Fête de la Saint-Jean​ or St. John Feast 2024 in Provence & French Riviera

The bonfire nights celebrating the arrival of midsummer are common in Europe. Back in the day, pagans used to light these bonfires to protect themselves from evil during the longest day of the year. Later, the tradition evolved due to the involvement of religious bodies and became associated with St. John the Baptist, whose birth was proclaimed to happen on June 24th.

Traditions

Now, every year, on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of June, people gather in the main squares of their towns to listen to music, sing, dance, and light bonfires. They usually dress up in traditional costumes and party all night, dancing around the fire, indulging in food and drinks, and celebrating the onset of summer. Each year, one couple gets elected as the King and Queen of Youth and traditionally jumps over the subsiding bonfire.

Nuit Du Petit Saint Jean in Valréas (June 21, 2024)

While in most municipalities in Provence, you'll witness similar celebrations with slight differences, one village has an unusual tradition for this holiday. The town is called Valréas, and locals celebrate Little Saint John instead. The whole town comes to the historical​ center and parades behind the little Saint Jonh, a child between three and five​ years old, who was chosen to represent the saint for the year.

The streets are full of people dressed up as medieval drummers, sword-bearers, and commandants, while the trumpets herald the arrival of the new little Saint John. Little Saint John leads the procession of over 400 people, starting at 9 pm from Notre Dame de Nazareth church to Château de Simiane. This light and joyous tradition is very dear to the people of Valréas and has been passed down for over 500 years. On June 21st, 22nd and 23rd, you'll also have a chance to visit the antiques market.

Fête de la Saint-Jean in Valbonne Village (June 24, 2024)

Located 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Antibes and 20 miles (33 km) west of Nice, Valbonne is a beautiful destination for those looking for a resort holiday or getaway. St. John Feast in Valbonne is celebrated by a large-scale outdoor bash, with hundreds of people spilling out onto the streets to witness stilt walkers, live music, fire breathers, and more. Local musicians normally perform at Place des Arcades, while most of the festivities take place right on the streets of the village.

The celebration begins at 7:30 pm and lasts well into the night until midnight. The culmination of the night is the lantern procession, which takes place at 10:30 pm at Place de l’Eglise, and a circus show at 11:15 pm, performed by Cirque Indigo.