Blanes Fire Festival 2026: complete guide

The Blanes Fire Festival (Festes de Santa Anna) is the summer event in town: an international fireworks competition held over 5 nights in July off Sa Palomera beach, with pyrotechnics teams from several countries competing for the prize. It combines a spectacular night-time show with a daytime programme of cultural and local-traditional activities. For anyone in Blanes in July, it’s the unmissable date.

Key dates and details for 2026

• Usual dates: 21 to 26 July (around the feast days of Sant Jaume and Santa Anna)
• Fireworks time: 22:30 each night
• Show duration: 25–30 minutes per team
• Competing teams: 5 (one per night, international)
• Cost: free for the public (open spectacle)

Confirm exact dates each year on the official Blanes town hall website.

How the competition works

Five consecutive nights, five different pyrotechnics teams (from Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, and others — varies year by year). Each night a team launches its show from Sa Palomera out to sea. At the end, a jury picks the winner. Music-synchronised pyrotechnics with themed soundtracks.

It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious pyrotechnics competitions in the Mediterranean.

The best viewing spots

1. S’Abanell beach (the official one)

The main zone, where 30,000–50,000 people gather on the busiest nights. Clean front-on view, festival atmosphere, bars and beach bars nearby.

• Pros: direct view, lively atmosphere
• Cons: very busy, arrive early (at least 2 hours before)

2. Playa de Blanes (the town beach)

Smaller but with a close view of Sa Palomera. A more intimate feel, fewer people than S’Abanell.

• Pros: calmer atmosphere, close to the old town for dinner
• Cons: more side-on view

3. Castell de Sant Joan or hilltop viewpoints

For a professional photo and a different experience, the hilltop viewpoints (Castell de Sant Joan, Marimurtra closed at night, intermediate viewpoints) give a panoramic view with the whole town in the frame.

• Pros: epic shot, fewer people
• Cons: climb up with a torch, careful walk down afterwards

4. From the sea (by boat)

If you hire a boat or join an organised night trip, watching the fireworks from the water is the premium experience. Some operators run special departures that week.

• Pros: unique view, exclusive atmosphere
• Cons: expensive, book well ahead

Daytime programme (beyond the fireworks)

The Festes de Santa Anna are more than fireworks. Usual programme during the 5 days:

• Sardanas (traditional Catalan dance) in the square
• Castellers (human towers) and diables (traditional dragon-and-fire street parades)
• Medieval and craft market
• Local competitions (paella, fishermen’s, sports)
• Sunset concerts
• Main church services (Santa Anna is the patron saint)

Practical tips

1. Arrive early: on peak nights (Saturday/Sunday), if you want a good spot on S’Abanell, get there 2–3 hours before. Light dinner at a beach bar first.

2. Bring a blanket or mat: the sand fills up fast, better to sit.

3. Charge phone and camera: you’ll take a lot of photos and video.

4. Car access is difficult: lots of people. Better to come on foot from your accommodation or by bus.

5. Hydration: bring water. Beach bars in peak hours get swamped.

6. Small children: the fireworks are loud. Bring small ear plugs if you’re with babies.

Accommodation during the festival

Hotels and apartments in Blanes book up months in advance for these dates. Reserve at least in March if you want decent accommodation.

If Blanes is full, the neighbouring towns (Lloret, Malgrat, Pineda) are an alternative: 10–15 min by car. Bus services during peak fireworks hours may be at capacity.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to watch the fireworks? Yes, the show is public and free.

Is there a spot to watch from home if we’re staying nearby? Apartments with sea view between the centre and Sa Palomera have a direct view from the balcony. An expensive privilege.

Which is the best night? The final (last) night usually has the best show. Teams save their best for that one.

Can you watch from Lloret or further out? Partially. From the elevated southern end of Lloret you can see them, but you lose most of the sound and detail.

What if it rains? They may delay or cancel that specific night. Check the official social channels that afternoon.

In short

The Blanes Fire Festival is a unique experience in the Mediterranean and, if your visit lines up with the dates, it’s a must. To watch comfortably, pick a zone (S’Abanell for atmosphere, Playa de Blanes for intimacy, a viewpoint for the photo, a boat for premium), arrive early, and enjoy a full 5-day programme that goes well beyond the fireworks.

To combine the visit with other plans, follow on to the walking route through the old town or to the guide on where to eat fish in Blanes.