Contenido
There are just a few hours to go before the entire coastline of the Valencian Community celebrates the night of San Juan on the beach.
This magical night, which effectively marks the start of summer (along with the summer solstice on 21 June), is celebrated throughout the province of Castellón.
No matter where you are, grab your swimwear and towel and get ready to experience the magic of San Juan in Castellón from north to south:
Vinarós, fair and festivities
Open-air dances and concerts will feature prominently in the programme for the Fira i Festes de Sant Joan i Sant Pere (from 22 June to 2 July).
Access to the beach is unrestricted, as is swimming. However, lighting bonfires on the sand has been prohibited for several years now.
Benicarló, gastronomy
Like their neighbours, the people of Benicarló (as their demonym suggests) will be able to dine on the beach and go for a swim at the end of the day, but they will not be allowed to light bonfires on the beach.
In Benicarló, this celebration precedes the ‘San Juan Marinero 2023’ food fair, held on 24 June, which includes boat trips for visitors throughout the day.
The aim of the fair is to showcase locally sourced gastronomic products from the area.
Peñíscola, habaneras
Peñíscola Town Council will light a bonfire on the south beach, where there will also be a fireworks display and a singing of habaneras.
Enjoy this celebration at the foot of a castle that has stood for over 700 years. It was built by the Knights Templar and used by two popes as a papal residence (Benedict XIII and Clement VIII).
Alcossebre to the beat of the Batucada
The night of San Juan will begin in Alcossebre at 7.30 pm with a performance by the Batucada Esmuvi in Plaza Vistalegre in the town centre. This batucada will make its way to the Las Fuentes Marina, next to the beach of the same name.
A fire show will also take place here, followed by the traditional bonfires at the stroke of midnight.
RIBERA DE CABANES, A FAMILY EVENT
Cabanes Town Council will set out tables and chairs at 9.00 pm on Torre de la Sal Beach, and groups of local residents will bring their evening meals down to the beach to get together with family and friends.
At midnight, there will be a performance by the band Adrenalina, followed by a mobile disco hosted by the band The End.
On Saturday, the Azahar Sincro Swimming Club will put on a display at La Ribera swimming pool.
OROPESA DEL MAR, FROM MORRO DE GOS TO MARINA D’OR
Oropesa del Mar Town Council has organised various activities in Plaza Mallorca, next to Morro de Gos beach.
At 9.30 pm, the traditional ‘Coca de Sant Joan’ and muscatel wine will be served.
At 11.00 pm, the correfocs will parade along the seafront promenade and, at the stroke of midnight, the St John’s bonfires will be lit and the Fauna mobile disco will begin.
Oropesa del Mar – whether from the Ciudad Jardín buildings or from Marina d’Or – is the best place to celebrate the arrival of summer.
The San Juan celebrations will also extend throughout the town, from Les Amplaries beach to Torre de la Sal beach.
BENICASIM AND ITS BEACHES
The town has organised a night full of activities along its beaches.
At 9.30 pm, there will be a batucada on Heliópolis Beach, which will wind its way along the seafront promenade. There will also be a mobile disco next to the Eurosol tourist office.
On Torre de San Vicent beach, at 10.00 pm there will be a parade and traditional dances, as well as fireworks at midnight.
CASTELLÓN, GRAO FESTIVITIES
The provincial capital also celebrates San Juan in style on its Grao de Castellón beach, where this date also coincides with the start of the San Pedro festivities.
From Pinar Beach to Gurugú Beach, friends and family gather round bonfires on the sand to celebrate the start of summer.
At 7.00 pm, the council’s bonfire will be lit in the Plaza del Casal Jove, at the same time as a parade winds its way through the streets of El Grao.
At 8.00 pm, the mascletá marking the start of the San Pedro festivities will take place, followed by performances by the groups PASCUMEN and BLASCKPOP in La Pacheca.
At 8.30 pm, the special concert “EL GRAU A LA MAR” will begin, in honour of Saint Peter and to mark the 75th anniversary of the Parish Church of Saint Peter, performed by the “Sant Pere del Grau de Castelló” Polyphonic Choir at the La Marina Cultural Centre.
At 11.00 pm, the “GRAU FEST” dance macro-festival will begin on Calle Trabajadores del Mar.
There will also be a fancy dress parade and concerts in Plaza de la Panderola.
Fireworks at the stroke of midnight, accompanied by the traditional wave-jumping, and music until well into the early hours.
As a special measure, the TRAM transport service will run until 3.00 am, so you know there’s no excuse to miss out on the magic of celebrating San Juan in Castellón.