The night of San Juan is coming soon. For this reason, in LOCK & enjoy! we invite you to come to Palma de Mallorca to enjoy a magical and different night.
On this holiday it is important to be comfortable and relaxed, therefore, count on us to guard your backpack or belongings in one of our automatedLockers in Mallorca.
What is the origin of the feast of St. John?
The feast of San Juan is not only celebrated in Palma, as it is also very popular in Barcelona and Alicante. Alicantewhere they celebrate their major festivities. However, the origin is common to all of them.
We speak of St. John to refer to John the Apostle, one of the most outstanding disciples of Jesus of Nazareth. This is the reason why it is celebrated on June 24, that is, the day his birth is commemorated. Therefore, it is a Christian festivity, but with pagan origins, since this religion assumed part of this rite. Paganism had the custom of lighting bonfires to celebrate the arrival of the summer solstice.
What celebrations are held?
The ceremonies and rites vary greatly from one area to another, however, we have prepared a small guide for you to choose the one you like best. Although the official holiday is on June 24, it is always celebrated on the night of the 23rd. This holiday has a considerable importance, since in some cities even no work is done.
First of all, the bonfire is a must, since fire is a symbol of protection and purification. This element acquires greater symbolism in coastal areas. Small bonfires are prepared and people jump over them. For example, in Alicante you have to jump 7 times in total to have a year of protection, a number that increases to 9 in Galicia.
The vast majority of people mark this date on the calendar to enjoy their first bath of the summer. There are ancestral beliefs that affirm that during this night the water acquires miraculous and healing properties. In some beaches of Palma there is also a tradition of jumping the waves, but on your back.
Then, making wishes is another key moment of the night. For example, writing them on a piece of paper or while jumping over the bonfire.
And finally, the burning of objects to get rid of them and that have a special meaning.
Celebrations in Palma
Beaches
You can enjoy the Nit de Foc (Nit de Foc is the name it receives on the island) in any of the beaches and coves of Mallorca. However, we recommend that you go with enough time, since from early afternoon they start to fill up. Keep in mind that, if you prefer quieter areas, most of the municipalities of the island also celebrate the Night of San Juan.
Can you imagine dancing by the sea on the most magical night of the year? It is a few hours of maximum fun, therefore, we recommend you to leave your most valuable belongings with us. Book our Lockers in PalmaYou can come and go from our LOCK & enjoy! store whenever you want.
Parc de la Mar
On the other hand, in LOCK & enjoy! we advise you to know the official program of activities carried out by the city council. For us it is a real spectacle that is worth seeing once in a lifetime. We tell you a little more about it below.
Near the cathedral of Palma, right in the Parc de la Mar, early in the afternoon workshops and activities for children are prepared. Demonstrations of traditional dances are also included. Once night falls, a verbena is organized in which dance and music are also the main protagonists. At 10:00 p.m. a short proclamation is read to start the festival.
The best of all starts at 23:00 hours with the “correfocs correfocs. It consists of a popular show in which a group of volunteers dress up as demons or devils. They are great fun, as they interact with people as they parade through the streets of the city dancing and jumping. Don’t worry, as it is not dangerous. Likewise, two fire beasts also parade, the dragons of Sant Jordi and the Drac de Na Coca, the latter linked to traditions and legends of the city.
And finally, the celebration ends with a big batucada to bid farewell to the night and to encourage the party to continue on the beaches.
On the main beach of the city, La Palmathe authorities also organize festivals and live music concerts. From midnight onwards, there is also a fireworks show worth seeing.
Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation
This foundation is a reference in the city. It is a very important cultural institution at national and international level. It was created by desire of the famous painter Joan Miró and his wife Pilar. Inside there is an important collection that amounts to a total of 6000 works (sculptures, drawings, documents, etc.).
To celebrate the painter’s name day (June 24), every year this cultural center opens its doors free of charge for all those who decide to know the painter’s works. It is focused on all audiences, however, there is a wide range of workshops and activities for children:
- Creation of self-portraits.
- Photo contest.
- Development of freehand drawings.
We recommend you to visit the website frequently, as this year’s official program will be published soon. Do not hesitate and come with your children to enjoy this day in a different way.
Get to know Palma de Mallorca on one of the most special nights of the year! It is important that you book your locker with us, LOCK & enjoy! in advance, as the arrival of tourists has just begun, come to Palma and meet us!
