The night of San Juan is one of the most anticipated gastronomic and festive events in Galicia, where the sardine becomes the true protagonist. This 2025, the holiday falls on a Monday, a fact that has brought some unrest in the markets and exchanges due to the complications in ensuring the arrival of fresh produce and possible price increases.
Tradition dictates: Grilling sardines outdoors and sharing them with family or friends around the bonfire is a deeply rooted custom, but this year, both buyers and sellers have had to adapt to exceptional circumstances. With the big day coinciding with the fleet's usual rest day, authorization from the Xunta de Galicia was required, allowing fishing on Sundays to ensure the Fresh sardines on sale on Monday.
Will there be fresh sardines in San Juan?
The municipal markets of Galicia have experienced days of intense demand, with buyers awaiting the availability and price of sardines. Fishmongers have received numerous inquiries and orders, and most sellers advise booking in advance or, failing that, purchasing fish between Friday and Saturday to ensure you enjoy it on the magical night. However, proper conservation is key If purchased several days in advance: never freeze it unless absolutely necessary and, if you do, it is best to wrap each piece separately.
Another important detail is that, although in other years you could choose between sardines caught by purse seine or by "xeito" (a more selective and respectful fishing technique), this year the absolute focus will be on the sardine of xeitoThis is because the purse seine fleet, in most Galician ports, has decided not to go out fishing on Sunday, limiting the supply almost exclusively to this traditional method, which implies smaller quantities but higher quality and higher price.
Rising prices and differences between types of sardines
The price of sardines has experienced significant increases As San Juan approaches, in towns like VilagarcÃa and Pontevedra, a kilo of "xeito" sardines has hovered between 8 and 12 euros, reaching 14 or 15 euros in some stalls during peak demand. If there is stock, purse seine sardines have been found at more reasonable prices, between five and eight euros per kilo, but this year their presence will be infrequent. Learn more about fishing species in Galicia.
The quantities auctioned at Galician fish markets are significant: in Ribeira, sales exceeded 98.000 kilos in just one week in June, with prices ranging from 80 to 4,88 euros per kilo, depending on quality and size. Sardines from the "xeito" are especially prized because the mesh and techniques used create a less damage to the fish, allowing it to reach the consumer at its peak, while the fence, intended for large volumes, offers more quantity but less selectivity.
In Vigo, the port of Berbés has auctioned up to 20 tons on the eve of San Juan, with market prices of four to five euros per kilo, easily reaching nine or ten euros in the retail market. These prices, although high, are still far from the all-time high recorded in 2012, when prices reached as high as 14 euros per kilo. Furthermore, the trend is toward larger sardines, although the quantity available decreases each year due to administrative and environmental requirements.
Tips for enjoying sardine stew
Most sellers advise Eat sardines as fresh as possibleIf freezing is a must, the best technique is to wrap each piece individually and not let it thaw completely before roasting to maintain the texture and flavor as intact as possible. The most committed buyers prefer to assume the cost on Monday to enjoy optimal quality on the night of San Juan, even if you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket.
For those who cannot get fresh sardines, the horse mackerel It's the most recommended option for locals, with a similar price and suitable for grilling. It's also traditional to accompany the sardiñada with cornbread, especially corn bread, soaked in the fish's oil, and to complete the dinner with a variety of meats such as churrasco, hamburgers, or chorizo.
Parties, restrictions and alternatives in celebrations
The festive spirit of San Juan night remains unchanged, but municipal regulations are tightened year after year to protect beaches and public spaces. Vigo and Nigrán have banned bonfires on the sand. and they are increasing vigilance, although numerous community bonfires organized by neighborhood associations and sports organizations have been authorized in the metropolitan area. In Nigrán, there will be more than 80, while in Vigo, the official figure is 20.
Despite the restrictions, Galicians manage to keep traditions alive: in addition to the sardiñada, they prepare the following: horns with St. John's wort in flower shops and fruit stores, and cornbread is sold in large quantities. Gathering around the fire and table remains, above all, the soul of the celebration, even if the shopping is spread out over several days and the organization requires extreme foresight.
Thus, the sardine will continue to be the center of the San Juan 2025 festivities In Galicia, faithful to tradition and withstanding the surge in demand despite shortages and high prices. Tradition and flavor continue to take center stage on one of the most magical nights of the year, with squares and markets doing their utmost to ensure no one misses out, even if you have to reserve, wait in line, or pay a little more to enjoy this delicious custom.
