St John's Eve (Nit de Sant Joan) on the Beach
On the shortest night of the year hundreds of bonfires are lit on the sand for moonlit dinners, with a midnight fireworks display launched from the sea and the traditional midnight dip. Local custom says jump seven waves to make a wish, and a live orchestra closes the night.
This is one of those nights the Spanish coast does properly. As the sun goes down on the 23rd, families and friends stake out a patch of sand at Canet d'en Berenguer, light small bonfires and settle in for a long dinner by the water. Bring your own picnic, or join the crowd doing the same. It's free, and the mood is more neighbourly than touristy.
At midnight the fireworks go up over the water, and that's the cue for everyone to wade in. The local custom is to jump seven waves and make a wish on each one, so don't be surprised to see grown adults splashing about with the kids. An orchestra plays on into the small hours for anyone with the legs for it. Come early to find a good spot, and pack a jumper for when the sea breeze picks up.