Alicante is gearing up for one of its most beloved holiday traditions, the San Silvestre Solidaria, set to take place on December 27, 2024. This annual event attracts thousands of residents and visitors, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere as families and runners unite for the race, which this year kicks off at 19:30 on La Rambla.
Expectations are high as participants of all ages don festive costumes and gather to run not just for joy, but also to contribute to various charitable causes. The atmosphere will be filled with music, confetti, and cheer, promising to make this year’s run unforgettable. According to local officials, "the organization has prepared a space for solid and liquid supplies for all participants" to keep runners energized and ready.
Due to the magnitude of this event, Alicante will see several traffic alterations throughout the day, primarily commencing at noon. For the safety of both participants and spectators, numerous streets will be closed to traffic. Beginning at 14:30, the Rambla de Méndez Núñez will be restricted between the streets of Rafael Altamira and Duque de Zaragoza. By 18:00, the closures will extend to include the entirety of the Rambla, along with several other surrounding streets such as San Vicente, Juan de Herrera, and Avenida Alfonso el Sabio.
Parking will also be strictly prohibited along the entire race route starting from 14:00 until midnight. Notably, this ban will also affect the loading and unloading area on the street of Bilbao, which will be restricted from 08:00 on the same day.
Public transportation will undergo significant rerouting as well. Bus modifications will begin at 18:00 and extend until the event is concluded. Urban bus lines such as 1, 3, 6, and 9 will be diverted starting from Plaza de España. These buses will reroute down Alcalde Alfonso de Rojas and along Poeta Carmelo Calvo, Benito Pérez Galdós, and Salamanca avenues, before resuming their regular routes. Returning, these lines will utilize Pintor Murillo or Padre Mariana as their diversion paths.
Similarly, lines 2, 12, and 22 will adjust their routes from Avenida Óscar Esplá or Avenida Catedrático Soler, detouring through Eusebio Sempere, Mártires de la Libertad, and Puerta del Mar. Lines 5 and 27 will set their new bus heads to Avenida Óscar Esplá, making stops at designated points without entering central Alicante. The Christmas Special service will also have adjustments and will alter its itinerary, avoiding congested areas.
For interurban connections, line 23 will skip all central stops and reroute through Mártires de la Libertad and Avenida de Denia. Line 24’s route will change at Plaza de España, moving down Alcalde Alfonso Rojas and across multiple avenues on its way to San Vicente. Lastly, the airport-bound line C-6 will initiate its route at Plaza del Mar, bypassing several central bus stops to reduce delays.
With all these logistics firmly laid out, local officials encourage everyone to participate either by running or supporting from the sidelines. The San Silvestre not only signifies the end of the year but embodies community spirit and the joy of giving back. For anyone attending, it’s pivotal to prepare for these changes and enjoy the celebration responsibly. Let the festivities begin!
