San Juan Midsummer Bonfires
On the night of San Juan, La Gomera marks midsummer with bonfires lit on the beaches and in the squares, a Canarian tradition where many leap the fire or take a midnight dip for good luck. The town opens registration for community and beach bonfires; just turn up after dark to join the seaside celebration.
The night of San Juan is one of the Canaries' big ones, and San Sebastián de La Gomera marks it the old way: with bonfires. Once it gets dark on 23 June, fires are lit around town and families gather to see midsummer in. The traditions are well worn here too, from leaping the flames as they die down to a midnight dip in the sea, both meant to wash off the old year's bad luck and start the summer clean.
The town hall runs the show, and residents who want to host their own community bonfire register beforehand (the 2026 cut-off is Friday 19 June). For everyone else there's nothing to book. Turn up after nightfall, bring something to sit on, expect a late one, and enjoy the rare sight of an island awake by firelight.