Alicante Opens Traditional Festivities Friday with Porrate Proclamation
Alicante is set to launch its traditional festivities with the Porrate de San Antón on January 16, 2026. This event marks the beginning of a vibrant calendar celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Alicante’s Traditional Festivities Kick Off with Porrate Proclamation
The opening ceremony will be led by Cristina Cutanda, the city’s councilor for festivities. It is scheduled for 9:00 PM at the Patio de Sol in the Plaza de Toros. During the event, Miriam Rodríguez Cremades and Anais Ibarra Lloria will be crowned as the adult and child ladies of San Antón, respectively.
Significant Highlights of the Opening Ceremony
- Proclamation by Cristina Cutanda
- Crowning of Damas with the Federation’s coat of arms
- Introduction of new throne drapes for the procession
The event represents the first of several that are part of the Federation of Traditional Festivals, which was designated as a Local Interest Festival in 2022. Following the proclamation, festivities will resume on January 17 with a procession at 7:30 PM, featuring the image of the Patron Saint on a newly adorned throne.
Procession and Ceremonial Activities
The procession will begin at the Plaza del Hospital Viejo, proceeding through several key locations in the San Antón neighborhood, including:
- Plaza de Santa Teresa
- Calle Díaz Moreu
- Calle Empecinado
- Calle Trafalgar
- Plaza de la Misericordia
- Calle Cuesta de la Fábrica
- Calle Sevilla
- Calle San Carlos
- Calle Valencia
The procession will culminate back at the Plaza del Hospital Viejo. Noteworthy is the pyrotechnic display organized by Hermanos Sirvent, which will honor the late Pedro Luis Sirvent, a local pyrotechnician who contributed to the ceremony for over 30 years.
Traditional Rituals During the Procession
As is customary, attendees will throw garbanzos to the Patron’s image, collecting seven for good fortune. A festive parade will also encourage community participation.
Continuing Traditions: The Descenso de Galeras
On January 18, the Cuesta de la Fábrica will host the traditional Descenso de Galeras at 11:00 AM. This event will feature decorative paper flags and musical accompaniment from local dolçainers i tabaleters, as stated by Porrate President Rocío Beltri.
Upcoming Activities
Further celebrations will take place the following weekend, including a costume contest at 7:00 PM and a paella competition at noon on January 23. The Porrate will conclude on January 25 with a series of ceremonies:
- Misa at 9:30 AM, officiated by Manuel Llopìs
- Procession at 10:15 AM with costaleras carrying the Patron’s image
- Equestrian exhibition at 10:30 AM
- Blessing of animals at noon
- Pet competition to end the celebrations
Full Calendar of Traditional Festivals in Alicante
The schedule for the Federation of Traditional Festivals in 2026, beyond Porrate, includes:
- Cruces de Mayo: April 30 – May 3
- Tabarca: June 27 – June 30 and July 15-16
- San Gabriel: July 22 – July 26
- San Roque: August 13 – August 16
- Raval Roig: September 3 – September 8
Alicante’s Porrate de San Antón and subsequent festivals celebrate the community’s deep-rooted traditions and vibrant cultural landscape.
