The Night of San Juan Malaga on the evening of the 23 to 24 June. This week we are very happy to be able to recommend the traditional festivity of the  Noche de San Juan  in Malaga, a holiday whose origins are lost in time and under which the arrival of the summer solstice is celebrated.

On the night of June 23 (Midsummer Eve)the people  of Malaga  and their family and friends go to  the  beach  in the evening and  spend all night on the beach to celebrate the arrival of summer with bonfires, fireworks, pagan rituals, outdoor concerts, free night beach parties  these are known as moragas by the locals.

Originally the purpose of this ritual was to give more power to the sun as from June 21 days were becoming shorter until the winter solstice.   It is interpreted that fire is synonymous with salvation and protection.The summer solstice remains a magical night in much of the northern hemisphere. Mythology states that strange things can occur on this shortest night of the year. Certain pagan gods, for instance, make themselves visible during this night and we mere humans also give thanks and realise that the seasons of harder times are still to come.
So welcome to the magical night of San Juan. San Juan is all about changes. It is about night and day; fire and water. Fire purifies and water recuperates, refreshes, and rejuvenates.
Bonfires are the theme of the night. Men and women, young people and children all spend time building these bonfires. According to tradition, if people jump over a bonfire three times on San Juan’s night, they will be cleansed and purified, and their problems burned away.At present, the strongest tradition for Noche de San Juan Malaga takes place at twelve o’clock with the burning of the popular “juas” or large handmade rag dolls, satirising the Spanish society and  events. When they start the bonfires the people wash their  face  or bathes in the sea while young people jump over the bonfires,  and barbecues are made with  sardine skewers and in many places the classic San Juan cakes are made, out of  flour, sugar and anise.

All families take with them all that is  necessary for the full enjoyment night on the beach. The wishes written on paper to burned  in the  fire to inspire the spirit of optimism of all those gathered  there that night.  In the Malaga’s beaches  fried fish is enjoyed along with  live concerts  and  the traditional “Juas” in the most magical and unique night of the year.

From here we invite you to enjoy one of the most authentic night of Málaga, the Night of San Juan, where you will share unforgettable moments.