SAN JUAN FIESTA - 20th - 24th June

San Juan Fiesta – Celebrate the Summer Solstice

The San Juan Fiesta is an annual celebration marking the summer solstice—the longest day and shortest night of the year. This vibrant event signals the official start of summer and is one of the most symbolic and popular fiestas on the Spanish calendar.

A Tradition of Fire, Water & Renewal

Rooted in ancient pagan rituals, the San Juan Festival is based on the elements of fire and water. It originated in nearby Alicante, where farmers celebrated the successful harvest on the longest day of the year, and symbolically cleansed bad spirits and experiences during the shortest night.

Today, the festival still carries this powerful meaning—letting go of the past and welcoming new hopes and desires.

When Is San Juan Celebrated?

• Festivities begin on June 20th, with preparations including the building of bonfires (hogueras) and beach setups.

• The main celebration takes place on the night of June 23rd, when crowds gather on beaches to enjoy fireworks, music, and midnight ocean dips for good luck.

• June 24th is a public holiday in the region. Expect many shops, offices, and businesses to be closed.

Join locals and visitors in this magical night of fire, renewal, and celebration on the shores of Benidorm.

Experience the Magic of San Juan

Whether you’re lighting a fire, jumping the waves, or just soaking in the atmosphere, the San Juan Fiestas  are an unforgettable way to welcome summer.

San Juan Fiesta What happens....

Bonfires & Ninots – Cleansing Fire Rituals at San Juan

One of the most iconic traditions of the San Juan Fiesta, is the building of bonfires and papier-mâché figures, known as ninots. These symbolic effigies are crafted and displayed on the beaches in the days leading up to the celebration.

At midnight on June 23rd, the bonfires are lit in a spectacular display. As the flames die down and glowing ashes remain, people leap over them in a time-honored ritual believed to cleanse and purify the spirit, burning away negativity and making room for renewal and good fortune.

The Water Element – A San Juan Tradition for Good Luck

In Pagan tradition, water represents healing, renewal, and good fortune. As part of the San Juan Fiesta celebrations the midnight dip in the sea plays a vital role in washing away negativity and welcoming good luck for the year ahead.

As the clock approaches midnight on June 23rd, thousands of people gather along the shoreline. Some simply paddle their feet, while others dive in for a full swim—both acts symbolically cleanse the spirit and invite positivity for the new summer season.

What to Expect on the Night of San Juan

This is one of Benidorm’s most anticipated beach fiestas, and the atmosphere is electric. Here's what to know:

• Arrive early: The beaches get packed, with thousands of locals and tourists claiming their spots by sunset.

• Bring swimwear & a picnic: Do as the locals do—pack food, drinks, and beach gear for a fun-filled night under the stars.

• Enjoy live music & fireworks: Temporary beach bars will serve drinks, DJs and performers provide music, and spectacular fireworks light up the sky—because no Spanish fiesta is complete without them!

LOCAL SAN JUAN EVENTS

Fogueres de Sant Joan – Alicante’s Biggest San Juan Celebration

The Fogueres de Sant Joan in Alicante is the largest and most spectacular San Juan celebration in the region, and one of the city's most important annual events. Officially declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, it attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Rooted in ancient tradition, this vibrant festival began as a way to mark the start of summer by burning old, useless objects, symbolizing renewal and the cleansing of the past during the summer solstice.

Today, the festival features giant artistic monuments (fogueres), fireworks, parades, music, and of course, the dramatic burning of the bonfires—making it a must-see cultural experience in Alicante.

How Alicante Celebrates the Fogueres de Sant Joan Festival

Alicante extends its San Juan celebrations longer than most other towns in Spain. The Fogueres de Sant Joan Festival officially begins on June 20th and continues through June 29th, offering over a week of spectacular fire-themed events, parades, and cultural festivities.

This festival is a fiery tribute to Saint John the Baptist, with the main celebration held on June 24th, the saint’s feast day. On this night, towering effigies known as ninots are dramatically set ablaze across the city.

Festival Highlights Include:

• The Pregón (Proclamation) – the official opening speech of the festival

• La Plantà (Bonfire Installation) – artistic bonfires and monuments are set up across Alicante

• Cabalgata del Ninot (Ninot Parade) – a colorful procession showcasing these unique creations

• Neighborhood Parades – local events, traditional dress, and music across the city

• June 24th – Bonfire Night – the massive burning of the ninots and fireworks displays

What is a Ninot?

A ninot is a detailed, often satirical papier-mâché figure, usually representing political figures, celebrities, or pop culture icons. They’re part of larger artistic compositions called fallas, but each ninot stands on its own as a sculpted, humorous statement on current events.

These figures are incredibly lifelike, often controversial, and a highlight of the festival. On the final night, they’re ceremoniously set on fire, symbolizing renewal and the cleansing of societal and personal negativity.

What is a Ninot Indultat?

A Ninot Indultat is a "pardoned ninot"—a figure that has been saved from the flames by popular vote. Unlike most ninots, which are burned during the festival’s grand finale (La Cremà), the Indultat is spared and preserved, often displayed in local museums as a cultural treasure.

What Are Ninots Made Of?

Ninots are colossal, artistic sculptures, crafted from materials like:

• Cardboard

• Wood

• Papier-mâché

• Plaster

These incredible creations are highly detailed and often portray satirical or humorous scenes, usually inspired by current political figures or pop culture events.

San Juan in Benidorm

In Benidorm, the San Juan celebrations come alive on Poniente Beach (Calle Murtal) on the night of June 23rd. Hundreds of locals and tourists gather for bonfires, music, and seaside rituals.

The festivities conclude on June 24th with the thrilling Mascletà fireworks display at 2:00 PM on Calle Santander—a must-see event filled with rhythmic explosions and powerful sound.

No Bonfires on Levante Beach – But the Celebration Still Shines

While San Juan celebrations in Benidorm are vibrant, it's important to note that Levante Beach does not host bonfires due to strict safety regulations. Local laws prohibit beach fires here to prevent injuries from hidden embers beneath the sand, which can remain hot and hazardous the following day.

However, that doesn’t stop the festivities! Hundreds of people still gather on Levante Beach to take part in the tradition of midnight swims, symbolically washing away bad energy and welcoming good fortune. The beaches remain officially open into the early hours, creating a festive, magical atmosphere along the shoreline.

Beaches in Benidorm

San Juan Safety & Beach Rules in Benidorm

If you're celebrating San Juan Night in Benidorm, keep in mind the following important safety rules and services in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:

What’s Not Allowed:

• Bonfires are prohibited on all Benidorm beaches, including Levante and Poniente.

• Glass containers are strictly not permitted on the sand to prevent injuries and ensure safety.

Lifeguards & Medical Services:

• Extended lifeguard hours will run uninterrupted until 3:00 AM on the night of June 23.

• Lifeguard coverage by beach:

  • Levante Beach: 4 lifeguards

  • Poniente Beach: 4 lifeguards

  • Mal Pas Beach: 1 lifeguard

• Emergency medical teams will be stationed with ambulances at:

  • Bilbao Street

  • Paseo de Colón

  • Vicente Llorca Alós Avenue

• A zodiac water rescue service will also be active throughout the night.

Clean-Up and Facilities:

• Cleaning crews will begin distributing garbage bags from 8:00 PM to help keep the beaches clean.

• A major clean-up operation will start at 3:00 AM.

• Public toilets on all three beaches will remain open until 3:00 AM.

Levante beach from previous years.

The main event is only a short distance away in La Cala de Finestrat.

San Juan 2025 – Cala de Finestrat - Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest – Valencian Community

Join the magical Night of San Juan at Cala de Finestrat, officially recognised as a Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest in the Valencian Community. This much-loved celebration brings locals, tourists, and families together for an unforgettable evening of music, fun, and tradition.

Event Schedule – June 23, 2025

All activities are FREE and open to the public.

• 16:00 – Summer Music begins

• 16:30 – Children’s workshops & entertainment

• 16:30 – Open-air Yoga Master Class (all levels welcome)

• 17:00–20:00 – Face Painting for kids

• 17:00–21:00 – Human Table Football – fun for all ages

• 18:00–19:00 – Children’s Disco, Entertainment & Dancing

• 22:00–00:00 – Live Music with WALECTRIC (80s Pop-Rock)

• 00:00–01:30 – DJ Miguel Romá on the beach

Important Safety Rules

To ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration, please respect the following regulations:

• Bonfires and flying lanterns are NOT allowed

• No firewood, wood, or glass containers permitted on the beach

• Cala de Finestrat is a smoke-free beach

• Use designated waste bins – help keep the beach clean!

Albir

Information on 2025 Fiestas in Benidorm

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