The mayor of Alicante, Luis Barcala, emphasised on Saturday that the barracas are a clear representation of the community spirit and hospitality that characterise the people of Alicante, especially during the central days of the Hogueras festival.
Barcala made these remarks alongside Cristina Cutanda, the councillor for festivities, and members of the Municipal Corporation, during the Día de las Barracas, held at the park of the Antigua Cochera de Tranvías.
Antonio Galindo, president of the Federation of Barracas, highlighted the significant role these structures play in the festival, stating that they “combine tradition and culture in a popular manifestation with a solid history of 95 years.”
After visiting the barraquers positioned throughout the park, Barcala noted, “The barracas are a clear expression of how we, the festers, and I proudly identify as a barraquer of ‘Els Chuanos’, live and express our love for our bonfire and festival. This celebration would not be fully understood without the significance of the barracas.”
Galindo mentioned that there are 51 barracas established for 2027, expressing satisfaction that this number has remained stable in recent years despite current challenges, although he reminisced about the times when over a hundred were set up.
One of the Federation's goals for 2027 is to feature a concert by the Municipal Symphonic Band during the ‘Verano de Músicas’ cycle, held in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento between July and August, where various pasodobles dedicated to the barracas will be performed.
The Día de las Barracas also included activities for both children and adults, a photo call, a gift raffle, a parade led by a charanga (a type of musical group), a rice tasting event for over 500 people, and a DJ performance in the afternoon.
