SANT JOAN AND SANT PERE IN THE PORT OF SÓLLER

As many of you may already know, the most important festivities in the Sóller Valley are the festivities of Sa Fira i Es Firó and the festivities of Sant Bartomeu, patron saint of the Sóller Valley; however, there are other important dates on which the inhabitants of this wonderful municipality in the Tramuntana also celebrate festivities related to other saints. Festivities which, especially for the residents of Puerto de Sóller, can be even more special than Es Firó and San Bartomeu. That is why today we are going to talk about two of these festivities that are not so well known by visitors but which, without a doubt, we recommend you experience if you have the chance to do so. We are talking about the festivities of Sant Joan and Sant Pere. 

THE NIGHT OF SANT JOAN 

If there is one place where the festivities of Saint John are celebrated to the maximum, it is in Ciutadella de Menorca, but in Mallorca there are also festivities and activities related to this saint's day. Festivities in which the summer is welcomed. So if you are in Sóller on the 24th of June you are in luck, as you will be able to enjoy one of the most magical and special nights of the year. During the eve of Sant Joan, the local people come to the beach and light small bonfires and candles to welcome the summer. Bonfires where people usually sit around enjoying an aperitif while contemplating the marvellous landscape of the bay of Puerto de Sóller illuminated by fire. 
But it's not just about spending a pleasant evening on the beach enjoying the scenery; the night is enlivened by music and devils dancing around the fire. This is a deep-rooted tradition in the Sóller Valley, as it has the oldest group of demons on the island: the Esclatabutzes. They perform choreographies with fire, dances and drums to welcome the summer. Without a doubt, this is a unique event that we recommend you to experience. To do so, you can go down to the Port by tram or taxi, although on this day we recommend that you take one of the last trams to take photographs of the Bay of Puerto de Sóller with a landscape that is only repeated once a year. 

SANT PERE IN THE PORT OF SÓLLER 

The people of the Port are characterised by being part of fishing families, generations and generations of tradition and customs that have been passed down from father to son over the years. And perhaps for this reason, for the people of the port of Sóller, the Fiestas de Sant Pere are one of the most important dates of the year. 
Although it is true that Sant Pere is on the 29th of June, the people of Port de Sóller celebrate the fiestas of the seafaring quarter over several days. These are days in which the patron saint of fishermen is commemorated and numerous cultural and sporting events are held, as well as musical concerts and other activities. These are very special days in which the fishing roots of the local fishermen take centre stage. 
The festivities of Sant Pere are usually held on the weekend closest to the 29th of June. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The events usually begin on Thursday afternoon in the Church of Sant Ramon with the Pregó and a concert of traditional music, and then end the evening with an aperitif on the commercial quay of the Port. 
On Friday, various activities are held for children, such as drawing competitions and traditional children's games in the Santa Catalina neighbourhood. In the afternoon, one of the most special events for the fishermen of the port takes place: the Mass in honour of Sant Pere, patron saint of fishermen. The mass ends with a procession in which Sant Pere is paraded through the centre of the port. It is without doubt a very beautiful event that we recommend you see, whether or not you are a believer. Afterwards, late at night, live music concerts and DJ's are held on the main quay of the Port. 

On Saturday, new cultural activities are held in the port and the doors of the Museu de la Mar open, a fantastic opportunity to visit this wonderful museum and its viewpoint completely free of charge, strolling through the picturesque fishermen's quarter of Santa Catalina and enjoying its small artisan shops and the only wine and aperitif cellar in the area, the Coupage. It's a great way to get to know the fishing culture of the area and to buy some local wine or aperitif before enjoying a fantastic Mediterranean dinner in the Port of Sóller, such as at the Airecel Restaurant, located inside the Aimia Hotel. In the evening, live music concerts are held again on the main quay. These concerts bring the most eagerly awaited Fiestas to an end for the inhabitants of the port. 

DEIÀ AND SPORLES 

It should be said that there are other alternatives for enjoying the Fiestas of Sant Joan and Sant Pere during your holidays in the Sóller Valley. Around the 24th of June, Deià, the neighbouring village of Sóller, celebrates its most important festivities: The festivities of Sant Joan, patron saint of Deià. So if after enjoying the eve of Sant Joan in Puerto de Sóller you want to continue with an unforgettable Mediterranean night, we recommend that you visit the municipality of Deià. Here you will find concerts and cultural events throughout the night. Also, if this plan appeals to you, we recommend you to take a taxi (the journey takes about 15 minutes). 
On the other hand, if you want to have more options to enjoy the festivities of Sant Pere, you should know that on the same dates festivities are also celebrated in the municipality of Esporles, located about 35 minutes from the Valley of Sóller, so if you want to discover more places in the Sierra de Tramuntana during these dates, a good option is to visit Esporles during its festivities. 

Whichever plan you choose, the truth is that visiting the Sóller Valley at the end of June gives us a unique opportunity to get to know the place and some of its neighbouring municipalities in a magical and special way that only happens once a year! If you are staying at our hotel and would like more information about these festivities, please do not hesitate to ask our reception team, who will be happy to help you.