When on June 24 it comes to an end, Alicante looks at the sky. The city contains the breath, expectant, while the lights of the Santa Barbara Castle. Then, a single shot furrows the air and opens like A white flower suspended in the dark: It is the palm tree, the most symbolic of the pyrotechnic expressions of the night of the cremà. What many do not know is that, behind those 18 seconds of light, there are months of work, family tradition and one of the best kept secrets of Spanish pyrotechnics.
“The palm we launched from Santa Barbara Castle is unique in Spain. There are only two like this and both are made in the province of Alicante: one in Elche, in the NIT of L'Obà, and the other, here, on the night of the cremà, “explains Leo Ferrández, pyrotechnic responsible for the company Ferrández Brothersthe Alicante company in charge this year of the expected show. These real rockets, which stand out for their great size and power, are not used for any other event.
The necessary knowledge to elaborate them is not common. “It is a family secreta tradition that goes from generation to generation. Each pyrotechnics that knows how to do it has its own formula “says Ferrández. The difficulty lies not only in its structure, but also in color: a intense pearl white that remains suspended in heaven as a moving mantle.
A white pearl suspended in the sky
The Palmin its form, it becomes when it falls into a three -dimensional umbrella visible from any point in the city. “When it opens up, it forms that umbrella with a White tear effect That falls until it almost touched earth. It is recognizable precisely because of that uniform fall that illuminates the city, “says Ferrández. This three -dimensionality is essential to make the show visible from all anglesa requirement that can only be achieved with an extremely precise execution.
The complexity of the palm tree is not limited to its design, according to Ferrández, its elaboration Start in February and can extend until the end of April. During this time, Two operators work uninterrupted in its assembly, exclusively manual. “The whole process is artisanal, from the first to the last step. Even the shot is made manually “ Indicates the pyrotechnic.
The process also depends on factors such as humidity or temperature atmosphere. “Each phase needs the previous one to be completely dry. If the weather does not accompany, the whole process is delayed “adds Ferrández. This elaboration chain, sensitive to the environment, forces Plan carefully Every step.
Tradition of a few
Although the mascle and the fireworks castles They require prior design, simulation and a detailed assembly, La Palmera represents the biggest challenge For a pyrotechnic company. “In bonfires there are seven mascletás and five castles, but only one palm. There is no margin of error. Everything has to go perfect “says Ferrández. Here the responsibility falls completely in that final shot.
Ferrández brothers launched his last palm tree in the 2023 bonfires. For them, be responsible for executing the most anticipated symbol of the Cremà Night In Alicante it is not only a reason for pride, but also a huge responsibility. “It's a pride, Palm tree there is only one, and launch it is a Great responsibility, “explains Ferrández.
When the city is Darkening again This Tuesday, after the rumble and the light, the silence and applause of the public will remain. And at the top of Santa Barbara CastlePyrotechnics will know that their secret has shone, once again, on the night of Cremà.
