St John's Day
When is it celebrated
San Juan, known in Galicia as San Xoán, has a fixed date of 24 June. The popular celebration is concentrated, however, in the afternoon and evening of the 23rd: then the bonfires are lit and meetings, meals and rituals take place that usually last until the early hours of the 24th.
Is it a holiday or a working day?
Wednesday, 24 June, is a mandatory and non-recoverable public holiday throughout Galicia during 2026. Decree 46/2025 incorporated it by replacing the Constitution Day rest, which that year falls on a Sunday. The employment status of San Juan may change from one year to the next, so you should always consult the corresponding official Galician calendar.
Origin and geographical link
The Christian holiday honours the birth of Saint John the Baptist and is celebrated in many European territories, but in Galicia it has an especially deep-rooted popular identity. Its proximity to the summer solstice explains the traditional association with fire, purification and protective rites; Each locality adapts these elements to its spaces and customs.
Regular events
Bonfires are common - also called cachelas, cacharelas, lumeiras o fogueiras—, sardiñadas with bread, music and community meetings. Ritual jumps over the fire, baths in the sea and the preparation of water with San Xoán herbs are also practiced. In A Coruña, one of the busiest centres, the activities occupy beaches and other public spaces under municipal regulation.
Usual duration of events
The central moment covers the afternoon of 23 June and all night until the early hours of the 24th. The sardiñadas and meetings usually begin before nightfall, while the bonfires and rituals are concentrated during the night. Urban programmes can add concerts and activities on nearby days, but their duration varies each year and depending on the municipality.
Traditions and history
The most visible ritual is jumping the flames as a symbolic gesture of purification and protection. The Galician tradition also incorporates roasted sardines, queimada in some celebrations and practices related to water: bathing in the sea or leaving aromatic herbs in water overnight to wash with it in the morning. These customs mix the Christian calendar of San Juan with popular beliefs linked to the beginning of summer.
Where is it celebrated
The night of San Xoán is celebrated throughout Galicia in squares, streets, parks, lots and beaches, always according to local regulations on fires and occupation of public space. A Coruña stands out for its massive celebrations by the sea, recognized as a festival of international tourist interest, although towns, neighbourhoods and parishes in the four provinces maintain their own bonfires and meetings.
Who participates
The party brings together families, friends, neighbors and visitors of different ages. Activities are organised by city councils, neighbourhood associations and entities, hospitality establishments and cultural groups; Musicians, public service, emergency and cleaning personnel also participate in large urban programmes. Bonfires and sardiñadas in public spaces usually require communication or municipal authorization.