Noche de San Juan in Tenerife: Beach Bonfires and the Goats' Bath

The Noche de San Juan on 23 June is midsummer night in Tenerife: bonfires on the beaches, fireworks, music and midnight swims for luck. The best-known celebrations are in Puerto de la Cruz, where the fiestas end on the morning of 24 June with the extraordinary baño de las cabras — hundreds of goats bathed in the harbour.

Puerto de la Cruz: bonfires and the goats’ bath

Puerto de la Cruz’s San Juan fiestas run from about 22 to 24 June (in 2026 they were held on 22–24 June).

• 23 June, evening: bonfires along Playa Jardín and around the harbour, with music, food stalls and crowds until late. A San Juan concert has been part of the programme in recent years.
• 24 June, morning: herders lead their goats down to the fishing harbour (muelle) and bathe them in the sea. The ritual is said to date from the Guanches and was believed to bring health and fertility to the herds. More than 400 goats have taken part in recent years, and crowds line the harbour to watch.

Buses to Puerto de la Cruz are very busy on San Juan night, so set off early or stay in the north.

Elsewhere on the island

Many coastal towns celebrate San Juan with bonfires, fireworks and beach parties, and inland villages light hogueras in their plazas. Rules on beach bonfires vary by council — some allow them in set areas, others don’t — so check locally.

Traditions

• Jumping over the bonfire or into the sea at midnight for luck and to wash away bad things.
• Writing wishes or worries on paper and burning them in the fire.
• Herbs and flowers gathered on San Juan night are said to have special powers.

Tips

1. Bring water, a torch and something to sit on for the beach.
2. Respect the beach rules and take your rubbish home.
3. For the goats’ bath, arrive early in the morning for a spot by the harbour.
4. Late June is also when Corpus Christi in La Orotava and Pride take place.