On the night of the 23 June, thousands of people flock to the coast of the province of Malaga to celebrate the summer solstice, the shortest night of the year. Known as Noche de San Juan, or Saint John’s Eve, the celebrations marking the official start of the summer are popular among both locals and visitors. Traditionally, huge bonfires are lit on the beach and the party continues into the small hours. The start of the summer and a magical night deserve no less. If you’re lucky enough to spend this very special night in the Costa del Sol, this is the post for you. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about Fiesta de San Juan in Malaga province.
Origins
Noche de San Juan has been celebrated since time immemorial in many parts of the world. Originally, the celebrations were for the summer solstice, with bonfires symbolising the lights needed to illuminate the night sky as the nights draw shorter and shorter ahead of winter. Later, with the arrival of Christianity, the birth of Saint John the Baptist, San Juan Bautista in Spanish, was commemorated on the 24 June. The festivities are therefore no longer celebrated on the exact date of the solstice. Some people call the night noche de las brujas, the night of the witches, as it is said that witches and druids come together on Saint John’s Eve to do magic and use their extraordinary powers, handing out potions to bring love and good fortune.
Noche de San Juan today
Nowadays, Noche de San Juan is a popular event that revolves around the elements of fire and water. Thrill seekers jump over the embers of the bonfire while others take a swim in the sea to bring good health and luck for the coming year. Do you fancy it? Throughout the province of Malaga, there is also the custom of burning what are known as júas, effigies made out of old rags stuffed with sawdust and paper that are put on the bonfire when the clock strikes midnight.
But this is not the only local ritual you can see - or partake in - on Noche de San Juan. It is said that jumping nine waves with your back facing the sea brings fertility. Jumping over the bonfire seven times will bring you good luck for the year ahead. People write down their wishes and then burn them on the bonfire. Others write down what they’d like to let go of and then burn it at midnight. As you can see, there are plenty of rituals connected to Fiesta de San Juan.
Where to celebrate Noche de San Juan in Malaga province
Almost all the coastal destinations in the Costa del Sol host special events for Fiesta de San Juan. The coastline is packed with people and bonfires welcoming in the summer. In Malaga city, the party centres around La Malagueta, where there are usually concerts, a huge bonfire and fireworks. The party atmosphere also spills over to La Misericordia and El Palo. If you’re close to Torremolinos or Benalmádena, we’d recommend heading to La Carihuela and Bil-Bil beach, respectively. El Pinillo beach in Marbella, El Cristo beach in Estepona and Fuengirola and Torre del Mar beaches are also great places to celebrate the night.
Spending a night at the beach with your friends and family is an incredible way to ring in the summer. Have dinner at a chiringuito, make a picnic, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the music, feel the heat of the bonfires and take a swim at midnight: Fiesta de San Juan in the province of Malaga is an unforgettable experience. Have a great time, but remember to bring all your rubbish with you when you’re ready to head home. Our beaches and the Mediterranean Sea will thank you for it. So where will you be celebrating Noche de San Juan this year?
