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Sant Joan Night in Mallorca 2026: Fire, Tradition and Magic across the Island.

The Night of Sant Joan in Mallorca is one of the island’s most magical festivals.

The Night of Sant Joan (23 June) marks the official start of summer in Mallorca. It is one of the island’s most deeply-rooted and magical festivals, where fire, the sea and tradition come together in a single unforgettable night. From the southern beaches to the northern harbours, via the squares of the inland villages, the whole of Mallorca is lit up by the bonfires of Sant Joan.
Whether you stay in any corner of the island —be it on a country estate in the south-east, an apartment in Palma or a house in the Serra de Tramuntana— you’ll find a celebration just a few minutes away. In this article we we tell you everything you need to know to experience the Night of Sant Joan 2026 like a true Mallorcan.

What is the Night of Sant Joan?

The Revetla de Sant Joan is a celebration of the shortest night of the year, the eve of the summer solstice. In Mallorca, this date holds special significance: fire purifies, the sea renews, and the community gathers around the bonfires.
Key figures for 2026:
  • Date: Tuesday 23 June 2026
  • Public holiday in: Palma, Calvià, Andratx, Sóller, Pollença, Alcúdia, Manacor, Santanyí and Campos
  • Schedule of events: From 8.00 pm, with the main events taking place between 10.00 pm and midnight

Essential traditions of St John’s Eve

1. Bonfires on the beach

The most iconic image of the evening is the bonfires lit on the sand. Families and friends gather around the bonfire, share coca de Sant Joan (a traditional flat cake) and toast with cava or local wine. Some jump over the flames —a ritual which, according to tradition, brings good luck and purifies the soul.
Top tip: If you prefer a quieter experience, avoid the busiest beaches in Palma and head for coves such as Es Trenc (south), Cala Deià (north) or Cala Galiota (south-east), where the celebrations are more intimate.

2. La Nit de Foc (Night of Fire)

The Nit de Foc is one of the most impressive spectacles in Mallorca. The dimonis (demons) and the foguerons (torchbearers) parade through the streets, sending sparks flying and creating an atmosphere of pure energy. It is a tradition with pagan roots that has been kept alive for centuries.
Where to watch it in 2026:
  • Palma: Main parade from the Plaza Mayor to the Cathedral (23 June, 9.00 pm)
  • Sóller: Traditional celebration in the harbour with dimonis and music (23 June, 8.30 pm)
  • Pollença: Bonfires and a public dance in the Plaza Mayor (23 June, 9.00 pm)
  • Santanyí: Traditional celebration with bonfires in the square (23 June, 8.30 pm)
  • Campos: A community bonfire in the church square, with a more intimate, family-friendly atmosphere
  • Colònia de Sant Jordi (Cala Galiota): A celebration featuring ‘dimonis’ on the beach, one of the most authentic in the south-east
Bonfire of Saint John

Midsummer’s Night

3. The coca of Saint John

There is no Night of St John without coca. It is a flat brioche cake topped with pine nuts, cream and candied fruit. In Mallorca, many artisan bakeries make it only during this week. We recommend buying it in local bakeries in any village —in Palma, Sóller or Campos, the tradition is very much alive.

Coca of Saint John

4. The midnight swim

According to tradition, swimming in the sea at midnight on the night of Sant Joan is said to have healing and rejuvenating properties. In Mallorca, any beach or cove is suitable for this ritual: from the calm waters of Cala Pi (south) to the crystal-clear waters of Cala Deià (north).

Where to celebrate Sant Joan’s Night in Mallorca in 2026?

Mallorca has something for everyone, from large-scale urban events to intimate rural experiences:

Area Location Type of event Ideal for

Palma Playa de Palma, Cathedral Full-scale Nit de Foc, massive bonfires Tourists looking for the big event
Tramuntana Mountains Sóller (harbour), Deià Bonfires, bohemian atmosphere Lovers of the mountains and the sea
North. Pollença, Alcúdia Folk traditions, dancing in the square Families, authentic atmosphere
South-east. Santanyí, Campos, Es Trenc Cosy bonfires, quiet coves Couples, groups of friends
Sureste. Colònia de Sant Jordi (Cala Galiota). Dimonis en la playa, fogata tradicional. Amantes de la tradición auténtica
East. Manacor, Porto Cristo: A local celebration, less touristy. Travellers seeking authenticity
South-west. Andratx, Port d’Andratx Seafood dinner, bonfires in the harbour Foodies and luxury lovers

🎭 The Cala Galiota festival in Colònia de Sant Jordi

One of the most special festivals, and one of the least known to mass tourism, takes place in Cala Galiota, a small cove next to the port of Colònia de Sant Jordi, in the south-east of Mallorca.
What makes this celebration unique?
  • Local demons: The demons of Colònia of Sant Jordi and Ses Salines — in their traditional costumes, horns and lit torches— parade along the beach of Cala Galiota creating an intimate yet striking spectacle. It is a version more intimate and familiar of the great Nit de Foc de Sant Joan
  • Bonfire on the sand: Unlike large urban bonfires, here the fire is lit directly on the sand of the cove, with the sea in the background and the sound of the waves.
  • Local atmosphere: The celebration retains a very local feel. Residents of Colònia de Sant Jordi and Ses Salines, along with a few tourists, take part with great enthusiasm.
  • Jump into the sea: Many attendees round off the evening with the traditional swim at midnight in the calm waters of the cove.
Approximate timetable for 2026:
  • 8.30 pm: The demons arrive at the beach area
  • 9.00 pm: Lighting of the bonfire and torchlight procession
  • 10.00 pm: Traditional music and a community barbecue
  • 00:00: Midnight swim
How to get there: Cala Galiota is about 10 minutes’ walk from the centre of Colònia de Sant Jordi. If you come by car, there is parking in the vicinity of the harbour, although we recommend arriving early.

How to enjoy Sant Joan’s Night from your accommodation

One of the advantages of staying at a Berna Group rural estate or anywhere else on Mallorca is the flexibility. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, you can organise your own private celebration:
  • Bonfire in the garden: Many country homes have outdoor space where you can light a controlled bonfire (check local regulations).
  • Dinner under the stars: Prepare a torrada (traditional Mallorcan barbecue) with sobrasada, botifarrón and seasonal vegetables.
  • Artisanal coca: Ask for recommendations for local bakeries that deliver to your accommodation.

Timetables and practical advice for 2026

  • Arrive early: The beaches and squares fill up quickly. Try to be there before 8 pm.
  • Bring a torch: Some coves and rural areas have no artificial lighting.
  • Comfortable clothing: It can get chilly in the evenings by the sea, even in June.
  • Respect for the environment: Please collect your rubbish. Make sure you put out any fires properly before you leave.
  • Transport: If you’re heading to Palma or other busy areas, consider using public transport or a taxi, as parking can be tricky.

Conclusion

The Night of Sant Joan 2026 is a unique opportunity to connect with the true spirit of Mallorca. Whether you choose the energy of the Nit de Foc in Palma, the tradition of Sóller, the bohemian atmosphere of Deià, the magic of the dimonis in Cala Galiota or the intimacy of a bonfire in Es Trenc, this night of fire and sea will leave you with an unforgettable memory.
If you’re looking for accommodation in Mallorca for this time of year, at Grupo Berna we offer charming country estates in the south-east of the island — near Colònia de Sant Jordi and Cala Galiota — just a few minutes’ drive from the best festivities and well connected to the rest of Mallorca. Check availability for the Night of Sant Joan 2026.