Sant Joan 'Nit del Foc' Ibiza

For many, the beach is the place to be to mark the occasion. As this fiesta falls around the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, you can really make the most of enjoying the warm evening on the beach. Beaches all across the island will be filled with people setting up bonfires and picnics. Talamanca and Figueretes are some of the liveliest spots if you are looking for the best atmosphere to enjoy the celebrations.

On the popular beaches you'll find pre-made holes in the sand for the bonfires that will be lit for the occasion, and there will be a mix of live music and DJs throughout the evening. The events usually culminate in a fireworks display. You'll also likely be offered "macarrones de Sant Joan" which are enjoyed on this day - this traditional snack is a twist on rice pudding using pasta instead of rice to create a creamy, sweet dessert. A word of warning – the beaches fill up so, if you are a large group, then get down early to secure a big enough area to spread out.

The town of Sant Joan de Labritja is party central on the night of June 23rd. This sleepy village turns into a huge open-air celebration as the streets are closed down to cars and are instead filled with revellers. Flower Parties take place, with live music and DJ performances throughout the night until the early hours. Bonfires are lit in every corner of the streets to commemorate the event. During the daytime on the 24th, the festivities continue with markets as well as live music on the streets of Sant Joan.

Wherever you are on the island, there should be a party of some sort within close range as many of Ibiza's towns and villages put on an array of entertainment for both adults and children. Music fills the streets, while parades, ceremonial fires and fireworks bring each municipality to life. Some of the top festival towns to visit include San Antonio and Santa Eulalia where celebrations take place from the early evening and into the night, with fun activities for children and the whole family, as well as live music and dancing, and bonfires lit at midnight.

The traditional "macarrones de Sant Joan" will also be offered at most of these town fiestas, as well as drinks and other refreshments.

On the neighbouring island of Formentera, the main celebration of the Nit de Foc takes place in the iconic area of La Mola. On the island's southernmost corner, there is live music and festivities all afternoon at the weekly market. After night falls, there are parades of folk music and dancing, and of course the traditional bonfires go ablaze.

Wherever you might find yourself, there are many rituals that take place over the course of the evening. One of them is to write down a wish on a piece of paper and burn it exactly at midnight in a bonfire. Another is to jump over a bonfire fire three, seven or nine times. Or perhaps you might like the idea of getting into the sea to purify body and soul at midnight. If you don’t fancy taking a dip in the sea, apparently throwing three coins in the water is another way to make a wish. Wherever you want to celebrate the event, you're sure to spend a magical night in Ibiza.

Why not start your evening with a special dinner in one of Ibiza's best restaurants? Take a look at our handpicked list and book your table.