Celebrate the Eve of San Juan like never before!

The Eve of San Juan, known locally as La Noche de San Juan, is one of the most special nights of the year. Throughout Spain, it’s common to get together with your friends and family to celebrate it. By doing so at PortAventura World, you can make 23 June one of the most memorable nights of your life!

Do you know about the origins of this tradition, and where and how it is celebrated? And would you like to find out how to enjoy an incredible Eve of San Juan at PortAventura World?

Well, keep reading to find out!

The origins of the fiesta

Did you know that the Eve of San Juan, notable for the constant crackling of flickering bonfires in seaside towns and cities up and down Spain, dates back to the pre-Christian era?

Even before John the Baptist, it was traditional to light bonfires on the eve of 21 June to mark the summer solstice. Besides illuminating the night sky, these fires were also believed to send strength to the sun ahead of the shorter days of the second half of the year!

In Spain, the Eve of San Juan is the first of many summer fiestas. Keep reading this post to discover how different parts of Spain celebrate this event that marks the start of this fun-filled season.

How is the Eve of San Juan celebrated in Spain?

While people all across Spain gather around bonfires to celebrate the arrival of the warmer months, some customs and traditions are only followed in certain parts of the country.

In some parts of Valencia, for example, it is typical to dip your feet in the sea at midnight and make a wish as you throw fruit into the water. In Mallorca, dimonis light up the streets in an exhilarating parade characterised by sparks, fire and bangs. In Catalonia, it is typical to eat the coca de Sant Joan: a delicious, sweet flatbread containing marzipan, cream or custard that is topped with candied fruit and pine nuts.

Come blasting into PortAventura World!

PortAventura World occupies an idyllic spot on the Costa Dorada. The resort is located in Tarragona, where music, fire and human castles characterise the much-loved Eve of San Juan.

Can you imagine spending the day enjoying all that PortAventura World has to offer, before gathering around a bonfire and singing and dancing on the beach until the sun comes up?

Well, our hotels will allow you to do exactly that! Each with their own defined décor and personality, they offer all of the services and amenities you could possibly need for an amazing 23 and 24 June.

Don’t believe us? That’s because you’re yet to lay back on Hotel Caribe’s white sandy beaches, witness Hotel Gold River’s amazing recreation of the American Far West or unwind in Hotel Colorado Creek’s Deluxe Colorado rooms!

Come experience it and you’ll remember it forever!