The sun hides on the horizon… For illumination, only the moon and the flame, in the background, the sound of the tide rising and falling… Yes, this description corresponds to one of the most magical events of the Valencian year, the Night of San Juan, and today we want to tell you about it.
This fantastic tradition symbolizes that ideal moment to leave behind the problems of the past and welcome the summer solstice as if we were purifying ourselves. The method? Jump over a small bonfire and spend a night of fun with friends.
Below, we tell you everything about the Night of San Juan 2025 in Valencia and its famous bonfires. Let’s go!
When is the Night of San Juan Celebrated in Valencia?
As we are warming up for the Night of San Juan in Valencia this 2025, we are sure that the first and foremost thing you’re interested in is knowing when it’s celebrated. Imagine if we didn’t tell you and you showed up on the wrong day… it would be a tremendous disappointment, wouldn’t it?
Jokes aside, you should know that this magical festival is celebrated from June 23rd to 24th, just before the summer solstice. The most curious thing of all is that it’s the shortest night of the year, but undoubtedly, it becomes one of the longest when it comes to fun and tradition.
In Valencia, the beautiful beaches become the perfect setting to welcome summer with an intense combination of bonfires, music, and rituals that have been part of the culture since ancient times. It’s clear that we knew how to have fun for many years…
In summary, the night of June 23rd is the ideal moment for you to take all your friends and family to the beaches of Malvarrosa and Cabanyal, where you can see how fire and sea intermingle in an unforgettable celebration. Now let’s go with a bit of history.
Discover Everything About the Traditions and Meaning of the Festival
Another curious fact that you might not have known about the San Juan bonfires in Valencia is the one that refers to its meaning and the origin of the tradition. We already tell you that, in Valencia, the vast majority of celebrations have a very specific reason, we don’t do anything just because.
As you probably know, the bonfires are the heart of the celebration, as they symbolize purification and rebirth. People jump over them to cleanse their soul and attract good luck. We don’t know if it works for everyone, but it’s clear that fun is guaranteed.
Additionally, the midnight bath in the sea is a tradition that seeks to renew the spirit and bring prosperity. The flowers of San Juan, like rosemary and lavender, also play an important role, as they are believed to have magical properties. What do you think?
Still Don’t Know Where to See the Bonfires in Valencia?
Okay, maybe at this point you already know when they are celebrated and why they are celebrated. But… Do you know where the San Juan bonfires are celebrated in Valencia this 2025? Well, it’s very simple, since they take place in the same location every year, you can’t miss it.
We’re talking about the beaches of Malvarrosa and Cabanyal, the perfect places to enjoy this tradition. Here, you can light your own bonfires thanks to the free firewood that is distributed along the seafront from 6:00 PM on June 23rd.
Another point that we can’t fail to highlight is La Patacona, Known for having one of the most festive atmospheres in the city and truly impressive bonfires. However, don’t forget that lighting fires is prohibited on the beaches of the Albufera Natural Park, such as El Saler or Pinedo, to protect the natural environment.
Follow these tips to enjoy the night to the fullest
We know that going out to party is often associated with being a bit ‘wild’ without thinking much about anything. However, if you want to enjoy this night to the fullest, we recommend that you take note of these tips from authentic experts on the San Juan bonfires:
Prepare your night survival kit
Before going out, make sure to bring everything you need. A good idea is to bring a towel to dry off after the midnight swim, sunscreen to avoid sunburns during the day, and a pair of flip-flops so you can walk comfortably on the beach without hurting your feet.
If you also include a bottle of water to stay hydrated and some snacks for the night, you’ll have completely succeeded.
Choose the best spot to see the bonfires
As we’ve mentioned before, the beaches of Malvarrosa and Cabanyal are ideal for enjoying the bonfires. However, arrive early to secure a good spot near the sea and the flames, because otherwise it might get a bit complicated. Remember that La Patacona is also an excellent option if you’re looking for a livelier atmosphere.
