Alicante is set to launch its traditional festival season with the Porrate of San Antón proclamation on January 16, 2025. The event will take place at 9:00 PM in the Patio de Sol at the Plaza de Toros. Cristina Cutanda, the city’s Councillor for Fiestas, will deliver the opening speech. At the same ceremony, Miriam Rodríguez Cremades and Anais Ibarra Lloria will be crowned the adult and child Damas of San Antón, respectively.
Porrate Festival Highlights
The Federation of Traditional Festivities, led by Vicente Giner, will present the new sashes adorned with the federation’s emblem. This will also apply to other festivals recognized as Local Interest since 2022.
Key Events for January 2025
- January 17: The procession featuring the Patron Saint on a newly adorned throne begins at 7:30 PM from Plaza del Hospital Viejo.
- Fireworks: The pirotecnia Hermanos Sirvent will launch fireworks in memory of Pedro Luis Sirvent, who passed away in 2025.
- Garbanzos Tradition: Attendees will collect fallen garbanzos to keep as tokens of good luck for 2027.
Weekend Schedule
On January 18, the Descenso de Galeras begins at 11:00 AM at Cuesta de la Fábrica. The event will be decorated with paper flags and accompanied by local musicians, as stated by Rocío Beltri, the president of the Porrate.
The festival will continue into the next weekend, with key activities scheduled for January 23:
- Disguise Contest: 7:00 PM at Patio de Sol.
- Paella Competition: 12:00 PM on Calle Sevilla.
Closing Day of the Porrate 2026
The final day, January 25, will start with a mass at 9:30 AM led by Manuel Llopís. The image of San Antón will then be carried by costaleras to Plaza de Toros at 10:15 AM. An equestrian display follows at 10:30 AM, leading to the animal blessing at noon and the pet contest to conclude the festivities.
Upcoming Festivities Calendar
Apart from the Porrate, the Federation of Traditional Festivities has outlined upcoming events for 2025:
- Cruces de Mayo: April 30 – May 3
- Tabarca: June 27 – June 30; July 15 and 16
- San Gabriel: July 22 – July 26
- San Roque: August 13 – August 16
- Raval Roig: September 3 – September 8
This year, the Porrate of San Antón will be a vibrant celebration, highlighting Alicante’s rich traditions and community spirit.
