San Juan Night in Marbella

San Juan Night in Marbella

San Juan Night in Andalusia is one of the most anticipated dates of the year, celebrated every June 23rd. Andalusian cities and towns prepare to officially welcome summer with bonfires, water baths, and fireworks. Discover how this event is celebrated in Andalusia and many other interesting facts and traditions surrounding this festival.

Origin of San Juan Night

San Juan Night has its origins in a pagan festival of sun worship. Since prehistoric times, these rites have been associated with the summer solstice, the day of the year with the longest hours of daylight in the northern hemisphere, which falls between June 21st and 22nd. Apparently, ancient people noticed that after this time, the sun began to lose strength and the days became increasingly shorter. Fearing that the sun would never rise again, they built large bonfires to strengthen the sun. These ancient rites, which have survived to this day, evolved to celebrate the arrival of summer and good weather.

Later, with the advent of Christianity, this tradition was maintained but transformed into a religious rite. According to the Holy Scriptures, Zechariah lit a great bonfire to announce the birth of his son John, coinciding with the summer solstice. Therefore, as a Christian festival, June 24th celebrates the birth of Saint John the Baptist.

Over time, Midsummer Night has recovered the essence of ancient pagan festivals and today serves to celebrate the arrival of good weather, summer, and also vacations.

Elements and rituals of the Midsummer Festival

Water and fire are the two main elements of this festival, around which a whole series of rituals have been created to break curses and attract good luck.

Bonfires are the most characteristic element, and all kinds of objects are burned in them, from old furniture to notes from past exams. Fire is associated with purification, and the goal is to rid ourselves of bad luck. Similarly, papers containing things we wish to eliminate from our lives can be burned. Other rituals that bring good luck include jumping over the bonfire three times.

On the other hand, water also purifies us from evil and helps make good wishes come true. It is a tradition that at midnight, people bathe in the sea for good luck. In the Christian tradition, water can be understood as the purification of sins.

Saint John’s Day in Andalusia

Andalusia is one of the regions that most enthusiastically celebrates this day. Furthermore, there are numerous interesting facts about this date in each region.

Saint John’s Day in Malaga

Malaga is one of the cities that most fully embraces the feast of Saint John. The City Council organizes concerts on Malagueta Beach, and the fireworks that are usually launched from the port are a spectacle not to be missed.

Tradition dictates that a large bonfire be built, and from midnight onward, people must bathe in the sea to attract good luck and happiness. On this night, it is also customary to dine on the typical espetos, sardines pierced with reeds and cooked over a fire on the sand.

Another custom in the province of Malaga is the burning of the so-called júas, large rag dolls stuffed with paper, sawdust, or other materials. They are made by groups of friends and usually represent a popular character, often caricatured. A large bonfire is organized on Misericordia Beach, where the municipal júa ​​is burned.