In Mallorca, especially in the summer months, there are many traditional festivals that are extensively celebrated. Some of these festivals are only celebrated in certain places, others are a highlight all over the island. This also includes the Noche des San Joan. This year, like last year, the celebrations are unfortunately mostly canceled. Nevertheless, we would like to introduce you to this beautiful tradition today. And we hope that we can celebrate together again next year!
Noche des San Joan celebrations
The Noche de San Joan takes place every year on the night of June 23rd to 24th, the shortest night of the year. The arrival of summer is celebrated everywhere in Mallorca on this night. And as befits Mallorcan festivities, it takes place outside, of course, with family and friends and preferably on the beach!
The festival, which originally has a pagan origin, is now celebrated happily and usually in a very modern way. However, the customs that have been passed down through the generations also play a major role. So old and new come together here and make the festival a great experience for the whole family. And there is hardly anyone on the island who misses this party!
This is how Midsummer Night is celebrated
Already in the early evening of June 23rd, people in Mallorca are drawn to the beaches. There you can meet friends and family, make campfires, set up torches and grill lots of goodies or have a picnic. When it comes to music, there is a lot of talking, laughing and of course dancing. The atmosphere is exuberant and guests are also happily taken to the center to enjoy this special night together. By the way, most of them are dressed in white that night – this unofficial dress code has established itself over the years.
As with many Majorcan festivals, fire also plays a major role in the Noche de San Joan. As already mentioned, there are campfires, torches, etc. everywhere, which conjure up a great atmosphere after sunset. There are also some rituals related to fire. For example, you often write things that you have been annoyed about in the last year or that you want to let go of on a piece of paper and burn it in the fire at midnight. This is supposed to make things disappear from life. Often you can also see people jumping over the campfire. If it is a matter of lovers who do this hand in hand seven times, a life full of happiness and contentment should be waiting for them. At midnight everyone goes swimming in the sea – on the one hand, this is supposed to keep you healthy and, on the other hand, you have a wish that should be fulfilled.
Noche de San Joan in times of Corona
Unfortunately, it is not yet possible this year to celebrate the Noche de San Joan as we know and love it. Most of the island’s beaches are closed that night, with only a few exceptions. However, the Mallorcans do not let the desire to celebrate and so there are many private parties or here and there public events in compliance with the currently applicable Corona rules in order to celebrate this night properly.
