One of the most magical night of the year in Majorca has to be St. John’s Eve (Noche de San Juan). When the clock strikes midnight on the 23rd of June, the shortest night of the year begins as we welcome the Summer Solstice.
The Island of Majorca offers many possibilities for taking part in this special celebration. We propose 4 special plans that will make this magical night in Majorca a memorable one. Don´t miss out!
1. Celebrate St. John’s Eve in Deià: habaneras and trampó
Deià is a stunning Majorcan village located between the mountain ranges of Tramuntana (Serra de Tramuntana), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the 23rd of June, you can enjoy the celebration of St. John´s festival, listening to habaneras (Cuban style dance music) by the music group Sotavent while taking part in a tramponada, a traditional gathering which consists of eating the typical dish of the festival all together). This small coastal village of Majorca exudes an inspirational and bohemian atmosphere with the spectacular Cala de Deià (Deià Cove) as its central meeting point. This is where neighbours and visitors spend the evening listening to old seafaring songs or “shanties” and enjoying the trampó salad, a typical dish from Majorca. This Majorcan delight is made from a combination of locally grown tomatoes, green bell peppers and onions and then seasoned with nothing more than salt and olive oil!
2. The Correfoc in Palma welcome the Summer Solstice
St. John's Eve is not only associated with fire and bonfires but it is also known as the Eve of witches. On this special night in Palma everyone anxiously awaits the traditional Correfoc in Parc de la Mar, an urban park. Correfoc literally means “fire-runs” and is characteristic of festivals & celebrations in the Balearic Islands and several other Spanish cities. During this celebration, a group of individuals dress up as devils, dance around the bonfires and set off fireworks. Magic and tradition come together to welcome the Summer Solstice. The music, evening entertainment and impressive views of the Cathedral and work of art by the amazing Joan Miró all await you to highlight all that Palma has to offer on this special celebration.
3. Magical night of swimming and bonfires on the beautiful beaches of Majorca
Fire is the highlight of St. John’s festival, yet we mustn´t forget that water also plays and important role. The Island of Majorca offers you the crystal, clear waters of its beautiful beaches and stunning coves for a perfect paradise-like setting in which to enjoy this magical celebration. They say that going for a midnight swim on St. John’s Eve will bring you good luck. What do you say? A dip in the clear blue waters of a Majorcan beach is just what you need to take away the negative energy and purify the mind, body, and spirit. We recommend a midnight swim in Can Pere Antoni beach or any of these fabulous coves; Cala Millor, Cala Bona, Cala Mondragó, Cala Torta, Cala Mitijana or Cala S’Almunia. So many fabulous beaches in Majorca! So many spectacular choices!
4. From verbena to verbena on the Island of Majorca
What would a party be without music and dancing? As St. John (San Juan) is the patron saint of several villages in Majorca, they pay special tribute to him on this special night with Verbenas (popular, open-air night parties with music and dancing). If you love dancing, stop by one of these quaint villages of Majorca: Mancor de la Vall, Son Servera, Calvià, Muro, Felanitx o Sant Joan. For those of you who are looking for something unique, Castillo de Alaró (Alaró Castle), perched on top of the Puig de Alaró mountain, hosts a unique festival called Festa de la Flama (“Festival of flames”). You can welcome the Summer Solstice while taking in the incredible views and then later take part in a traditional tramponada.