The Night of San Juan
Summers begun, 21st June officially commences the season bringing with it the heat, sun, beach, and the summer holidays. Once again it is time for one of the most popular festivities on the Costa del Sol, the night of “San Juan”. This night party is brought alive with magic, music, superstitions and lots of fun. The Costa del Sol is one of the unique places in Spain to enjoy this fiery night.
The origin of this festival has pagan beginnings, previous to Christianity, that later was also enjoyed by the Christians. Fire and water play a very important role in the celebrations, since they are symbols used for change and luck. During the night, bonfires are lit along the beaches giving the towns and cities on the Costa del Sol an impressive and beautiful night coastline view. It is almost indifferent which area on the coast you decide to visit; by going down to the sea you can join the parties and celebrations. Bonfires are lit representing the Sun and dancing around the bonfire aims to lengthen the duration of the day. From then on, the days become shorter until 25th December, the day of the winter solstice.
This special night brings together a mix of traditions, rituals, myths and superstitions. Typically the rituals are divided into two main types, the fire ritual and the water ritual, as these two elements are the keys to the nights festivities.
The fire rituals relate to creating new beginnings, leaving behind evil and purifying yourself. The bravest dare to jump over the bonfires and this is not only a risky adventure; the fire symbols purification, cleansing the aura/spirit of those who pass over their embers and eliminate the evil spirits around them. In addition to jumping over the bonfire, people make wishes for their future. The fire helps make their wishes come true, as it causes the bad and evil to be consumed in its flame as they turn to ashes. This is why some people also take this opportunity to get rid of objects that they believe have brought them bad luck and or throw into the fire these or others that they don’t want to have around them.
The most unique water rituals are related to fertility and beauty. A popular belief is that on 24th June all water is pure; it has healing powers and provides protection. It is said that taking a dip in the sea at twelve o’clock on that night whilst wearing the minimum possible clothing by jumping over the waves will make you more fertile and help to have a healthy child whilst releasing any negative energy. In Malaga, however, the most typical thing is to approach the shore and put the feet in the water so that the tide blesses you by kissing your feet and legs. This is one of the most poetic superstitions.
In addition another superstition is that if you wash your face with sea water at midnight, the magical energy that shines from the moonlight onto the water will make you beautiful for the rest of the year. For this superstition to be effective, you should not look at your reflection in the mirror until the sun has risen otherwise it won’t work.
The night of San Juan is not all about rituals and superstitions, you are obliged to enjoy the typical ‘sardine skewers’ cooked over all of the bonfires and or barbecues along the coast. Towns also organize musical shows. If you decide to visit Malaga city you spend the evening on the beach of ‘La Malagueta’ with one of the most spectacular San Juan experiences on the Costa del Sol.
Marbella this year will be celebrating on “Playa del Pinillo” and on “Playa de la Salida” in San Pedro, starting at 7 pm and will feature a dozen live performances with various musical styles, bars and a ‘Food truck ‘zone area. Marbella offers a variety of different ways to celebrate the festivities throughout the evening, if you would like to enjoy the magic of San Juan’s nightlife in a more distinguished or calm setting, many hotels, restaurants and or beach clubs offer this special nights entertainment. Nikki Beach Marbella or Puro Beach for example offer pyrotechnic shows and dances.
Undoubtedly the night of San Juan a date to set in your calendar, especially as it comes around only once a year. You are still in time to begin the summer with one of the most mystical nights of the year, where the sun doesn’t go down thanks to the multiple bonfires. Marbella Unique Properties we will be happy to help you find the perfect property.
