Saint John’s Eve in A Coruña - 2020 vs past

Updated: Jul 18, 2020

What’s Saint John’s Eve?

The night of June 23rd is a very special holiday here in Spain and in some countries of South America.

This holiday celebrates the birth of John the Baptist who is said that was born 6 months apart from Jesus. It also coincides with the solstice, meaning the shortest night of the year. So it’s a double celebration!

Celebrating Saint John

There are many ways of celebrating this holiday depending on the country. For the most part bonfires are lit up to honor St. John and it’s believed that it repeals witches and bad spirits as well... and Galicia is well known for its witches and vibes. Nowadays, June 23rd-24th it’s a big celebration with feasting and fireworks.

Saint John in A Coruña

(2019 and before)

A Coruña is famous for celebrating Saint John. An impressive set up and a life changing experience since it is so different from anywhere else! Picture this...

The entire beaches of the city (Riazor and Orzan) are lit with bonfire, filled with groups of people celebrating. However, before this bonfires are all set up, people start saving up their spaces in the beach. They spend the entire day at the beach and by the sunset they start setting up. The city gives out the wood for the bonfires. It’s a great celebration that includes team work and getting together.

On both ends of the beaches there are stages set up for live concerts and music to fill the night. The music lasts until the firework show begins! Everyone gathers by the beach and near streets. Be sure to arrive early to grab a good spot if you want to watch the fireworks and also the burn of the big bonfire personalized by the city. This one represents the events that happened during the year (we would probably be burning a big virus bonfire today). 🦠 🦠 All around the city you’ll find great food but during Saint John it’s typical to find grills in front of the restaurants cooking sardines. You have to try it. It’s tradition!

Some, mostly young people, stay out until the morning of the next day to keep the celebration going! After all, it’s the shortest night of the year!

(2020)

This year was so different and weird. Practically everything that I mentioned before was not done. Because of the situation with COVID-19 and new cases showing up again all around the country. This celebration had to be canceled (sad face). Thankfully (I think) the weather wasn’t the greatest to be out today.

The beaches were opened during the day, keeping distances and all safety measures. Also, the city adapted a method to control the access to the beaches, “traffic lights”. Today they closed early to prevent large groups getting together.

The restaurants did have some cookouts. Not everyone were granted the permissions to set it up but we were able to taste some tradition today!

At night, we heard some sporadic fireworks here and there. People were still celebrating, having a good time and keeping up with the traditions during this odd year.

I look forward to next year’s celebration! Here are some pictures from other years! A Coruña awaits for you on Saint John 2021!