The night of June 23rd is, without a doubt, one of the most special of the year in San Sebastián. As the sun sets on the summer solstice, the city transforms into a stage of fire, music, and ancient traditions. The St. John’s Bonfires in San Sebastián are much more than a spectacle; they are the heartbeat of our culture, a time to purify, make wishes, and welcome summer as a community. If you’re in the city on this date, get ready for an unforgettable experience. Let us guide you through the most magical night in Donostia!
The Tradition of Fire and the Solstice in the Basque Country
The Night of Saint John (or San Joan Gaua in Basque) has its roots in pagan rites predating Christianity. It coincides with the summer solstice, the time of year when the day is longest, and light triumphs over darkness. Fire becomes the main protagonist, a purifying element used to burn away the old and the bad, making way for the new and for good wishes.
In San Sebastián and throughout the Basque Country, this tradition is celebrated with special intensity. Around the fire, we dance, sing, and gather with friends and family. It’s a symbol of hope and a reminder of the importance of our cultural roots.
Did you know? The tree burned in the main bonfire in Plaza de la Constitución is an ash tree (lizarra in Basque). After it burns, pieces of its bark are distributed among attendees as a good luck charm for the rest of the year.
The Heart of the Celebration: The Tree Ritual in Plaza de la Constitución
While the entire city comes alive, the heart of Saint John’s Night in San Sebastián beats in the Old Town. Plaza de la Constitución hosts the central and most solemn event of the evening: the ritual of the St. John’s tree. If you want to experience the essence of this festival, this is the place to be.
The event begins at 8:00 PM with the arrival of the Municipal Corporation, the Municipal Txistu Band (traditional Basque flute), and various local dance groups like Goizaldi, Arkaitz, Eskola, and Gero Axular. Together, they perform the Zortziko de San Juan, kicking off a ceremony rich in symbolism.
The climax arrives with the formation of the Soka Dantza (rope dance) and the ash tree ritual. Following a few words from a municipal representative, the dancers approach the tree with their torches and set it alight to the sound of the txistus. It’s a truly magical and goosebump-inducing moment.
Schedule for the main event in Plaza de la Constitución 2025:
- 8:00 PM: The procession begins and the Zortziko de San Juan is performed.
- 8:06 PM: The Soka Dantza begins.
- 8:25 PM: The St. John’s tree ritual, a speech from the mayor’s office, and the lighting of the ash tree.
- 8:30 PM: Traditional dances Fandango and Arin Arin.
- 8:35 PM: Distribution of the ash tree’s bark and the start of the romería (a popular gathering with music and dance).
- 9:30 PM: End of the celebration in the “Consti”.
This event is a gem of our local culture, experienced in a unique atmosphere. We recommend exploring it after wandering through The Old Town, so you can better appreciate the historical value of the surroundings.
Guide to the St. John’s Bonfires in San Sebastián 2025 by Neighborhood
The magic isn’t confined to the Old Town. The celebration spreads to every corner of the city. Each neighborhood has its own personality and its own bonfire! Here is your complete guide with the St. John’s bonfires in San Sebastián schedule so you don’t miss a thing.
Expert Tip: Don’t stick to just one bonfire. The true essence of St. John’s Night in San Sebastián is moving through the neighborhoods. Grab the map, plan a route, and let yourself be surprised by the atmosphere of each place. And don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes!
Here are the confirmed locations and times for the night of June 23, 2025:
1. Old Town / Paseo Nuevo
- Location: Paseo Berria parking area (next to the Oteiza sculpture).
- Bonfire Time: 9:30 PM.
- Activities: Parade from Plaza de la Trinidad (8:00 PM) and akelarre (witches’ sabbath) with the lighting of the fire.
- Organized by: Karramarro-Gorriak Kaiko Jaien Elkartea.
2. Sagües (Gros)
- Location: Tomás Alba esplanade.
- Bonfire Time: 9:00 PM.
- Activities: Sardine grill, queimada (a traditional Galician punch), and a popular party with Estanga starting at 7:00 PM. A perfect plan to enjoy next to Zurriola beach.
- Organized by: Uliako Auzo Elkartea.
3. Antiguo
- Location: Gaskuña Plaza.
- Bonfire Time: 10:00 PM.
- Activities: Giants and Big-Heads parade on Matia street (7:00 PM), a spell, soka dantza, and flower bouquet distribution. The night ends with a Zezen Suzko (Fire Bull) at 11:00 PM.
- Organized by: Antiguotarrak Euskal Dantza Taldea.
4. Amara Zaharra
- Location: Plaza Easo.
- Bonfire Time: 10:30 PM.
- Activities: Hot chocolate for kids (7:00 PM), children’s Soka Dantza (7:30 PM), Toka Championship (8:00 PM), and Fire Bull (10:00 PM).
- Organized by: Donosti Berri – Amarabai.
5. Amara Berri
- Location: Anoeta parking area (next to Gasca).
- Bonfire Time: 10:00 PM.
- Activities: Dance, a spell, and a fire bull before the lighting.
- Organized by: Ikasbide Kultur Elkartea.
6. Aiete
- Location: Jolastoki – Paseo de Aiete, 70.
- Bonfire Time: 9:30 PM.
- Activities: Charanga (brass band) and dancing from 6:00 PM.
- Organized by: Topagune Jardines del Palacio de Aiete.
7. Egia
- Location: Plaza Martín Santos.
- Bonfire Time: 10:30 PM.
- Activities: Romería, distribution of flower bouquets (9:30 PM), and a popular party with dancing and singing around the fire.
- Organized by: Egia Bizirik Auzo Elkartea.
8. Loiola
- Location: Placita de Sierra de Aloña.
- Bonfire Time: 10:00 PM.
- Activities: Children’s games (8:30 PM), arrival of witches and wizards (9:30 PM), and hot chocolate with the bonfire.
- Organized by: Loiolako Jai Batzordea.
9. Intxaurrondo
- Location: Plaza Bernart Etxepare.
- Bonfire Time: 10:00 PM.
- Activities: A full schedule! Txalaparta (a traditional Basque instrument) (5:00 PM), hot chocolate (5:45 PM), mini-encierro (bull run), verbena (street party), Fire Bull (11:45 PM), and a firework finale (12:00 AM).
- Organized by: Plazara Goaz.
Other Bonfires You Can’t Miss:
- Igeldo: At Herriko plaza (10:00 PM), with song verses and a dinner-snack.
- San Roque: A more intimate bonfire at the municipal field of San Roque, 11 (10:00 PM).
- Morlans: At Morlans, 35 (9:30 PM), with a kids’ workshop, descent of the witches, and dinner.
- Martutene: Next to the football field (8:00 PM), with a self-catered snack and collective dancing.
- Bidebieta: In Allende Park, the bonfire is lit at midnight (12:00 AM).
- Herrera: At Plaza San Luis (9:59 PM), with triki-poteo (music and drinks crawl), a popular dinner, and a Fire Bull.
- Larratxo: In the schoolyard (9:30 PM), with children’s games and a sardine and rib barbecue.
- Oleta: At Calzada de Oleta, 27 (9:30 PM), with kids’ olympics and a Fire Bull.
- Intxaurrondo Zaharra: Next to the Larrotxene cultural center (10:00 PM), with a sardine grill.
For more details on each activity, you can visit the official Donostia Kultura website, the primary source for all programming.
Safety Measures
It’s important to remember that a grand fire spectacle comes with responsibilities. The city council and firefighters establish safety measures to ensure everything goes smoothly. These include a ban on throwing hazardous materials like plastics or aerosols into the bonfires and maintaining safe distances from buildings and vehicles. Please always follow the instructions of the organizers and security personnel.
(Conclusion) The night of San Joan sua in San Sebastián is an experience that connects with the deepest part of our land. It’s an invitation to leave the bad behind, share joy with others, and marvel at the power of fire under the summer sky. Whether at the solemn ceremony in Plaza de la Constitución or the popular festival in your favorite neighborhood, we assure you’ll have a night to remember forever.
Do you have any special rituals for St. John’s Night? What’s your favorite bonfire in the city? We’d love for you to tell us in the comments and share this article so no one misses out on the most magical night in Donostia!
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