Alicante authorities report a dramatic disturbance near Plaza de Manila when a 42-year-old woman sought to set her own home alight and simultaneously attacked the Holy Family bonfire by vandalizing one of its cherished sculptures. The incident, described as a serious act of arson and vandalism, resulted in property damage exceeding 1,200 euros. Eyewitnesses say the individual appeared intent on witnessing the bonfire burn immediately, rather than waiting for a scheduled night of celebration. The motive cited by investigators points to a desire to provoke a dramatic moment by forcing an early flame and causing visible harm to the display.
The events unfolded on a Tuesday morning as the bonfire setup stood near Plaza de Manila. A local security center, identified as Room 091, received an urgent report about significant damage to the private Sagrada Familia bonfire. Responding officers arrived at the scene and quickly coordinated with the bonfire keeper to assess the situation. It was soon clear that the woman had thrown flaming papers toward the monument, a reckless act that endangered bystanders and the structure alike. In the ensuing confrontation, the intruder directed her aggression toward the display, breaking part of the installation and causing further disruption. One of the ninots, the festival effigies, suffered a decapitation and was thrown to the ground as the attacker’s mischief left graffiti across other figures. The head of the bonfire statue became a focal point of the damage and was a key element in the financial assessment carried out by the authorities.
Video footage captured with a mobile device and later reviewed by officers substantiate the sequence of events and the individual’s role in the disruption. Bystanders described the woman as appearing unsettled and focused on triggering the bonfire at that instant, rather than waiting for the planned nocturnal celebration. The apparent urgency behind the act and the confrontation with security staff provided clear evidence of the intention to cause disruption rather than a spontaneous misdeed.
The detainee, a 42-year-old woman of Hispanic origin, was taken into custody on charges related to property damage and acts of vandalism. She was subsequently transferred to the Alicante security court for formal processing and determination of the case. The ongoing investigation seeks to establish the full scope of liability, including the total financial impact on the festival display and any additional safety concerns raised by the incident. Authorities emphasize that such behavior threatens cultural heritage displays and endangers the public during regional festivities.