San Juan, translated to Saint John, is one of the biggest events in Spain. Every major town or city holds its own fiesta to celebrate the shortest day of the year,
June 23rd that also symbolises the start of summer.
The events festivities usually get under way a few days before where a massive bonfire is collected on the beach and giant effigies are made by locals to be burnt on San Juan night. On the 23rd June the whole town comes to life as families and friends gather to eat, drink, dance and enjoy the party atmosphere. It is also a custom to eat Moragas (grilled sardines) on the beach.
The roaring bonfires which usually start about 11pm are then followed by a impressive firework display that lights up the whole coast, a spectacle in itself if you have a good view of the coastline from wherever you are planning to see in the festivities. At midnight thousands of revellers dip or even swim in the sea. Not only because they’ve had a few vino tintos, but because San Juan has many religious and pagan connotations.
History
The festival dates back to the early 19th Century but was formally constituted in 1928 in Alicante. There are mythical connotations associated with San Juan. Also known as the festival of fire people
originally burned bonfires and jumped over them to ‘burn away any problems they may have.’
In much the same way, the swimming in the sea after midnight supposedly recuperates refreshes and cleanses a person. The tradition was to wash your face and feet three times to be granted
three wishes and have a happy 12 months thereafter.
Where to go
All the festivities are very similar so it will probably depend mostly on your location as to where you go. If you’re with a young crowd you can most definitely count on Marbella’s main
beach to be lively. It will be packed so if you want a good spot get there early.
Ocean Club also hold their own event, which is ticket only but sure to be hedonistic if that’s what you’re after. Expect to see dynamic fire shows, guest and celebrity DJ’s and energy dancers. One of the biggest beach parties is
held on the stunning beach between Estepona and Marbella as sound systems can be cranked up further than the main Marbella beaches and the parties go on till sunrise, if that’s what you’re after. Marbella Rocks recommends Sonora Beach and Heaven for this.
If you’re with family and young children we’d recommend somewhere quieter like Sabinillas, on the coast between Estepona and Sotogrande or Benalmadna, 20 minutes up the coast on the carretera. These are much more
of a family event because of the beloved siestas, you can find a lot of children out – even though it goes onto the early hours – families stay for the bonfires and fireworks and do not start leaving till 12.30 or 1am.
This is also a good option if you want to experience a feria atmosphere with fun fair rides and entertainment on purpose built stages for the event.
