Fête de la Saint-Jean de Canet
The traditional Saint-Jean festival in the heart of the Catalan village of Canet-en-Roussillon
About Saint-Jean de Canet
The tradition of the Saint-Jean fire in Canet
The Fête de la Saint-Jean de Canet is one of the most emblematic celebrations of Catalan tradition. Every year, on the evening of June 23rd, the municipality of Canet-en-Roussillon perpetuates the ancestral ritual of the lighting of the Saint-Jean fire, a large bonfire lit at the foot of the castle, in the historic heart of the village.
A centuries-old Catalan tradition
The Saint-Jean fire is a tradition deeply rooted in Catalan culture on both sides of the Pyrenees. It marks the summer solstice and symbolizes renewal, purification, and the celebration of light. In Canet-en-Roussillon, this tradition is inseparable from the Flame of Canigou, the sacred fire lit on the summit of Mount Canigó and transmitted from village to village throughout Catalonia.
A festive and popular evening
The evening begins at 8:30 PM in Place Saint-Jacques with a dance party hosted by a DJ. A drawing contest for children from the Pierre et Marie Curie school is also organized, with prize-giving. Pastries are distributed and a refreshment stand is open.
The highlight of the evening arrives at 9:45 PM with the lighting of the bonfire at the castle, followed by fireworks. The dance party then continues on Place Saint-Jacques until the end of the night.
Saint-Jean de Canet — edition 2026
The Saint-Jean Festival returns to Canet-en-Roussillon on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 8:30 PM to midnight, on Place Saint-Jacques and at the foot of the viscount's castle, in the heart of Canet-Village. Dancing evening with DJ Mika, traditional lighting of the large bonfire, fireworks, distribution of pastries, and awards ceremony for the drawing competition of the Pierre & Marie Curie school.
2026 Edition: The Catalan Tradition Perpetuated in the Heart of Canet-Village
The Saint-Jean Festival of Canet takes place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, starting at 8:30 PM, on Place Saint-Jacques and at the foot of the viscount's castle, in the old village of Canet-en-Roussillon. Organized by the Association of Merchants and Artisans of Canet Village in partnership with Canet Tourisme, this evening perpetuates the Catalan tradition of the Saint-Jean bonfire.
A Festive and Family Evening
From 8:30 PM, Place Saint-Jacques transforms into a dance floor with DJ Mika. At 8:45 PM, the awards ceremony for the drawing competition organized for the students of the Pierre & Marie Curie school, followed by a distribution of pastries and a refreshment stand run by the village merchants.
The Lighting and the Fireworks
The most anticipated moment of the evening arrives around 9:45 PM with the lighting of the large bonfire at the foot of the viscount's castle, immediately followed by fireworks launched from the castle. This ritual symbolizes the arrival of summer and the transmission of the flame of Canigó, an emblem of Catalan culture.
The Celebration Continues Until Midnight
From 10:45 PM, the dancing evening resumes on Place Saint-Jacques until midnight, in a warm and friendly atmosphere, open to all generations.
Programme Saint-Jean de Canet 2026
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 — Place Saint-Jacques and viscount's castle, Canet-Village
- 8:30 PM — Opening of the dancing evening with DJ Mika (Place Saint-Jacques)
- 8:45 PM — Awards ceremony for the drawing competition of the Pierre & Marie Curie school
- 8:45 PM — Distribution of pastries and opening of the refreshment stand
- 9:45 PM — Lighting of the large bonfire at the foot of the viscount's castle & fireworks
- 10:45 PM → 12:00 AM — Resumption of the dancing evening on Place Saint-Jacques
Highlights Saint-Jean de Canet 2026
- Traditional lighting of the large Saint-Jean bonfire at the foot of the viscount's castle
- Fireworks launched from the castle
- Open-air dancing evening with DJ Mika on Place Saint-Jacques
- Drawing competition and awards ceremony for the children of the Pierre & Marie Curie school
- Free distribution of pastries
- Catalan tradition perpetuated in the heart of the old village
Prices Saint-Jean de Canet 2026
Practical information — Saint-Jean de Canet
Practical Information
Location
Castle and Place Saint-Jacques, Canet-Village, 66140 Canet-en-Roussillon.
Access
By car: Canet-en-Roussillon is accessible from Perpignan via the D617 (approximately 15 minutes).
By bus: Bus lines from Perpignan (Sankéo network).
Schedule
From 8:30 PM. Lighting of the fire at 9:45 PM.
Prices
Free entry.
Contact
Canet Tourisme: 04 68 86 72 00
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Where does it take place — Saint-Jean de Canet
Château et Place Saint-Jacques, Canet-Village
Place Saint-Jacques, Canet-Village, 66140 Canet-en-Roussillon