San Juan Night 2025 in Las Palmas: Fireworks, Rituals & the City's Foundation

When is San Juan Night 2025 in Las Palmas?

San Juan Night is celebrated on June 23, coinciding with the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. In Las Palmas, this magical night becomes a collective experience of renewal, tradition, and joy by the sea.

Las Canteras Beach: Epicenter of the San Juan Rituals

Every June 23, thousands of people gather at Las Canteras Beach to celebrate one of the most special nights of the year in Gran Canaria: San Juan Night.

This iconic beach—recognized as one of the best urban beaches in Europe for its natural beauty, privileged climate, and vibrant atmosphere—transforms into a collective celebration filled with symbolism, magic, and emotion.

From early afternoon, the promenade fills with families, groups of friends, and travelers who come to witness an ancestral ritual that has evolved over time, yet still holds its core meaning: celebrating the turning of the cycle, letting go of the old, and welcoming the new, by the sea and under a sky lit up with fireworks.

Main Rituals and Activities

• Fireworks At midnight, a stunning fireworks display lights up the sky over Las Canteras, replacing the traditional bonfires to protect the ecosystem.

• Purification Dip At the stroke of midnight, participants rush into the sea for the traditional night swim. This symbolic ritual is believed to wash away negativity and invite good luck and fresh energy.

Even without bonfires, the atmosphere is electric: live music, family gatherings, and a collective spirit of hope fill the air.

Why Aren’t There Bonfires on Las Canteras Beach for San Juan Night?

Though bonfires are one of the most iconic elements of San Juan Night, they’ve been prohibited at Las Canteras for years to protect the marine ecosystem and surrounding environment.

Ecologically, Las Canteras is more than just a beach—it’s home to a natural lava reef that acts as a breakwater and preserves marine biodiversity. The use of bonfires, wood, and other polluting materials posed a direct threat to this fragile ecosystem.

That’s why the City Council and environmental groups chose to replace bonfires with fireworks and cultural activities, keeping the spirit of the night alive without risking the surroundings. The tradition adapts, but the essence of renewal and purification remains.

June 24: Foundational Festivities of Las Palmas

The very next day, June 24, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria celebrates its official foundation in 1478, when Captain Juan Rejón, leading an expedition under the Catholic Monarchs, established the "Real de Las Palmas" in what is now the Vegueta neighborhood.

This act marked the city's beginning and its key role as a gateway to the Americas, turning it into a strategic hub connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Thanks to its prime location in the Atlantic, Las Palmas became a vital stopover for expeditions, trade, and navigation.

The Foundational Festivities celebrate this historical birth with a rich program of cultural, historical, and artistic activities. For several days, the historic center of Vegueta comes alive with open-air concerts, dance performances, art exhibitions, street theater, and guided tours that bring the city’s origins to life.

All this takes place amidst stunning colonial architecture—from Santa Ana Cathedral to Casa de Colón and the Gabinete Literario—which dress up for the occasion to remind us of where we come from and why this city has such a unique and vibrant identity.

But these festivities go beyond historical tribute: they are a celebration of local pride. Neighbors and visitors mingle in an atmosphere that blends tradition and modernity. The past is honored, yes, but the city’s future is also celebrated—a future rooted in transformation and reinvention.

Taking part in the Foundational Festivities is more than just attending an event—it's an immersion into the soul of Las Palmas, where history isn’t confined to books but lives in every corner, every stone, and every musical note echoing through the cobbled streets of Vegueta.

What to See in Vegueta During the Foundational Festivities:

• Santa Ana Cathedral, historical epicenter

• Cobbled streets and colonial architecture

• Exhibitions, concerts, and guided tours narrating the city’s origins

These festivities are not just about history—they’re a perfect chance to reconnect with the cultural roots of Gran Canaria.

San Juan and the Foundation of Las Palmas: A Coincidence Full of Meaning

The closeness of these two dates is no accident. San Juan symbolizes personal rebirth, and the Foundation of Las Palmas marks the city’s birth. Both celebrations share a powerful message: renewal, new beginnings, and the joy of being alive.

Will You Be in Gran Canaria in June 2025?

Then don’t miss:

• San Juan Night at Las Canteras (June 23)

• Foundational Festivities in Vegueta (June 24)

• The most symbolic summer celebration in all of the Canary Islands

Check the Official Event Program

We recommend checking the official Foundational Festivities 2025 program for full details on events, times, and special activities happening this year.

The combination of history, magic, and sea makes Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in June a perfect destination.San Juan 2025 is the ideal moment to celebrate, renew yourself, and discover the origins of this vibrant city.