Marbella is constantly on the go and doesn’t stop for a single moment. The city continues to offer activities, parties and a large variety of entertainment for all its residents and tourists looking to discover all that this well-located oasis set in the heart of the Costa del Sol has to offer. As one of Marbellas most important annual events finishes with the city fair offering great moments enjoyed throughout the town centre, a new emblematic night is around the corner. This Saturday night is the celebration of the Saint San Juan. With the commence of summer on 21st June, the 23rd is the night in which thousands of people come to the Costa del Sol to celebrate on the beaches of Malaga, San Pedro, Estepona, Marbella… the magical night of San Juan, the shortest night of the year where bonfires and lanterns light up the beautiful stretch of coastline and the nights sky.
The origin of this festivity comes from Pagan times, before Christianity, that later were taken on. In the celebration, fire and water play a very important role, as they are symbols of change and luck. During this special night, bonfires are lit on the beach and all the towns and cities along the Costa del Sol become impressive backdrops to this enchanting and unique event. This night is celebrated in almost every costal community, by just going down to the beach you can participate in the festivities. Bonfires originally were lit to give strength to the sun and dances around the bonfire attempted to extend the duration of the day. From then on, the days become increasingly shorter, until December 25 the Winter Solstice. The night of San Juan brings with it rituals and traditions such as jumping over bonfires or wetting your feet in the sea, as well as releasing many lanterns filled with wishes into the sky creating spectacular panoramas. The burning of the bonfire is the highlight of the party which takes place around midnight, spectacular atmosphere with people of all ages enjoying the magic, fires and sea on the first big night of summer.
The night offers fun and laughter, the sound of the waves and the continuous shouts of enthusiasm as people jump over the fire and watch fireworks. Without a doubt it is one of the brightest nights of the year. We can also enjoy music as the night of San Juan is not only dedicated to superstitions and traditions. It is mandatory to taste the typical ‘espeto de sardinas’ at one of the bonfires or barbecues on the beaches and listen to the live music shows. On Marbellas Playa del Cable, you can enjoy the city’s municipal bonfire, where there will be music as well as various DJ’s. Meanwhile, along the Golden Mile just after Puerto Banús we will reach the beaches of San Pedro. On the beach of La Salida we can enjoy the first edition of ‘San Juan Fest’ which will start around 7:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. There we can enjoy a more “rock” style atmosphere with local groups such as “29seis70”; “Juan de Lola” or “We are not djs” along with national groups like “Sex Museum”; “No me pises que llevo chanclas” and “Aslándticos”.
Depending on which area you want to be in to enjoy the night, Marbella Unique Properties can offer properties in different areas, from beachfront villas to apartments along the Golden Mile, so to be able to walk from home to these enchanting events. Marbella offers a variety of alternatives and styles for the celebrations. If you want to enjoy the magic of the night of San Juan in a more distinguished or calm way; hotels, restaurants or beach clubs offer special nights. If you prefer spending the evening at Marbellas Nikki Beach for example we can also offer properties in the Marbella East area, so to be just one step away from these festivities with unique fire shows and celebrations.
Undoubtedly, the night of San Juan is one of the dates that must be circled in red on the calendar, as it’s a once a year event. There is still time to start the summer with the most mystical night of the year, where the sun does not set thanks to the amazing beach bonfires. Marbella Unique Properties will be happy to help you find the perfect property.