Sant Joan Midsummer Bonfires on the Beach
On the shortest night of the year Tarragona's beaches fill with bonfires, fireworks, music and all-night parties to welcome midsummer. Just show up on the sand with a drink and join one of the Mediterranean's most atmospheric local traditions.
This is one of those nights that belongs to locals rather than tourists, and you're welcome to join in. From dusk on 23 June, families and gangs of friends stake out their patch on Platja del Miracle, down by the fishermen's quarter at El Serrallo and along the other city beaches, building driftwood fires and setting off firecrackers until the whole shoreline crackles and pops. Bring a blanket, a bottle of cava and a slab of coca de Sant Joan, the sweet candied-fruit flatbread everyone eats tonight.
The fireworks build towards midnight, when the brave wade into the warm Med for a symbolic dip. It runs straight through to dawn, so pace yourself. Bars stay open late, music drifts from every direction, and nobody's in a hurry. Wear shoes you don't mind getting sandy, and keep an eye on stray bangers.