Planning a summer trip to Javea and want to experience one of of the most magical Javea festivals? You’re in for something incredible with San Juan (Fogueres de Sant Joan) – a celebration that’ll give you memories to last a lifetime.
The main bonfire jumping happens on 23rd June in Constitution Square in Javea’s Old Town, followed by the grand finale on 24th June with parades, fireworks, and street parties. The final days centre around the Constitution Square in the Old Town, so you’ll know exactly where to be for the action – see where below:
I’ve put together everything you need to know about this fantastic festival, from what it actually means to exactly what happens during those magical nights.
What is the San Juan festival?
San Juan celebrates the birth of Saint John the Baptist, who was born six months before Jesus Christ, which is why the festival falls on 24th June each year.
The festival combines Christian traditions with much older pagan celebrations that marked the summer solstice – the longest day of the year. Ancient communities would light bonfires to honour the sun and ward off evil spirits, believing that fire had purifying powers.
In modern Spain, San Juan has become one of the country’s most beloved festivals, with coastal towns like Javea hosting some of the most spectacular celebrations you’ll find anywhere.
Where did it all begin?
The roots of San Juan stretch back thousands of years to pre-Christian times when communities across Europe celebrated midsummer with bonfires and rituals. These ancient festivals were all about welcoming summer and using fire to cleanse away negative energies.
When Christianity spread across Spain, these pagan traditions merged with the celebration of Saint John the Baptist’s birth. The timing worked perfectly – the saint’s feast day fell right around the summer solstice, so communities could keep their beloved fire traditions whilst giving them new Christian meaning.
In the Valencian Community, where Javea sits, the festival developed its own unique character. The tradition of jumping over bonfires became central to the celebration, with people believing that leaping over seven waves at midnight would bring good luck and purification.
Javea San Juan programme
San Juan in Javea isn’t just a one-day celebration, it’s a proper festival celebrated from 4th June – 24th June. In this guide, I’ve included about the magical finale on the final two days of 23rd and 24th June which includes the bonfires.
Monday, 23rd June: ‘Nit dels Focs’ (Night of fires)
Morning celebrations: The day starts at 10am with rockets being fired through the streets of the Historic Center by the group ‘Fadrins, boratxos i fins’, accompanied by BATUCAM drummers.
Late morning: At 11am, there’s the offering of ‘raïm i bacores’ (grapes and figs) to Sant Joan. During this parade, they announce which figures from the main bonfires will be saved from burning – it’s called the ‘Indult Del Ninot’.
Afternoon festivities: The afternoon brings music with a brass band parade at 6pm and a charangas meeting at 7pm (these are informal musical groups that play traditional Spanish tunes). At 8pm, there are special children’s fireworks in Marina Alta Square.
Night: At night, the main event begins – the traditional bonfire jumping! There are bonfires which are prepared by the association called “Peña L’Escaldà” and people jump over them wearing garlands on their heads like a crown like below.
This is officially declared a festival of local tourist interest, and you’ll understand why when you see it. I definitely recommend trying it yourself!
Tuesday, 24th June: ‘Saint Joan’s day’
Here’s your complete guide to the final day. The festivities start early and go on well into the early hours!
Morning celebrations: The day kicks off at 9am with rockets being fired to wake everyone up – you won’t need an alarm clock! At 10am, there’s a special mass for Saint John held in Xàtiva square in the Frechinal area. After the service, everyone’s invited to share chocolate and sweets together.
Midday: The main religious ceremony takes place at noon in the Parish Church of Sant Bertomeu. You’ll hear beautiful music from the local choir and orchestra, and afterwards, there’s a spectacular Mascletà (traditional firework display) in Constitution Square. The town hall then hosts everyone for drinks at the Riurau d’Arnauda – it’s a lovely way to meet locals and other visitors.
Evening festivities: Things really get lively from 6pm with the 2025 Quintà ‘La Desmadrà’ rally in Constitution Square. This is followed by parades featuring music bands and brass bands, plus a wonderful parade of carriages.
The children get their own special bonfire celebration at 7pm in Plaza del Portal del Clot – it’s such a sweet tradition and lovely to watch if you’re travelling with family.
Night: At 11pm, the Freedom Orchestra performs in Javea Old Town’s Constitution Square, building up the excitement for the main event. At midnight, there’s an incredible pyromusical fireworks display that lights up the entire square.
Bonfires: Then comes the moment everyone’s been waiting for – the Cremà de la Bonfire, when the central bonfire is lit. The celebrations continue with music, drinks and dancing until 3am!
Making the most of your San Juan experience
If you’re visiting Javea for San Juan, I’d recommend arriving a day or two early to soak up the anticipation. The whole town buzzes with excitement in the days leading up to the festival.
Dress comfortably and wear closed shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing, and with all those bonfires around, sandals aren’t the best choice. Bring a light jacket too, as it can get chilly by the sea in the early hours.
The best spots to watch the main celebrations are around Constitution Square, but get there early as it fills up quickly. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy the smaller bonfires dotted around town – they’re just as magical and often less busy.
Don’t forget to try jumping over seven waves at midnight if you’re near the beach! It’s one of those traditions that might feel a bit silly, but locals swear it brings good luck for the year ahead.
This festival really showcases the warmth and community spirit that makes Javea so special. You’ll find yourself swept up in the celebrations alongside locals who’ve been doing this their whole lives, and that’s what makes San Juan such an unforgettable experience.
San Juan in Javea: what makes it special
Javea’s San Juan celebration is something truly special. The entire town gets involved through neighbourhood associations called “peñas”, and the atmosphere is absolutely electric.
The festival here has a wonderful local touch – the “Hogueras” (bonfires) often make playful references to current events in the town, giving locals plenty to laugh about. It’s this mix of ancient tradition and modern humour that makes Javea’s celebration so charming.
You’ll find small decorative bonfires, called “els focs de Sant Joan”, set up around the town’s roundabouts. These are beautifully decorated with garlands and flowers, and throughout the evening, locals queue up to jump over them one by one. It’s quite a sight!
