The Nit de Sant Joan “St. John’s Night” is a magical moment that marks the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. In Mallorca, this festivity comes alive with a unique intensity, filling the streets with tradition, fire and joy. From the vibrant city of Palma to the picturesque beaches of Alcúdia, the island lights up with the flames of Sant Joan’s Night.
When is Sant Joan's Night 2024 celebrated?
Sant Joan’s Night is celebrated from the night of June 23rd till the 24th, coinciding with the summer solstice. At this moment, the sun is located at its highest point in the sky, and the days become longer as a consequence. The 23rd of June is considered to be one of the longest days of the year, and its night is known as the shortest of the year.
History of Sant Joan's Night
This festivity can be traced back to ancient times, when pagan rituals of purification and protection were celebrated during the summer solstice. The purpose of these rites was to honour the sun, and sought to ensure abundance and protection. Over time, these rituals were integrated in Christian celebrations in honor of San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist).
The bonfires were believed to drive away evil spirits and purify the environment, ensuring good harvests and protecting people from diseases and misfortune.
In which parts of Mallorca is Sant Joan's Night celebrated?
In Mallorca, Sant Joan’s Night is celebrated with an overflowing passion that extends throughout the island, but finds its maximum expression in Palma and Playa de Palma. However, the festive spirit is also present in the charming villages of Calvià, Sant Joan, Muro and Deià, where local traditions mingle with the hustle and bustle of the celebration.
In places like Pollença, Ca’n Picafort or Alcúdia, although the festivity does not acquire the same magnitude, the locals opt for a more intimate celebration by going to the charming beaches to enjoy a serene dinner, away from the hustle and bustle, while the gentle whisper of the sea accompanies their evening. The coasts become the ideal setting to welcome the summer in the company of loved ones.
It is a night to taste, toast and share laughter in honor of San Juan. And, of course, we cannot forget the magic ritual: Diving into the sea at midnight, at least up to the feet, as a symbolic gesture of purification and renewal.
Celebrations of Sant Joan's Night in the Towns of Mallorca
- Palma
In Palma, the city becomes a living stage full of shrill sounds, torches, and “dimonis” (demons) across Parc de la Mar under the shadow of the majestic Cathedral. This unique festival captivates all of those who have the privilege of witnessing it.
The heart of the celebration is located in Parc de la Mar, where the crowds anxiously await for the appearance of the dimonis. These mysterious beings emerge between the park’s viaducts in a dazzling display of fire and juggling to the rhythm of a “batucada” that seems to bring the echoes of the underworld with it.
The so-called “correfocs” encourage attendees to decide whether to flee or join the frenzied dance around the blazing fire. At around 11 p.m. the dimonis retreat, and the crowds make their way to the nearest beach, where they light small bonfires. When the clock strikes twelve midnight and coinciding with the summer solstice, attendees dive into the water to make a wish, following an ancient tradition. Sant Joan is celebrated all over the island, but in Palma the spectacle is the most impressive one.
- Calvià
In Calvià, June 24th is a festive date in honor of Sant Joan Baptista, patron saint of the municipality. In the heart of Calvià, homage is paid to the elderly with the celebration of a special religious service and with lively performances of regional dances. Since the 1950s, this celebration has included a gesture of appreciation towards neighbours aged 75 and over, inviting them to enjoy a glass of almond ice cream with ensaïmada. This is a deeply rooted celebration in the community, which recognises and celebrates local heritage with love and gratitude.
- Sant Joan
In the village of Sant Joan, in Mallorca, the “Festa de Sant Joan Baptista” is the most outstanding event of the year. This festivity, which celebrates the birth of St. John the Baptist on June 24th, attracts thousands of visitors who enjoy this commemoration over several days.
Among many other things, to celebrate this event, parents from the village organise the traditional “Sol que Balla”. Other activities organised during this event include a religious service in honor of the saint, a religious procession held through the streets of the village, and the traditional “correguda de joies” in which groups of young people aged from different ranges compete in races in which their aim is to win a flag representing Sant Joan. There are also concerts, “verbenas”, sporting and cultural events for all tastes, culminating with the spectacular “Nit de Foc”, which consists in a fireworks display that lights up the starry night sky and brings the festival to its end.
- Muro
The distinctive scent of lime trees in the main square marks the arrival of the month of June in Muro, heralding the start of the celebrations for the patron saint Sant Joan. These festivities, which are notable for the community’s active participation, extend over fifteen days and culminate on June 24th with a spectacular fireworks display in Paseo de Sa Riba.
The festive programme includes a wide variety of sporting and cultural activities that reflect the village’s vibrant spirit. Amongst them, the popular “verbenas” offer the opportunity to enjoy open-air dinners, and to participate in the traditional “Revetlla de Ses 40 Voltes” in which contestants are challenged to take part in obstacle courses with a length of 40 laps.
- Deià
In Deià, in honor of Sant Joan, who happens to be the town’s patron saint, a series of festivities that seek to enrich the experience for all audiences are organised. Keeping a balance between Mallorcan roots and modernity, all sorts of fresh and stimulating activities are offered for all audiences.
The celebration culminates on June 24th with an emotional religious procession, where the community gathers to walk together from the town hall to Sant Joan Baptista’s church, where a service is celebrated in honor of the patron saint. It is a moment of union and gratitude to those who have contributed to form the history and identity of our beloved town.
Rituals and traditions of Sant Joan in Mallorca
The Night of Sant Joan is one of the year’s most magic nights, since it’s known as The Night of the Witches, and it’s also full of rituals as a consequence. From lighting bonfires and jumping over the fire, to writing wishes on a piece of paper and burning it, all is done in the hope of purifying and renewing the spirit for the year ahead. The atmosphere is filled with music, laughter and the smell of delicious barbecue, as families and friends gather to celebrate this special night.
Another tradition is to make a wish to the sea when the clock strikes midnight, at which point everyone heads into the water with their wishes in mind. According to tradition, in order for the wishes to be granted, you must enter the water with your back facing the water while holding a candle in your hand.
Other plans to celebrate summer time in Mallorca
The Nit de Sant Joan marks the beginning of a summer full of possibilities in Mallorca.
From staring at breathtaking sunsets to relaxing on the island’s terraces, there are endless ways to celebrate this special season on the island, from enjoying the island’s local gastronomy at beachfront restaurants, to exploring its charming villages or diving into the crystal-clear waters of its beaches.
Experience the magic of Sant Joan in Mallorca!
Whichever is your favorite way to celebrate it, the Nit de Sant Joan is a special occasion that encourages you to immerse yourself in the essence of Mallorca. From participating in the exciting “correfocs” in the streets of Palma, to enjoying the intimate candlelit dinners on the beaches of Alcúdia, every corner of the island is filled with magical energy and tradition during this festivity.
It is a time to connect with nature in Mallorca’s quiet coves and beaches, where the gentle murmur of the sea goes along with the celebrations. It is also an opportunity to share laughter and joy with family and friends around the lit bonfires, while the scent and the crackle of firewood fills the air with magic.
If you are also looking for the perfect accommodation to enjoy these festivities in Mallorca, Ideal Property Mallorca offers a wide selection of options to suit your needs and preferences.
From cozy apartments to luxurious villas with sea views, you will find the ideal place to live an unforgettable experience during the Nit de Sant Joan. Don not hesitate to enjoy the magic of Mallorca with Ideal Property Mallorca as your ally in finding the perfect accommodation!