San Juan festival
24 June 2024

The Night of San Juan is a very popular holiday in Europe and Latin America where people gather to celebrate the birth of John the Baptist as a new beginning and to ward off evil spirits It is mostly known in Spain, particularly in coastal areas such as Catalonia, Valencia, Galicia, Andalusia and the Balearic Islands. Where attendees are seen jumping over the bonfires or swimming in the ocean at midnight to bring good luck and fulfil wishes. Another important ritual is to take water from the sea and sprinkle it on the corners of your house, they say it cleanses bad energies and attracts good luck.

Tamara's Top Tips :

The 5 best places to celebrate San Juan:

* Hogueras, Alicante Home of the most famous San Juan celebrations in Spain, the festivities take place from the 20th - 24th of June with parades, music, dancing, fireworks and much more! The biggest events take place on the night of the 24th, when the bonfires and effigies are lit. Firefighters are present to monitor the bonfires and when requested, hose people down in a "Banya."

* Barcelona Celebrated with bonfires on the beach, fireworks and street parties in neighbourhoods such as Gracia or Sants. Keep and eye out for the "Diablos" aka Devils, parading around the city with sparkers and make sure you eat a traditional Coco de Sant Juan washed down with a glass of ice cold cava Here the night of San Juan is also known as the "Noite de Meigas" aka night of the witches. Spend the day sampling the "sardiñadas" sardines grilled on the streets, then head to the beach as the sun sets where bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits.

* Coruña Here the night of San Juan is also known as the "Noite de Meigas" aka night of the witches. Spend the day sampling the "sardiñadas" sardines grilled on the streets, then head to the beach as the sun sets where bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits.

* Valencia The largest celebrations take place on Malvarrosa beach where locals flock in their hundreds to jump over bonfires to summon luck for the following year. Lively concerts fill the air with music, bring your own bottle to drink on the beach and take part in the biggest "botellon" of the year.

*Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Head to Las Canteras beach for the best San Juan celebration of the island! Here the tradition is to swim in the ocean at midnight but make sure you jump three waves before entering for good luck! It is also custom to make wishes by writing them on paper and then setting them alight on the bonfires. Some people also throw flowers and apples into the ocean for prosperity for the following year.

Where ever you choose to celebrate the magical night of San Juan, we at efpg hope all your wishes come true!