Costa Blanca Festivals & Events — May-June 2026
Cruces de Mayo • Hogueras de San Juan • Moros y Cristianos • Feria de Alicante
TL;DR — The Quick Answer
May and June 2026 bring Costa Blanca’s finest festival season. Key events: Labour Day (1 May) — national holiday, supermarkets closed, sightseeing ideal; Cruces de Mayo (3–10 May) — flower-cross street decorations across the region; Moros y Cristianos (May, e.g. Benissa 14–17 May) — historical battle re-enactments with parades and fireworks; and the highlight of the season is Hogueras de San Juan (20–29 June) in Alicante — the region’s International Tourist Interest festival. Midsummer Night (23 June) is the night of bonfires on all Costa Blanca beaches: jumping over flames, midnight swim for good luck, and open-air parties until dawn. Gran Alacant is the perfect base: Brisa Alacant apartment is just a few minutes by car from Carabassi Beach — the very beach where Midsummer bonfires are lit — and well-connected to central Alicante by bus. Book well in advance — June sells out fast.
By:Rafał Prońko — Host of Brisa Alacant in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca.
May and June are arguably the finest months to visit Costa Blanca. Air temperatures range from a comfortable 22°C in May to a warm 30°C by late June, the sea reaches 22–23°C, and the July-August crowds haven’t yet arrived. On top of that, you get a packed festival calendar — from the intimate tradition of flower-decked Cruces de Mayo, through the spectacular battle re-enactments of Moros y Cristianos, to Hogueras de San Juan — one of Europe’s most spectacular urban festivals.
Labour Day — 1 May 2026
Día del Trabajador — Labour Day
National public holiday across Spain. Supermarkets and offices closed.
1 May is Día del Trabajo — Labour Day — one of Spain’s fourteen national holidays. Trade union marches, family gatherings and outdoor celebrations fill the day. For visitors: most large supermarkets (Mercadona, Carrefour, El Corte Inglés) are closed, but restaurants, cafes, beaches and tourist attractions operate normally.
- • Large supermarkets (Mercadona, Carrefour)
- • El Corte Inglés and shopping malls
- • Banks and government offices
- • Many smaller shops
- • Restaurants and bars (full hours)
- • Beaches and promenades
- • Santa Barbara Castle (free entry)
- • Museums (check individual hours)
- • TAM/ALSA buses to Alicante (festivo timetable)
Tip: Stock up on groceries the evening of 30 April — everything will be shut on the 1st. A few small convenience stores and petrol station shops stay open for basics.
Cruces de Mayo — May Crosses (3–10 May)
Cruces de Mayo is one of the most beautiful traditions of the Spanish spring. It traces its roots to the medieval commemoration of Empress Helena’s discovery of the True Cross in 326 AD. Today it is a colourful, joyful celebration: squares, streets and patios throughout Spain display elaborate crosses lavishly decorated with flowers — typically carnations, roses and herbs — accompanied by music, dance and competitions for the most beautiful cross.
Where to see Cruces de Mayo on Costa Blanca
The old town stages a dozen crosses in alleys and squares. Especially picturesque in Barrio de Santa Cruz. Best route: from Plaza de Santa María along Calle Mayor.
Elche runs a competition for the most beautiful flower cross. Displays combine palm branches with colourful blooms — a unique local style.
Smaller, more intimate celebrations with local music. Excellent for families with children — far fewer crowds than in Alicante city centre.
Moros y Cristianos — Living History (May 2026)
Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) is a cultural phenomenon unique to the provinces of Alicante and Valencia — dramatic re-enactments of battles between Moorish and Christian armies, commemorating the Reconquista. These festivals take place in dozens of towns across the province at different times throughout the year.
Moros y Cristianos in May & June on Costa Blanca
One of the most colourful festivals of the northern Costa Blanca. Parades in historical costumes, processions and spectacular evening fireworks. Benissa is 85 km north of Gran Alacant (approximately 1 hour by car).
Free entry to street parades
- • Crevillent — May (approx. 20 km from Gran Alacant)
- • Santa Pola — August (10 km from Gran Alacant)
- • Villajoyosa — July (55 km, one of the most famous)
Check local dates at costablanca.org
Good to know: Moros y Cristianos festivals hold Cultural Tourist Interest status from the Valencia regional government. They typically last 3–5 days, culminating in the main parade (desfile) and a fireworks spectacular (nit de la pólvora). Participants’ costumes are often hand-crafted masterworks worth tens of thousands of euros.
Hogueras de San Juan — Bonfires of Saint John (20–29 June)
Hogueras de San Juan is without question Alicante province’s greatest festival. Declared International Tourist Interest by the Spanish government, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The festival spans ten days, but the heart of events centres on the night of 23–24 June — the night of Saint John.
What are Hogueras de San Juan?
In the weeks before the festival, giant sculptures appear across all of Alicante — the hogueras — built by local neighbourhood associations (comisiones de hogueras). These multi-storey structures of wood and papier-mâché are soaked in political satire, humour and social commentary. Over eighty appear in Alicante alone. For several days they serve as the backdrop for parties, competitions and parades — then all are burned in a single night: La Cremà, 24 June.
Hogueras de San Juan 2026 — Event Calendar
All sculptures are erected overnight. Traditional street cleaning at dawn (La Despertà) with noisy firecrackers. Local public holiday in Alicante — supermarkets closed.
Daily at 14:00 in Plaza del Ayuntamiento — the Mascletaà: a fifteen-minute pyrotechnic spectacle (sound and light), one of the most adrenaline-filled moments of the year. Free entry — arrive 30 minutes early to get a spot.
Bonfires are lit on all Costa Blanca beaches from sunset. Tradition: jump over the fire three times for health and luck, swim at midnight (walking in backwards, three times!), send a wish written on paper into the sea or the fire. Gran Alacant and Carabassi Beach are among the most beautiful places to celebrate Midsummer Night.
Beaches closed to cars from 20:00; walk or take the TRAM
From 23:00, hogueras are burned one by one until dawn. Each neighbourhood association burns its own sculpture with music, dance and tears. Best viewing spots: Avenida de la Estación, Calle San Fernando, area around Plaza del Mar. San Juan festivo — return by bus to Gran Alacant.
San Juan festivo — supermarkets closed; night buses run all night
After La Cremà the city returns to normal life, but celebrations continue until 29 June: award ceremonies for the best hogueras, photography exhibitions and live music along Rambla de Méndez Núñez. Good time to sightsee without the night-time crowds.
Midsummer Night on Costa Blanca Beaches — 23 June 2026
The night of 23–24 June is one of the most magical evenings in Spain. Rooted in ancient pagan and Christian traditions, Noche de San Juan turns the entire coastline into one vast fire festival. From Dénia to Torrevieja, hundreds of bonfires light up the beaches, and crowds celebrate the summer solstice.
Midsummer Night traditions
Jump over the bonfire three times — each jump is a wish that’s said to come true. The more fearless you are, the better the luck!
Tradition says swimming at midnight on Midsummer Night brings good health for the whole year. Wade in backwards, three times.
Write a wish on paper, release it into the sea or the fire — it will come true. A romantic tradition observed for centuries.
Eating an apple at midnight brings luck in love — or so local grandmothers say. Belief is entirely optional!
Best beaches near Gran Alacant for Midsummer Night: Playa de Gran Alacant, Carabassi Beach and Arenales del Sol. Arrive before 21:00 as car parks and access routes fill very quickly. Night buses run through the night on this special occasion.
Practical Tips — How to Get There & What to Bring
Transport from Gran Alacant to Alicante
From Gran Alacant to Alicante centre (Mercado stop) — approx. 30 minutes. Single ticket ~€1.60. Night buses operate during Hogueras and Midsummer Night.
Line 21/22 from Gran Alacant to Alicante centre — approx. 30 minutes. Reduced frequency after 21:00 on public holidays. Not recommended for late-night returns.
Alicante city centre is closed to traffic during La Cremà and the main parades. Car parks fill hours beforehand. TRAM is the only sensible option.
What to bring to Hogueras
- • Earplugs — Mascletaà is extremely loud!
- • Layers — June nights can be cooler than the day
- • Water and snacks — bar queues are enormous
- • Cash only wallet — smaller, harder to lose in crowds
- • Charged phone — network overloaded, download offline maps
- • Swimwear under clothes — for Midsummer Night tradition!
Why Gran Alacant is the Perfect Festival Base
Gran Alacant lies 15 km south of Alicante, well-connected to the city centre by bus — no parking stress, no traffic during Hogueras. At the same time it’s far enough away for a peaceful night’s sleep after the spectacles, with the quiet Carabassi Beach just minutes away.
Brisa Alacant — Long-term Rental in Gran Alacant
Our apartment offers a full kitchen, private terrace and pool access. Carabassi Beach is 5 minutes by car — the very beach where Midsummer bonfires are lit on 23 June. Alicante Airport is just 10 minutes drive.
- • 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4–6
- • Fully equipped kitchen
- • Private terrace with sea views
- • Pool & communal garden
- • Air conditioning, WiFi
- • 5 min by car to Carabassi Beach
- • Hogueras week (20–24 Jun) — very limited
- • Minimum stay: 11 nights
June 2026 — last dates available!
Direct booking via our website. Questions? We reply within hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Hogueras de San Juan festival in Alicante in 2026?
The Hogueras de San Juan festival 2026 runs from 20 to 29 June in Alicante. The most important nights are 23 June (Nit de la Foguera — beach bonfires) and 24 June (La Cremà — burning of all the sculptures). 20 and 24 June are local public holidays in Alicante — supermarkets closed.
Is entry to Hogueras de San Juan free?
Yes, all the main Hogueras events are free: viewing the sculptures placed around the city, the Mascletaà at 14:00 in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the parades and watching La Cremà. Only the exhibition galleries inside individual sculptures (approx. €2–3) and selected VIP stands require payment.
What is Midsummer Night like on Costa Blanca beaches?
On the night of 23 June, every beach on the Costa Blanca lights bonfires from sunset. Families, friends and visitors gather around the fires, jump over the flames three times for good luck, and swim in the sea at midnight for health. The atmosphere is festive and very safe — these are family events, not just youth parties. Carabassi Beach near Gran Alacant is one of the most beautiful spots to spend this night.
How do I get from Gran Alacant to Hogueras de San Juan?
The best option is TRAM line L1 from El Altet station to Alicante city centre (Mercado or Plaza del Mar stop) — approx. 20 minutes, ticket approx. €1.60. During Hogueras the tram runs all night. Taxi/Cabify costs approx. €15–20 one way but waiting times are long after La Cremà. Driving is strongly not recommended — city centre is closed and all car parks are full.
Where are Moros y Cristianos festivals in May on Costa Blanca?
Several Costa Blanca towns hold Moros y Cristianos festivals in May. Benissa typically celebrates around 14–17 May, and Crevillent (only 20 km from Gran Alacant) also has its festival in May. These events feature colourful parades in elaborate historical costumes, mock battles, and fireworks evenings. Entry to street parades is always free. Check the official Costa Blanca tourism website for exact 2026 dates.
Commercial Disclosure
I am the owner of Brisa Alacant apartment in Gran Alacant. Recommendations on this blog are my personal opinions from visits and are not paid partnerships with the places described.
Rafał Prońko
Owner of Brisa Alacant
Owner of the Brisa Alacant long-term rental apartment since 2023, I regularly visit Costa Blanca and know the region from personal experience. All the places described on this blog I have visited myself — photos and tips come from my own visits. I help guests discover the best attractions in the Alicante region.
Sources & References
- Federación de Hogueras de San Juan de Alicante — official programme(accessed: 2026-04-22)
- Ayuntamiento de Alicante — Fiestas de Alicante(accessed: 2026-04-22)
- Costa Blanca Tourism — Festival Calendar(accessed: 2026-04-22)
- Turismo Comunitat Valenciana — Moros y Cristianos(accessed: 2026-04-22)
- TRAM Alicante — Line L1 timetables and fares(accessed: 2026-04-22)
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