When you think Spain can't get any crazier ~

Las Hogueras de Guardamar y Alicante!

Lets just put one thing in perspective - Spanish people are c r a z y. A good crazy, though. 

They know how to eat. 

They know the meaning of siestas (naps) and how important they are to our everyday life. 

 And they know how to celebrate in the most insane, emotional, and spiritual way -

a celebration that is remarkable and worth engaging in. 

Las Hogueras de San Juan is a yearly summer celebration that marks the beginning of summer and summer solstice. Celebrations take place from 20th to 29th June. The Spanish come to celebrate the longest day of the year through spiritual dances around giant bonfires on the beach, fireworks and firecrackers erupting from the city floors, and constructing massive, beautiful wooden structures around the coastal cities, where they later burn them on the evening of the 24th. 

Spiritual dancing around the bonfire in Guardamar. This ritual is said to ward off evil spirits and witches. 

Dancing and celebration take place not only around the city and the beaches but in barracas (or tents) that are stationed within promenades and streets of some coastal cities like Alicante. 
People come here to drink, 
eat and have a good time, 
celebrating life, 
happiness 
and s u m m e r ! 

Structure being prepped for burning at 12:00 AM.

Burning of the structures at 12:00 the evening of 24th of June, Alicante, Spain.

We were lucky enough to be a part of this cultural experience and witnessed the spiritual dancing of the Guardamar Bonfire, as well as the explosive mascletas (fireworks) and the burning of the structures in Alicante. 

The energy, 

the explosions, 

the people, 

the happiness, 

the cheering,

the excitement,

the celebration of life - 

were all part of the cultural experience and it was an amazing feeling to be a part of. It's nothing like you've ever experienced! 

This is truly the best way to experience the Spanish way of life!

// Mateo //