If you are living in Valencia or visiting around 23 to 24 of June 2024, you are in for a treat! This is my favorite holiday in Valencia, the festivity of San Juan, where the beach lights up with bonfires!
What is the meaning of this festivity?
San Juan’s festivity has two sides to it: the one associated with the longest day of the year, the summer solstice and the one associated with religion, Saint John’s the Baptist birthday. Over times, those two sides combined into what we know today to be the San Juan holiday.
How is San Juan celebrated?
San Juan is celebrated yearly on the night between 23rd and 24th of June, at the beach, by lightning bonfires! It’s a really cool tradition that brings together thousands of the locals and tourists. Everyone comes prepared with something to eat and drink, some bring their own wood as well. But you don’t have to, as the city hall will provide it. Please usually gather in the evening and stay there after midnight.
The beach lights up with all these bonfires that are belived to have purifying powers. You can also throw in the fire old things you wish to move on from, symbolizing a fresh start. Students also throw in the fire old notebooks and papers, to celebrate the end of the school year. There is also a cool tradition of jumping the waves at midnight or swiming for good health.
Are there rules to follow?
Yes, there are some measures, such as common sense ones, don’t litter. Also, cooking on the fires is not permitted. Nor is lightning fires around the Albufera lake, such as in the El Saler beach. The beach clean up is at 4 a.m., so you would need to leave the area before that time, so the cleaning taks can be completed. You can find more details on the City Hall page, here.
Is the San Juan holiday well organized?
Yes, I would say it is. There are many first aid spots specially put in place for this, and also, violet points, for sexual assault victims. There are many bathrooms, and the cleaning afterwards is very thourough, as you would not think bonfires ever took place on the beach! Trash bags will also be provided.
The buses connected to the beaches will also run for 24 hours (bus lines 19, 24, 25, 31, 32, 92, 93, 95, 98, 99), so everyone can enjoy the holiday without a worry.
Is it worth it to join this celebration?
Absolutely! The vibe is unmatched. There will be many people having a good time by the fire, you will hear laughs and music and end the day with a firework display. It’s a truly unique holiday and worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime!
I hope you enjoyed this blogpost. Let me know if you have any other questions.
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