Hogueras de San Juan: Spain's Midsummer Bonfire Festival Guide (2026)

Every June, as the summer solstice approaches, Spain lights up with one of its most enchanting celebrations: Hogueras de San Juan. Bonfires blaze on beaches from the Costa Brava to the Costa del Sol, fireworks fill the sky, and thousands gather to jump over flames and swim in the sea at midnight.

Rooted in ancient pagan rituals celebrating the longest day of the year, this fiery festival has been celebrated for centuries.

Alicante hosts the most famous and spectacular edition, a week-long event with towering sculptural monuments, parades, and a dramatic burning ceremony. But San Juan is celebrated across all of Spain, from the beaches of Barcelona to the mystical bonfires of Galicia.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Hogueras de San Juan: the traditions, the best places to celebrate, and how to experience Spain's midsummer magic.

What is Hogueras de San Juan?

Hogueras de San Juan (Bonfires of Saint John) marks the arrival of summer and honours Saint John the Baptist, whose feast day is June 24th. The festival culminates on the night of June 23rd, when the shortest night of the year is illuminated by bonfires, fireworks, and all-night beach parties.

The tradition dates back to pre-Christian times when fire was used to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune at the summer solstice. Over centuries, these customs blended with Christian traditions honouring Saint John the Baptist, creating the celebration we know today.

San Juan Traditions

The Bonfires (Hogueras)

At the heart of the celebration are the hogueras (bonfires).

In Alicante, these are elaborate wooden and papier-mache sculptures called ninots, true works of art that can reach 12 metres in height. They often feature satirical commentary on politics, celebrities, or social issues.

After days of public display and judging, these sculptures are ceremonially burned at midnight on June 24th in a dramatic act called La Crema. The burning symbolises renewal, purification, and the release of the old to welcome the new.

On beaches throughout Spain, smaller bonfires are built from wood, old furniture, and anything burnable. Locals write their worries or wishes on paper and throw them into the flames, hoping the fire will transform them.

Fire Jumping

One of the most iconic San Juan traditions is jumping over bonfires. According to tradition, jumping over a bonfire three times on San Juan night cleanses and purifies you, burning away problems and bringing good luck for the year ahead.

You'll see people of all ages taking running leaps over smaller fires.

It's exhilarating, slightly dangerous, and completely unforgettable. Start with smaller flames and be careful of embers.

Midnight Swimming

In coastal cities, taking a dip in the sea at midnight is believed to bring good health, fertility, and protection for the year ahead. The water is said to have purifying powers on this magical night.

Thousands wade into the Mediterranean as the clock strikes twelve, often while fireworks explode overhead. It's a communal experience that captures the joyful, slightly chaotic spirit of San Juan.

Burning Effigies (Juas)

Beyond the large artistic hogueras, many towns burn juas, which are effigies or dolls representing figures from the past year. Originally representing Judas Iscariot, these dolls now often depict unpopular politicians, celebrities, or anyone who has earned public disapproval.

Firework Displays

Each night during festival week in Alicante, the sky lights up with breathtaking fireworks. The most spectacular is the Palmera Blanca, a massive firework launched from Santa Barbara Castle at midnight on June 24th, signalling the start of La Crema.

Across Spain, even small beach gatherings feature fireworks, firecrackers, and sparklers throughout the night.

Hogueras de Alicante: The Main Event

Alicante hosts Spain's most famous San Juan celebration, officially recognised as a Festival of International Tourist Interest. The city transforms for a week of parades, fireworks, and the spectacular burning of monumental sculptures.

2026 Festival Dates

Parades and Events

Entrada de Bandas: Bands and musicians march through the streets, filling the city with lively music.

Desfile Folklorico Internacional: An international folklore parade celebrating cultural diversity with participants in traditional costumes from around the world. The route typically starts at Plaza de los Luceros, proceeds along Avenida Alfonso X El Sabio, continues through Rambla de Mendez Nunez, and ends at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Ofrenda de Flores: Participants dressed in traditional Alicante attire present floral tributes to the Virgin of El Remedio.

La Crema (The Burning)

The climax of Alicante's festival is La Crema, when all the hoguera monuments are burned simultaneously at midnight on June 24th. The signal to begin is the Palmera Blanca, a massive white firework launched from Santa Barbara Castle overlooking the city.

The official hoguera in Plaza del Ayuntamiento is the last to burn, around 1:30am. The burning is accompanied by synchronised pyrotechnics that transform the city into a glowing spectacle.

Where Else to Celebrate San Juan

San Juan is celebrated across all of Spain. Here are the best places beyond Alicante.

Barcelona

Barcelona's Sant Joan (Revetlla de Sant Joan) is famous for its beach parties.

Thousands gather on Barceloneta beach with picnics, cava, and bonfires. Fireworks light up the Mediterranean sky, and the party continues until sunrise.

• Where: Barceloneta beach, beaches along the coast
• What to expect: Beach parties, bonfires, fireworks, coca de Sant Joan pastry
• Tip: Arrive early to claim a good spot; the beach fills up fast

Valencia

Valencia spreads celebrations along miles of city beaches.

Beach barbecues, bonfires, and live music create a festive atmosphere from sundown to dawn. The Malvarrosa and Patacona beaches are popular gathering spots.

• Where: Malvarrosa beach, Patacona beach
• What to expect: Beach parties, bonfires, midnight swimming
• Tip: Combine with the city's excellent nightlife in the Ruzafa neighbourhood

Malaga and the Costa del Sol

In Malaga, the main celebrations centre on La Misericordia beach near the Antonio Banderas promenade. All along the Costa del Sol, from Torremolinos to Marbella, beaches host sardine barbecues, bonfires, and parties.

• Where: La Misericordia beach (Malaga), beaches along the coast
• What to expect: Sardine barbecues (moragas), bonfires, dancing until dawn
• Tip: The moragas (sardine BBQs) are a highlight; arrive hungry

Galicia

Galicia adds Celtic mysticism to San Juan.

The traditional drink queimada, made from aguardiente, sugar, and coffee beans, is set alight while a spell (conxuro) is recited to ward off evil spirits. Cities like A Coruna and Vigo light bonfires and burn meigas (witches).

• Where: A Coruna, Vigo, Santiago de Compostela
• What to expect: Queimada ceremony, bonfire burning of meigas, mystical atmosphere
• Tip: Try queimada at a local bar; the spell recitation is theatrical and fun

Javea (Xabia)

This Costa Blanca town near Alicante has its own distinctive celebration, including the Quinta Parade from Plaza de la Iglesia to Plaza de la Constitucion.

• Where: Arenal beach, old town
• What to expect: Beach parties, local parades, smaller crowds than Alicante

Traditional San Juan Food and Drink

Like any Spanish festival, Hogueras de San Juan is full of traditional foods. What you eat varies by region, but these are the classics.

Regional Specialties

Andalusia: The moraga tradition involves grilling sardines on bamboo skewers over beach fires. The smoky, fresh flavour is unforgettable.

Catalonia: Coca de Sant Joan is the essential pastry, available in bakeries for weeks before the festival. The traditional version is topped with candied fruits and pine nuts.

Galicia: Queimada is both a drink and a ritual. The spell recited while the flames lick the pot is meant to chase away evil spirits and witches.

Tips for Attending San Juan

What to Bring

• Beach blanket or towel: For sitting on the sand
• Picnic food and drinks: Many people bring their own
• Water: Essential for staying hydrated through a long night
• Warm layers: Beach nights can get cool after midnight
• Swimsuit: For the midnight swim tradition
• Cash: Some beach vendors are cash-only
• Paper and pen: To write wishes for the bonfire

Safety Tips

• Keep a safe distance from large bonfires, especially in Alicante during La Crema
• Start with small fires if you want to try fire jumping
• Watch for embers and hot sand near bonfires
• Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded beach areas
• Drink responsibly; it's a long night

Official Information

For Alicante's festival, visit the official Hogueras website for schedules, parade routes, and monument locations.

The History Behind San Juan

The origins of San Juan predate Christianity.

These were pagan celebrations of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, marked by rituals of fire and fertility. Fire was believed to ward off evil spirits, purify, and renew.

When Christianity spread through Spain, the Church linked these midsummer celebrations to Saint John the Baptist, whose feast day is June 24th. The connection to water (through baptism) made the blending of bonfires and sea baths more symbolic than ever.

In Alicante, the modern festival was formally established in 1928, transforming the traditional bonfires into an organised event with artistic monuments. Today it's one of Spain's most important festivals, attracting visitors from around the world.

The tradition of burning old items at the solstice evolved into the artistic hogueras of today. What began as neighbours burning broken furniture became a competition to create the most impressive, satirical, and beautiful sculptures, only to watch them burn at midnight.