José María Py, the driving force behind Alicante's Bonfires of Saint John, is the central figure in the new visual identity unveiled by the Federació de les Fogueres de Sant Joan for the 2026–2027 festival year. Created by designer Kike Torres, the artwork draws inspiration from the festival's early history as Alicante approaches its centenary in 2028.
Key facts at a glance
- The Federació has introduced its new visual identity for 2026–2027.
- José María Py, a founding figure of the festival, takes centre stage.
- The artwork was created by Kike Torres.
- Its design references Cubism, abstract art and the official 1929 festival poster.
- The identity marks another step towards the 100th anniversary in 2028.
What does the new Alicante Bonfires 2026–2027 visual identity look like?
The Federació's new design looks back to the origins of the Hogueras de San Juan, also known in Valencian as the Fogueres de Sant Joan.
At its centre is José María Py, one of the most important figures in the history of Alicante's biggest traditional festival.
Designer Kike Torres draws on abstract art and Cubism, two artistic movements associated with the early twentieth century.
The design also revives colours from the official Alicante Bonfires poster of 1929, creating a visual connection between the festival's beginnings and its present-day identity.
Who was José María Py and why is he featured?
José María Py was the driving force behind the creation of Alicante's Bonfires of Saint John, which were first celebrated as an organised festival in 1928.
His initiative helped turn the traditional midsummer celebrations into an event centred on artistic monuments, local festival committees and community participation.
Over the following decades, the Bonfires became one of Alicante's most recognisable cultural traditions.
Why has the Federació chosen José María Py?
Featuring Py is a tribute to the festival's origins. With the centenary approaching, the Federació is highlighting the person whose initiative helped establish a celebration that continues to bring together neighbourhoods, artists and thousands of participants.
How does the design connect with the 1929 Bonfires poster?
One of the most distinctive details is its connection to the official 1929 festival poster, produced during the earliest years of the Bonfires.
Kike Torres has revisited its colour palette and combined it with a graphic style inspired by the avant-garde artistic movements of that period.
The result brings together historical references and contemporary design, helping today's audience reconnect with the festival's visual heritage.
Where will the new visual identity be used?
The new artwork will identify events and communications issued by the Federació de les Fogueres de Sant Joan throughout the 2026–2027 festival year.
It is important to distinguish this annual identity from the festival's main advertising poster.
This design represents the Federació's annual visual identity; it is not necessarily the official advertising poster for the June 2027 Bonfires.
Why does this matter ahead of the 2028 centenary?
Alicante's Bonfires will mark their 100th anniversary in 2028, a century after the first organised edition in 1928.
By featuring José María Py and drawing inspiration from the 1929 poster, the new visual identity places the festival's history at the heart of its communications.
1928: the first organised Alicante Bonfires celebrations take place.
1929: the historical festival poster inspires the new colour palette.
2026–2027: the Federació introduces the visual identity designed by Kike Torres.
2028: Alicante celebrates the centenary of its Bonfires.
Rather than focusing solely on the spectacular monuments seen every June, this year's design celebrates the people and artistic influences that helped shape the festival.
What else is happening ahead of Alicante Bonfires 2027?
The presentation of the new identity comes alongside other preparations for the next festival, including the reorganisation of committees into 10 sectors and the selection of the artists responsible for the 2027 official Bonfires monuments.
At Top Hogueras Alicante, you can follow festival news, discover the participating committees and plan your visit.
A visual tribute to Alicante's Bonfires heritage
By placing José María Py at the centre of its new visual identity, the Federació celebrates the roots of one of Alicante's most important cultural traditions.
Kike Torres' design will represent the 2026–2027 festival year while the city looks ahead to a particularly meaningful milestone: the Alicante Bonfires centenary in 2028.