The carnival celebrations across the province of Alicante have been significantly affected as various municipalities announce cancellations and postponements due to adverse weather conditions. With expectations of heavy rainfall and strong winds predicted for Saturday, March 1st, local officials are prioritizing public safety by suspending planned events.
The town of San Vicente del Raspeig was among the first to act, stating, "We have decided to suspend the Carnaval events scheduled for tomorrow due to the forecast of worsening weather," according to Pachi Pascual, the mayor. Meanwhile, Sant Joan d'Alacant also followed suit, as confirmed by mayor Santiago Román during the municipal plenary session held Friday.
While many towns around Alicante are pushing the pause button on their festivities, the city of Alicante is cautiously proceeding with its plans for the traditional Sábado Ramblero, pending last-minute weather updates. Mayor Luis Barcala announced, "We are waiting until the last moment to make any changes based on the latest meteorological information," indicating hope for lighter rain than predicted.
El Campello was the first municipality to announce its cancellation early Friday, with their events intended to run from the morning until midnight, involving multiple activities for all age groups. The spokesperson for the town expressed, "The security of individuals attending must always come first." Conditions discussed included winds upwards of 40 km/h and significant rainfall making open-air festivities impractical.
Residents of neighbouring towns faced similar responses. The city of Elche, for example, confirmed the complete cancellation of both children’s and adult celebrations without the option of rescheduling. Planned events included colorful parades and music performances set for the lively Plaça de Baix.
Ironically, among this wave of cancellations, the city of Benidorm has postponed its festivities to the following weekend, rearranging both its children’s and adult carnivals to March 8th. This proactive move helps mitigate risks associated with stormy weather.
Weather updates from the Aemet suggest minimal chances of rain for Saturday, but officials are taking no chances. Even though Alicante has maintained its festivities, including children's activities such as face painting and magician performances along the Rambla de Méndez Núñez, plans remain flexible pending any severe weather developments.
Meanwhile, across several locations, higher-than-usual wind speeds and rain are expected, particularly affecting towns within the Marina Baixa region, prompting various municipalities to halt or modify their Carnival plans altogether. The festivities at La Vila Joiosa, for example, will proceed but with adjusted activities, such as replacing inflatable attractions with indoor options.
On the other hand, Alicante continues to prepare for the Sábado Ramblero. Evening festivities will consist of performances starting at 22:00, featuring popular local artists and DJ sets expected to draw crowds until the early hours of Sunday morning.
To accommodate the expected influx of participants and ease transportation burdens, the town has strengthened its public transport services. Additional night bus units and extended TRAM service schedule will be implemented, ensuring smooth travel for attendees across the city. Manuel Villar from the Council of Cleaning and Waste Management has also emphasized the commitment to maintaining cleanliness throughout each carnival event, with 95 operatives and 60 vehicles ready to facilitate the post-celebration cleanup.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding weather conditions, the anticipation for Carnival 2025 remains high as officials roll out safety measures and alternate plans to keep celebrations alive where possible. This spirit reflects the enduring enthusiasm of local communities eager to engage and celebrate together, even when faced with the whims of nature.
Cancellation notices due to weather risks have not only affected nearby towns but have also raised concerns among attendees about the sustainability of events planned during such unpredictable conditions. Observations from various officials highlight the necessity for continued responsive measures to prioritize public safety.
Municipalities continue to update residents on scheduling changes and confirm new dates for postponed celebrations, with some towns indicating they will finalize plans by early next week. For many, the Carnival is more than just revelry; it’s part of the cultural fabric of the region, which makes every cancellation feel particularly significant, as residents and visitors alike look forward to participation.
Regardless of shifting plans, the atmosphere remains lively as preparations proceed for Sunday’s festivities across remaining areas. With hopes held high for clear skies, the focal participation of local traditions will continue, ensuring the heart of the Carnival spirit beats on amid challenges.