
“Las cosas bonitas se aprecian mucho mejor en compañía de amigos”
In Alicante every year there is a major festival called “Les Fogueres de Sant Joan”. It begins on the 20th of June and ends with the “Cremá” which starts at midnight on June 24th. The city is bustling with noise and activities during the week of the “Fogueres”.
We try to participate and enjoy as much of the activities as possible during the fiesta. One of our favorite things to do is explore the fogueres on display at most major locations.
Shelley and Ray in front of one of the fogueres
There were a total of 89 fogueres in this year’s fiesta. We put together a small gallery of some of the creative, different and beautiful fugueres we saw.
We also took part in other events during the fiesta, inluding the Mascletà, parades and the famous “crema” which roughly translates to “cremate”
We went to our friends apartment which overlooks one of the main fougeres. Their balcony provides the perfect spot to view the fiesta activities and the crema.
Shelley and Ray in front of the large fougeres which we watched being burnt at the crema.
Below is a small video of the crema activities which is one of the highlights of the fiesta.
Our friend Felipe who is involved in a lot of tourist activities assisted in a video about Alicante. It is in Spanish but shows some of the great things we see in Alicante.
We always enjoy the Hougeras of San Juan and try to participate in as much as we can. Until the next time be safe and enjoy life.
“Lo mejor de la vida es seguir adelante con todos tus planes y tus sueños, abrazar la vida y vivir todos los días con pasión.”
Every year for the past 90 years, Alicante has hosted the “Hougeres” and celebrated the bonfires of San Jaun. We were fortunate to be invited to our friends place to watch the “Noche de la Cremà“ which is the burning of the hougeres. We headed there early to take a walk around the hougere before going up to the apartment.
Shelley and Ray at the Hougeres
The hougere was three storeys high and had some beautiful features to it.
Detailed painting of faces on hougere
Detailed different features of the hougere
There was also a smaller hougere which was done by children which was also very impressive and beautiful.
Children’s Hougere
It was sad to think that all of the 89 hougeres in the city would be destroyed by fire later in the night. We went up to our friends apartment to spend the evening and watch the activities. We gathered on the terrace to enjoy the party and watch the crowds.
Alli and Shelley on the terrace
Ray and Augustine on the terrace
The apartment overlooks one of the main hougeres on a large street in Alicante. We had a perfect view from their terrace.
The view of the hougeres from the terrace
The view down the street was full of people and lights.
The view down the street from the terrace
We watched people gather and get ready for the burning of the hougeres. The fire truck arrived and began to set up and prepare for the burning.
Fire truck arriving at the hougere to set up for the burning
The burning of the hougeres begins at midnight and is signaled by a large palm fireworks sent up from the Santa Barbara Castle.
After the signal we watched for the start of the burning of our hougere. There were fireworks going off throughout the city and the atmosphere was incredible. We enjoyed watching the burning of our hougere and seeing the firefighters spraying the crowd with water.
Firefighter spraying the crowd
People edging the firefighter on and getting sprayed with water
The spraying of the crowd is a ritual in the event. The crowd chants insults at them in jest and they then turn the water spray on the crowd. There is also a song which roughly translates to “Wet me fireman, please wet me. I’m dying of heat, save me from this hot flush”. The crowd also chant “agua, agua, agua”over and over until they get sprayed. It is all done in fun.
Small hougere burning and firefighters spraying the crowd with water
We put the following video together to give you an idea of the extent and amazing nature of the burning of the hougeres. The video is only a small portion of the party that continues throughout the night.
The experience was one we will always remember. It is amazing how the Bonfires of San Juan and the Hougeres in Alicante are celebrated every year.
We went with friends to a cycling group to tour some of the fogueres in Alicante. We arrived at the meeting place which was near the Plaza del Toros.
Shelley, Sonja’s daughter, Sonja and Ray at the start of the cycling tour
It was a very hot day and we were surprised to see so many cyclist there.
Cyclist gathered near the Plaza del Toros preparing to tour the fogueres.
We left the Plaza del Toros and headed toward our first foguere. It was tricky cycling at first because of how close we were to other cyclist.
Cyclist along the route to see fogueres
We went a few blocks and then came to our first stop. The foguere was interesting and focused on a specific topic. It was people of all different type and nationality. The focus of the foguere was that we are all inter-connected and co-dependant.
Shelley at our first stop of the fogueres.
Foguere of different people in the world
After checking out the foguere we saw another one which was close by. This particular foguere was very impressive with ornate designs and detail. The focus of the foguere is the government corruption that is an issue in Spain.
The political Puppeteer pulling the strings
The political parties being caught up in scandals
Mariano Rajoy -Prime minister of Spain and other politicians as clowns
Mushrooms on the ground representing the public which is being fed manure by the politicians.
A maze showing the politicians actions before being ousted from office.
We enjoyed reading and looking at the different pieces of the foguere. We then got back on our bikes and headed towards our next foguere. We arrived at a huge foguere which had some spectacular art work. This foguere also focused on world politicians.
Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump with missiles pointed at each other.
The fogueres had some very pointed opinions about the nonsense that is taking place across the world. We would take our time and read each sign. It was the regular people making statements about the politician and policies that affect their lives. The signs below Trump and Kim translates roughly as “they enjoy moving boats, for them it’s just a game, we’re fed up with their big show of ego” and “poisoned songs are these serene of war, two countries face massacre our future.” “in the “summit” we saluted and we all breathe, this is well that they speak even if they are lies to one of the other”
There were lots of details in the fogueres. Everywhere we looked you would see small details and ornate decorations.
Detailed sections of the fogueres
Shelley and Ray in front of a three-story high foguere
Some of the small detailed sections of the fogueres
We cycled for approximately three hours and then came to one foguere which was different. This one was giving away free drinks of horchata.
Shelley and Ray at a foguere during the cycling tour.
This foguere was sponsored in part by a company that made “horchata de chufa” which is a traditional Spanish drink. It is made with the chufa sage bulb and is a refreshing natural drink .
Sonja and Shelley at one of the fogueres on our cycling tour
We enjoyed the free horcheta and looked at the foguere.
Foguere focused on water use and supply
Large crowds of people throughout the viewing of the fogueres.
Foguere creatures of the sea with clocks showing time running out.
Throughout the cycling tour we saw many different fogueres and enjoyed seeing the many different pieces of artwork. We came to our last foguere of the evening which was also quite interesting.
Three story high foguere
Foguere against violence
There were so many things to see that the evening went by quickly. We really enjoyed the tour and seeing different fogueres along the way.
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