Alicante is renewing its festive spirit, and there is great anticipation that Les Fogueres de Sant Joan will regain the energy and enthusiasm that marks these celebrations after two years interrupted by a microscopic virus. The return to normalcy is welcomed, and discussions about the advertising calendar reflect a balance between tradition and the preservation of architectural heritage, along with efforts to manage costs and pyrotechnic intensity. Yet debates surrounding these festivities also touch on social and economic realities, including concerns that workers may be reluctant to participate in both the motor activities and the seasonal components that drive leisure and tourism during this period.
Trade unions and employers are closely monitoring the impact of ERTEs as a tool for managing the crisis. They recognize that the pandemic has caused closures and capacity restrictions, leading to layoffs and, in some cases, preventing larger unemployment and social discontent. The aim is not to propagate negative claims but to present an accurate picture of the job market. When analyses suggest otherwise, it is important to scrutinize the data. For example, in the Alicante province there are thousands of job seekers in the hospitality sector, underscoring that the labor market remains dynamic and multifaceted.
There is a conscious effort to support workers who, affected directly by the crisis, are seeking new pathways in the labor market. History shows that during previous crises other sectors have found ways to reabsorb talent and rejoin the workforce. In this light, it is essential to avoid portraying the long-term unemployed as a monolithic group and to acknowledge the ongoing contributions of those who continue to participate in the economy. The goal is to foster opportunity and resilience rather than despair.
With those clarifications in mind, the intent is to emphasize that the festivals and bonfires belong to those who enjoy them and to those who work to make them possible. Returning to the anticipated celebration should come with a clear understanding that the rights of the workers behind these events must be visible and respected.
Respect for these rights should be a priority for the industry that sometimes faces noncompliance with agreed contracts and the emergence of contingent or on-demand worker arrangements. It is essential that such practices do not undermine security or undermine the responsibilities tied to these contracts. Proper accountability is required, and unresolved complaints should be addressed with transparency and fairness.
In response, the goal is to secure and extend the rights that professionalize the activity. This includes fair compensation for days worked, wages negotiated and enshrined in collective agreements, and educational development for kitchen staff, wait staff, and service teams. Excellence in hospitality also relies on efficient management of resources, reducing waste, and lowering costs, while remaining mindful of environmental stewardship.
Ultimately, the sector seeks to honor and humanize economic activity, particularly in the lodging and tourism industries, to ensure a joyful and dignified return to Les Fogueres de Sant Joan.