Youthful energy lights up the town as Quintà 2026 makes its joyful debut
The next generation of Fogueres de Sant Joan revellers takes to the streets for their first public appearance, marking the beginning of their journey toward their coming-of-age celebration.
Photo Credit: Facebook Fogueres Xàbia
On Saturday evening, the town’s historic centre burst into colour, music, and celebration as Quintà 2026 made its lively debut. The informal presentation offered the first glimpse of the young people who will take centre stage in next year’s Fogueres de Sant Joan, one of the town’s most cherished and vibrant traditions.
Dressed proudly in their chosen colours, the group made a jubilant entrance led by the ever-spirited charanga band, whose brass and drums set an irresistible rhythm. Alongside them marched representatives from Quintà 2025, sharing in the excitement and offering their encouragement. As the procession wound through the old town and out into the nearby suburbs, rockets shot into the night sky, heralding the arrival of the new quintà, while the crackle and pop of tracas – long strings of firecrackers – filled the air with festive energy.
These young men and women were invited by the town hall during the late summer to form next year’s quintà, a group that will celebrate turning 18 in 2026. For them, the Fogueres de Sant Joan will not only be a festival of fire, but also a symbolic coming-of-age celebration.
Membership in a quintà has become a deeply rooted tradition for more than 75 years, fostering lifelong friendships and a powerful sense of belonging. Many former members describe it as one of the defining experiences of their youth. During the festival each June, a special day known as “Día de les Quintades” is dedicated to these groups, when past and present members reunite in an emotional celebration. Some even return from across the world to join the festivities once more, proving the enduring bonds that begin in the streets of their hometown.
