23rd of June: San Juan - Bonfire at the Beach on the Costa del Sol

Malaga and major coastal municipalities are prepared to live tonight one of the most magical nights of the year with many bonfires along the Costa del Sol.

Every year on 23rd of June, St. John's Eve, thousands of people spend the night on the beach to celebrate the arrival of summer during the shortest night of the year.

Everything necessary for the celebration on the sand to be a success are wood for bonfires, the wishes written on paper to burn, good music and good spirit, ready to enjoy.

This is the tradition in Malaga: At midnight, the tradition says that we must take a bath in the sea in order to stay beautiful, healthy and lucky the next twelve months. The ritual includes Júas burning, some dolls that represent all those things that you want to release from the last year (a puppet that symbolizes Judas Iscariot). It is also said that if you write down on a paper everything you want to leave everything behind and then throw into the fire to burn, your request will be fulfilled. So, don´t forget to bring your swimsuit and pen and paper!

What´s going on tonight in the municipalities?

• In Malaga city there will a free concert of The G Men at La Malagueta beach.
• The beaches of Torremolinos will be filled tonight with crowds of locals and visitors to celebrate the magic feast of San Juan with Moragas (typical ingredients: night, beach, fire, drinks and food).
• The beach of Sohail Castle, located in Fuengirola, tonight will become the centre of the feast of San Juan. There will be held the eighth edition of Planeta Beach Party, a musical event organized by the Department of Youth and Radio Planeta.
• In Benalmadena the artistic lighting is already installed in the main streets of town to kick off its festivities. Afterwards starts a festival in the central Calle Las Flores.
• In Torre del Mar will be distributed this year guacamole. With regard to the party, as usual, there will be installed a large tent where will perform a large number of Spanish artists.
• In Marbella, the bonfires of San Juan will be installed mainly on the beach. Thus, there are three areas to concentrate most of the fires: The Cable Beach, Banana Beach and La Fontanilla, in the heart of the city. And not only that, there are as well events in the nuclei of Marbella and San Pedro, on the beaches of El Pinillo and La Salida. Both will offer simultaneous concerts which will begin at 22:30 pm with The Rebujitos and Sergio Contreras.

And who wants to enjoy a slightly more distinguished party may go to the feast of San Juan at Nikki Beach, one of the most fashionable beach clubs in Marbella. The party at the luxurious Nikki Beach starts at 22 pm and is very popular for its large fires, fire shows, DJs and entertainment.