If you’re studying Spanish in Valencia, prepare yourself for one of the most magical celebrations in the Spanish calendar: San Juan Night. This ancestral celebration on the night of 23rd to 24th June doesn’t just mark the official start of summer, it offers you the perfect opportunity to practise your Spanish whilst experiencing a millennia-old tradition!!
What is San Juan and Why is it So Special?
San Juan is far more than just a party: it’s a purifying ritual that combines pagan and Christian elements. During the shortest night of the year, Valencians gather on beaches to light bonfires, leap over flames, and make wishes. According to tradition, fire purifies the soul and banishes negative energy. Additionally, people burn pieces of paper with what they want to leave behind and with the wishes they hope to see fulfilled.
All of this is accompanied by a midnight swim in the Mediterranean to continue the purification of this magical night and attract good luck. Meanwhile, the sky fills with colour from fireworks and people share traditional dishes like coca de San Juan (a sweet bread) and a savoury tuna coca, too.
Where does this Celebration come from?
San Juan has its roots in ancient pagan solstice rituals, when European civilisations celebrated the longest day of the year by lighting bonfires to honour the sun and ward off evil spirits. Not only Mediterranean peoples, but also Celts and Germanic tribes practised these rituals, believing that fire had magical powers during this special night. With the arrival of the Roman Empire, these traditions spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula, mixing with local customs and creating regional variations that have endured to this day.
When Christianity became established in Europe, the Church christianised these celebrations by associating them with Saint John the Baptist, whose birth is celebrated on 24th June. In this way, fire and purification rituals were reinterpreted as symbols of Christ’s baptism and the purification of the Christian soul.
The tradition of jumping over bonfires, bathing in the sea at midnight, and burning objects to leave negativity behind has remained practically intact for centuries, making San Juan one of the most authentic celebrations in the Spanish calendar.
Valencia vs Alicante: Where’s the Real celebration?
Whilst Valencia celebrates San Juan with enthusiasm, if you want to experience this tradition at its most spectacular, you need to discover Las Hogueras de San Juan in Alicante. There, the celebration extends for an entire week and rivals Valencia’s famous Las Fallas festival.
During the early hours of 17th June, Alicante doesn’t sleep and hosts the plantà: the installation of satirical artistic monuments that will later burn during the night of 24th June (Nit de la Cremà). Additionally, from Santa Bárbara Castle, a spectacular fireworks display is launched and it will leave you speechless!
Beyond the bonfires and the famous cremà, in Alicante you’ll find daily mascletàs, parades, and street parties (verbenas) in every neighbourhood.
Top tip: If you have time, take a trip to Alicante on 24th June. The train from Valencia takes just 2 hours and the experience is absolutely worth it. If you can spend more time there, remember that from 25th to 29th the sky will continue to light up with fireworks at Playa del Postiguet.
Why You Can’t Miss this as a Student?
Because it’s total cultural immersion! You’ll be able to participate in a tradition with over 2,000 years of history, sharing closely with locals who’ll welcome you as one of their own.
It’s the perfect opportunity to practise Spanish and forget about your books for one night! Bonfires are the perfect place to meet people: the magic of this night breaks down barriers and makes socialising and meeting new people easier.
Besides… when will you get to jump over a bonfire right on the Mediterranean whilst making your wishes in Spanish and watching the sky fill with fireworks? It doesn’t just sound special, it really is!!
Are you ready to experience a magical night you’ll remember for the rest of your life? Let your Spanish flow and make your Instagram the envy of all your friends.
About Our Spanish School in Valencia
Experience authentic Spanish culture whilst perfecting your language skills at EUROACE Spanish language school. From traditional festivals like San Juan to everyday conversations, we’ll help you live Spain like a local. Contact us to learn more about our immersive Spanish courses and cultural activities!
Stay safe and enjoy the San Juan bonfires! See you on the beach!
