San Juan Del Sur: Festivals, Cuisine and Nature

Discover San Juan Del Sur through its festival traditions, local cuisine and the Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor. In the municipality, religious celebrations featuring music, dance and processions are part of the scene, as is a large protected area where sea turtles are protected. These different highlights can help you plan your trip around culture, nature or both.

Festivals on the Municipality’s Calendar

San Juan Bautista is the patron saint of the municipality of San Juan Del Sur. The celebrations traditionally begin on the last Sunday in May with the lowering of the saint’s image and end on June 24 with its return. Festival days include Dianas—musical processions through the municipality’s main streets and neighborhoods. Dance performances take place during the day, with fireworks in the evening. The festivities thus bring together processions, music and dance over several weeks.

Another festival day is dedicated to the Virgen del Carmen: her celebration takes place on July 16. The procession at sea lasts an hour and a half and is accompanied by hundreds of boats, including small fishing boats and pangas. A philharmonic band plays on the boat carrying the saint’s image. Unlike the celebrations for San Juan Bautista, the focus here is on a procession on the water. The traditional date falls after the June festival ends; check the specific schedule of events before your trip.

Local Cuisine and Festival Dishes

Food is also part of the festival tradition: during the festival in honor of San Juan, chicha de maíz, nacatamal and Indio Viejo are distributed in the municipality. San Juan Del Sur’s cuisine also includes ceviche made with fresh fish marinated in lime juice, grilled fish and seafood soups. Seafood ceviche, mackerel medallions and fish cakes are also part of the local cuisine. Alongside dishes served during the patron saint’s festival, a variety of fish and seafood preparations are another part of the area’s appeal for travelers.

Nature at the Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor

The 7,349-hectare Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor is located in the municipality of San Juan Del Sur. The protected area is a sanctuary for the Carey, Tora, Verde and Paslama sea turtle species. In 2025, activities there included hiking, open-air camping, guided walks, birdwatching and the release of newly hatched turtles. Walking, observing nature and protecting turtles are distinct aspects of the refuge.

A historic event was the mass arrival of nesting sea turtles in 2020, which visitors from all over Nicaragua came to the refuge to observe.

Choose Your Travel Focus

You can choose from several themes when planning your trip: the celebrations for San Juan Bautista begin in late May and continue until June 24; the procession of the Virgen del Carmen is traditionally held on July 16. La Flor offers a different focus, with its protected area, nature activities and historic turtle event. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in San Juan Del Sur, these interests can help you choose the right time to travel and decide what to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Altagracia, Popoyo, El Ostional, El Coyol, Rivas, Balgüe, El Astillero, Mérida.

Go to the main travel overview: Rivas.