Bonfires and festivals of Sant Joan on the beach

Salou. Costa Dorada. 19 June 2026.

Nothing better than to start the summer by celebrating the solstice of this time of year on the beach, with a good bonfire of Sant Joan and a party that combines tradition and "revetlles". If you are looking for this complete pack, come to Salou and enjoy a magical weekend.

The beaches of Salou, especially Llevant, are filled with groups of friends and family prepared with everything necessary to celebrate the arrival of summer and the festival of Sant Joan on the beach.

Sant Joan Celebration in Salou

As tradition dictates, on June 23rd the "Flama del Canigó" (Canigó Flame) will arrive in Salou to light the Sant Joan bonfires. The pubilles (local festival queens) and the hereu (festival king) of Salou will collect the Flame at 7:45 p.m. and will travel through the streets of Salou on the tourist train, accompanied by motorcycles from the Moto Club Barenys association.

Event Schedule

8:15 p.m., Passeig Jaume I (near the Espigó del Moll): 
Correfoc (fire-run): Featuring the Diables Maleïts, the Bruixes Latemó, the Xaloc, and the Morera de Salou. They will carry the flame, accompanying the pubilles and the hereu along Passeig Jaume I all the way to the Plaça de les Comunitats Autònomes.

9:00 p.m., Plaça de les Comunitats Autònomes: 
Reception of the Flame: Reading of the Sant Joan Message and a performance of the traditional sardana dance "Salou Ciutat Pubilla". Afterwards, the cauldron will be lit, kicking off a spectacular fireworks display. Throughout the night, you can throw pieces of paper with your written wishes and resolutions into the cauldron, so this magical night can make them come true.

10:30 p.m., Plaça de la Pau
Family Revetlla: A family-friendly Midsummer Eve party.

Following the family party Plaça de la Pau
Bonfire Lighting: The traditional Sant Joan bonfire will be lit, followed immediately by a popular revetlla (street party).

11:00 p.m., Plaça de les Comunitats Autònomes
Grand Popular Revetlla: Midsummer Eve party featuring live music by the "La Fania" orchestra.

If, after midnight, you choose to bathe in the sea as a ritual so that luck stays with you for the next 12 months, enjoy your night swim with caution.

In Salou, as in all the towns and cities of Catalonia, fire is an essential element of the celebration and especially of the Sant Joan festival. That is why it is important to remember some basic safety tips to safety enjoy bonfires, correfocs (fire runs) and rockets. We also offer tips to protect your pets if they are frightenend by the noise of firecrackers.

What is the Sant Joan festival?
On June 23rd throughout Catalonia, and also in Salou, the summer solstice is celebrated with popular festivals, and the following day, the day of Sant Joan, is a public holiday.

In Catalonia, families or groups of friends gather to have dinner, dance, set off firecrackers and rockets, eat the traditional Sant Joan coca (pastry), and drink cava.

The Sant Joan coca can be bought in many supermarkets, but we recommend that you look for a traditional bakery and buy an artisanally made coca. It will cost you a little more, but it will be delicious. The traditional coques are the ones with pine nuts, filled with pastry cream, marzipan, with candied fruit, with almonds...

Choose the one you like the most and toast to the beginning of summer with a good glass of well-chilled cava and great company.

Are bonfires allowed on the beach?

No, lighting bonfires or having barbecues on the beach is not allowed for safety and hygiene reasons. Camping is also prohibited. The only San Juan bonfire held is the one organized by the City Council, which includes all the necessary safety measures.

Can you have a party on the beach for Sant Joan?
No. You can stay on the beach with friends and eat, but without disturbing other users. Remember to collect your trash and leave the space you used clean. Use the designated trash cans and bins.

Can firecrackers or other pyrotechnics be set off on the beach?
No. On the night of Sant Joan, the beach is filled with people enjoying the shortest night of the year, and you must be very careful when using pyrotechnic materials. Remember the basic safety tips and, above all, do not throw firecrackers at anyone, or in areas where there are celebrations or crowds of people.

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