From Bellesa to Bellea via Reina: evolution of the title in the Hogueras de Alicante
A journey through the history and changes in the name of the female festive figure in the Hogueras de San Juan.
The title of the female representative of the Hogueras de Alicante has undergone several transformations throughout its history, reflecting cultural and social changes.
From its origins, the figure went from being called “Bellesa” to “Reina” (Queen), a term that for decades represented the highest female festive distinction in the San Juan celebrations.
In recent years, the name evolved once again towards “Bellea”, seeking to recover Valencian linguistic roots and modernise the concept without losing the traditional essence of the fiesta.
This terminological change forms part of a wider debate about the cultural identity of Alicante’s fiestas and the role of their representative figures in the 21st century.
Source: informacion.es
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