Fogueres de Sant Joan: bonfires and fireworks in June
The biggest fiesta of the year. The Fogueres de Sant Joan welcome the summer with parades, concerts, a flower offering, street bulls, correfocs — fire runs with fireworks through the streets — and the traditional Nit dels Focs. In 2026 the programme ran from 11 to 24 June.
The climax comes on the night of 24 June: the bonfire is burned and the fiesta closes with a spectacular pyromusical fireworks display. If you want to see Jávea at its most exuberant, this is the week.
Moros i Cristians: a landing in July
In July the harbour district of Duanes de la Mar belongs to the Moors and Christians. Colourful troupes parade through the streets and history is replayed: the Moorish landing, the taking of the castle by the Christians and the surrender. In 2026 the fiesta ran from 11 to 19 July, with the landing and the big parades on 18 and 19 July.
July has more by the water: on 16 July the Virgen del Carmen is honoured with a procession at sea, and on the last weekend of the month a game of living chess is played at the harbour.
Loreto: bulls in the sea and fireworks over the bay
From the end of August until 8 September the fishing harbour celebrates its patron, the Mare de Déu de Loreto (in 2026 from 28 August). The tradition goes back to 1850, when an Italian ship was wrecked off Cap Prim and local fishermen saved the image of the Virgin of Loreto that it carried.
The best-known custom is the bous a la mar: a young bull runs along the quay and participants escape by leaping into the sea. There are processions, music and a festival bar serving fish landed that same day — and the fiesta ends with a fireworks display launched from the sea, over the bay of Jávea.
Spring and winter: quieter, older traditions
From late April to 3 May the old town celebrates Jesús Nazareno, with street bulls, a contest of flower crosses and the Pujada, the procession up to the Calvary hermitage on 3 May. In January come Sant Antoni, with the blessing of the animals, and Sant Sebastià, the town’s patron saint. On 13 December there is the pilgrimage to the hermitage of Santa Llúcia, with hot chocolate for everyone who makes the climb.
Planning your stay around a fiesta
Dates shift from year to year, so always check the town’s official fiesta calendar before you book. The fiestas are free, take place outdoors and draw crowds: on fireworks nights, go early or take a taxi so nobody has to drive.
The advantage of a private estate: the fiesta is only minutes away, and afterwards you are back in the quiet of your own garden. Tell us which week you are considering and we will find out what is on.
See also the seasons in Jávea, the Jávea guide or seven hiking routes in Jávea.