As summer officially begins and the Mediterranean sun lingers longer in the sky, the Costa Blanca comes alive with one of Spain’s most spectacular celebrations: the Noche de San Juan (or Nit de Sant Joan in Valencian). Held on the night of June 23rd, this deeply rooted tradition welcomes the summer solstice with bonfires, fireworks, music, and coastal rituals that blend pagan heritage with festive community spirit.
For locals and visitors alike, San Juan is more than just a party. It’s a night when the natural elements—fire and water—are believed to possess purifying powers. People head to the beach to write down wishes, jump over small flames, swim under the moonlight, and share laughter, food, and music into the early hours. But how San Juan is celebrated today varies from town to town—and in 2025, important changes have been made to how it’s observed across the Costa Blanca.
Let’s explore what San Juan truly means, where it comes from, and how you can celebrate it this year in Dénia, Alicante, Altea, Benidorm, and beyond—while staying safe and respecting local regulations.
The tradition of celebrating the summer solstice predates Christianity, stretching back to pagan rituals honouring the sun at its peak. Fire was the key element—symbolizing the sun’s strength and the burning away of negativity or evil. As Christianity spread, these traditions were absorbed into the feast of Saint John the Baptist (San Juan), celebrated on June 24th. The night before—June 23rd—remained a time of purification and renewal, but now with a spiritual twist.
Fire continues to be central to the celebration, along with water. People light candles, leap over flames to cleanse themselves of bad luck, and take a symbolic dip in the sea at midnight to start the summer fresh.
While the spirit of San Juan is shared across the region, how it’s celebrated—and what’s allowed—can vary greatly depending on the town.
Dénia: Tradition Without Fire
Dénia has long embraced the coastal energy of San Juan, and its beaches—especially Les Marines and Marineta Cassiana—fill with people who gather to celebrate the night together. Families and friends arrive with picnic baskets, candles, and music. There's an undeniable sense of togetherness as people laugh, sing, and prepare to greet the summer under the stars.
But in 2025, bonfires are no longer allowed on the beaches of Dénia. In an effort to protect the coastline and maintain safety, the local council has prohibited open flames on the sand. Local police and even drones will be deployed to enforce this rule, and fines are possible for anyone bringing firewood or cooking materials. Instead, the focus is on safer traditions—midnight sea dips, jumping seven waves for good luck, or writing wishes on paper and letting them float away in the water.
Alicante: The Artistic Heart of San Juan
In Alicante, San Juan is not just a night—it’s an entire festival. Known as Les Fogueres de Sant Joan, the city celebrates with days of parades, giant paper-mâché monuments, fireworks, and eventually, the spectacular Cremà, when these sculptures are burned in the streets.
Interestingly, despite the city’s deep connection to fire, bonfires on the beach are strictly banned. Instead, visitors can enjoy the official festivities in the city center, and afterward, head down to Postiguet Beach to watch the sky light up with fireworks. The beach becomes a place to gather and enjoy the show—but not to light fires.
El Campello: A Controlled Celebration
El Campello offers a more balanced approach. Here, bonfires are permitted—but only in clearly marked areas on the beaches of Muchavista and Carrer la Mar. These zones are patrolled, and strict regulations are in place. Fires must be small, contained, and respectful of the surroundings. Glass bottles, fireworks, and flammable liquids are banned, and police presence ensures the evening stays safe and festive.
It’s one of the few places on the Costa Blanca where you can still experience a true San Juan bonfire—provided you respect the rules.
Altea: A More Spiritual Touch
In Altea, San Juan feels quieter and more personal. Rather than wild beach parties, you’ll find locals lighting candles and making small offerings to the sea. Music and laughter fill the air, but the mood is softer, more reflective.
While bonfires are not encouraged, Altea embraces the symbolic aspects of the festival. Lanterns floated into the water, hand-written wishes, and group swims are all part of the celebration here. It’s a wonderful place for those seeking a more soulful or family-oriented experience.
Benidorm: Party by the Sea (Without the Fire)
Benidorm, with its legendary nightlife, naturally turns San Juan into a beachfront party. DJ sets, dancing, and light shows bring the celebration to life on Levante and Poniente beaches. However, as in many coastal towns, open flames are banned to protect the environment and public safety.
But make no mistake—the celebration is still very much alive. Join the crowds, dance by the waves, and be ready to run into the sea at midnight alongside hundreds of fellow revelers.
Jávea (Xàbia): Fire and Tradition in the Old Town
Jávea’s San Juan celebration is unlike anywhere else on the Costa Blanca. Known as Fogueres de Sant Joan, it lasts from mid-June until the 24th, with a crescendo on the night of the 23rd.
Here, bonfires are strictly forbidden on the beaches, but the historic old town comes alive with six bonfires lit at 11 pm along narrow streets. Participants jump over these flames wearing wreaths of myrtle, a ritual of purification and renewal that ties the community together. After the bonfires, a fiery parade featuring masked figures shooting firecrackers dances through the streets in a thrilling correfoc tradition.
At midnight, spectacular fireworks light up Plaza de la Constitución, followed by the ceremonial burning of a central sculpture on June 24th. Locals also participate in the sea ritual—leaping seven waves at midnight and tossing their wreaths into the water to invoke luck.
This blend of fire, sea, and community spirit makes Jávea’s San Juan one of the most unique and deeply cultural celebrations on the Costa Blanca.
While the tradition lives on, local governments have tightened rules to ensure safety and sustainability. Here's what you need to know:
No bonfires on the beach in Dénia, Alicante, Benidorm, and Jávea
Fires allowed in marked zones only in El Campello and parts of the Safor region
Bonfires allowed in the old town of Jávea only, not on the beaches
No cooking, fireworks (except official ones), or glass on the sand anywhere
Sea dips, candle lighting, music, and picnics are allowed and widely practiced
Police presence and fines will be enforced in high-risk areas
Even without beach bonfires, the essence of San Juan remains:
Jumping over seven waves at midnight brings luck
Writing your fears or hopes on paper and releasing them into the sea offers emotional release
Lighting a candle and making a wish under the moon connects you to centuries of tradition
It’s a night when time slows down, and the elements remind us of the cycles of life, renewal, and joy.
Whether you're drawn to the vibrant city energy of Alicante, the relaxed beach gatherings of Dénia, the spiritual charm of Altea, the fiery streets of Jávea, or the party atmosphere of Benidorm, San Juan is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and the magic of the Mediterranean.
And if you're lucky enough to live here—or are dreaming of doing so—this night becomes part of your own tradition.
Looking for a home where every night feels like San Juan?
At La Boutique Luxury Real Estate, we help you discover properties across the Costa Blanca where sunsets, sea views, and soulful living are the norm—not just for one night a year.
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