Alicante

Did you know that the Castillo de Santa Barbara is named after the day (December 4, 1248) the city was liberated from the Moors?

Although the structure has been renovated several times, most of it dates from the sixteenth century during the reign of Felipe II.

Are you interested in the ancient tradition of bullfighting? Besides the bullring Plaza de Toros you can also visit the museum. Although the popularity of fighting has declined rapidly in the last fifteen years, it is banned in only two regions (Catalonia and the Canary Islands). Because the Spanish Constitutional Court declared it an immaterial cultural heritage in 2013, its abolition was challenged in several regions.

Do you like to explore the city with a guide? At Free Walking Tours Alicante you can book a tour in English, French or Spanish. You only pay what you thought it was worth afterwards.

Festivities

The Fogueres de Sant Joan Festival (June 20-29) is originally a midsummer celebration celebrating the longest day (with the greatest harvest) and the shortest night (with the burning of useless objects). It’s only since 1928 that people started burning papier-mache dolls. If you would like to know more, you can visit the Museo de las Hogueras for free.