The eve or the night of San Juan, on the 24th of June, is the feast day which celebrates Saint John the Baptist’s birth, as part of Christianity. However, not everyone gives this meaning to the festival or its celebrations, some link it to pagan rituals unrelated to Christianity. Our real estate agents in Mallorca are going to tell you everything you need to know about this festivity. Keep reading!
Fire, dance and music conquer the Balearic Islands on the 23rd of June to celebrate the festivities of San Juan. Its origin goes back to celebrating summer’s arrival in the northern hemisphere, on June 21st, where lighting a bonfire was the main rite. But what was the purpose of this fire? - To strengthen the sun which from this night on will become weaker and loose power every day, thus shortening the days up until the winter solstice. It is said that the fire also adopted a symbolic role, purifying the souls of those watching it.
The longest day and the shortest night of the year are celebrated in many locations in Spain such as La Coruña, Tarragona or Malaga. However, there is no doubt that the Balearic Islands are the most spectacular place, especially Ciutadella in Menorca, the most relevant one due to the great flow of people who travel in order to participate. Although here we do not have the spectacle of the Menorcan horses or the deeply rooted tradition, Mallorca also promises a very special night.
Mallorca’s main sites for this festival are Deià, Calvià, Sant Joan and Palma, where the party will start on the 23rd of June at the Parc de la Mar. It will host workshops, children’s activities and traditional dances during the afternoon.
As in most places where San Juan is celebrated, in Mallorca, fire is the protagonist, symbolizing the renewal and beginning of a new cycle, like a phoenix that rises from its ashes. What better way to resurrect the fire than with the traditional correfocs of Palma. Starting at 9 p.m., demons and fire invade the streets of Palma, chasing people to the noise of the drums and fireworks. As a final scene, two huge beasts in the shape of dragons are unleashed, the Drac de San Jordi and the Drac de Na Coca, linked to some legends of Palma. After this spectacle the night continues, and with it the fire. Buying a property in Palma de Mallorca means that you will be right in the centre of the celebrations of San Juan.
At midnight people relocate to the beaches, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and good company between bonfires. The beaches of Mallorca are illuminated by the orange flames of the bonfires all along the beach, it’s a perfect chance to meet people, share stories, dance and enjoy the silence.
Following the tradition, the bravest of all jump into the sea for a late night swimfrom where one can watch from a different perspective the bonfire light in the sky and the stars reflected in the sea, a unique, beautiful sensation. If you would like to experience all of this and more, don’t hesitate any longer and contact our real estate agents in Mallorca, we offer an extensive catalogue of properties for sale in Palma de Mallorca, so you can enjoy a stunning city with traditions as magical as the ones of San Juan.
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