On the night of june 23rd, St. John’s Eve (La Noche de San Juan) , a multitude of people from Málaga attend the beaches in order to celebrate the welcoming of summer. This night, the shortest of the year, is considered by many to be also the most magical.
Have you ever heard the word moraga?
In Málaga, we call moragas to these beach events, where bonfires are set and the bravest participants dare to jump over them. It’s said this will bring you good fortune.
Historically, this kind of festivity used to take place when the local fishermen picked up their nets. Guitar music, a nice atmosphere and an even nicer weather used to create the perfect ambience for testing the delights the fishermen had brought from the sea. At present, the moragas are still being held, keeping their merry and grastronomical essence, and mainly sardines are grilled on the fire.
Traditions on the big night
There are legends afirming that all of those who bath or wash their faces in the sea, will change their fortune, leaving behind the bad things and having a new start with better luck. That’s another reason for the event to be such a tradition in the area. Visitors make the most of this night by sticking their feet in the water while they make three wishes.
Just at midnight, big rag dolls handcrafted by locals are set on fire. These parodies of popular personalities (named juas), generally full of sawdust, are burnt as a symbol of something that must be purified and should never come back into your life.
The meaning of all these ceremonies revolves around the idea of leaving bad times behind.
The tradition also says that the temperature and climate on that magical night will set the prevailing weather conditions during the whole summer season.
Some beaches to enjoy St. John’s Eve on the Costa del Sol
Despite the fact you can enjoy St. John’s Eve in any of the many beaches on Costa del Sol, in Málaga, the capital city, they give this night a special touch to make it even more magical. On La Malagueta beach, the nearest to the historic centre, concerts take place and fireworks are set off.
Other popular beaches for this special night: La Misericordia (Málaga), El Palo (Málaga), Castillo del Bil-Bil (Benalmádena), El Pinillo (Marbella), El Cable (Marbella), San Pedro Alcántara (Marbella), La Rada (Estepona) o El Cristo (Estepona).
