In Malaga, for example, as well as in lots of other spots in Spain, some people make wishes when midnight comes around on the night of the fiesta of San Juan. I know tomorrow night is the night for the beach parties ! Bathing at this time is also said to be beneficial for skin complaints. s.type = 'text/javascript'; This year artist Fernando Wilson was chosen to design the jua with a focus on the war in Ukraine. TRADITIONAL celebrations for San Juan are sadly cancelled once again, with most of the beaches across the Costa del Sol closed overnight, large gatherings strictly prohibited, street parties are a no-go, and the closest youll get to a blazing bonfire is probably the chefs fire pit in a restaurant. - Halloween, October 31 is celebrated in Benalmadena with parades, costumes and games and a magic show. Bring plenty to drink, something to eat, carry a sweater if you are going to be near the water, and be prepared to see the sun rise on the morning of the 24th. Guests can also expect local musicians, a small amusement park, and many of the regular stalls, as well as a series of competitions. I wish they would all be in bed by 2am. In true Marbella style, most of the restaurants and beach clubs are taking the closed beaches as an opportunity to put on their own celebrations. Almost every week someone I know experiences a, 2 Billion versus 43 Billion Euros from the EU taxpayers pocket. The sight of hundreds and even thousands of people wandering into the water after midnight with the haze of bonfires everywhere can be close to awe inspiring. In Andalucia, San Juan is celebrated on the night of June 23rd with some towns, such as Almucar, in Granada, allowing the beaches to be used as campsites for a single night. The festival is celebrated all over Spain. Our apartment overlooks the Feria ground A big drink helps you sleep LOL. So, as you can imagine, its a fantastic excuse for a party. San Juan is celebrated with bonfires on the beach and fireworks around midnight on the night of the 23rd into early hours of the 24th. On the Night of San Juan (June 23), there will be a flamenco show at Plaza de la Mezquita, from 1pm. - The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Cruz, around August 15 in Benalmadena Pueblo, begins with a breakfast of sweets handed out by the women of the community Virgen de la Cruz, followed by a party for the children, dancing, singing and free food for attendees. Its difficult to answer Rob, it wasnt revealed that there were no fireworks for last years San Juan until a day or two before the event. Using ATM's in Spain; 24hr Chemist (Farmacia) in Benalmadena; Hospital in Benalmadena; . Therefore, it is accompanied by the kindling of bonfires. Given the significance of water during these celebrations, many of the festivities take place in coastal cities and towns of Spain. thanks in advance. Our apartment overlooks the Feria ground A big drink helps you sleep LOL. Re: San Juan festival 4 years ago Save Thanx Mantalk Hotel Palmasol, beach, food & drink in Benalmadena, The best all inclusive hotel for March 2011. We are flying out on Friday morning for 14 days bring it on! no names to it so believe what you will. Originally, the effigies were supposed to represent Judas Iscariot but now, the religious relevance seems to have become secondary to the enjoyment factor. SPAINS San Juan festival has its roots in a pagan celebration that takes place every year to mark the start of summer. Que live music, special menus and fireworks. Arroyo de la Miel celebrates from 24th to 29th June with its annual local fair. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers. Bonfires are lit on all the beaches of Benalmdena, where entire families gather and friends are celebrating until dawn. What can I see at the Telecabina (Cable Car)? Get answers to your questions about Benalmadena, Weather next 7 days, live links for Benalmadena and all the Costa, How do I get around the Benalmadena area (inc Mijas Pueblo) on Public Transport. On the beaches, bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits and traditionally people are expected to jump over the fire three times to ensure good luck. - Corpus Christi. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); In Madrid, San Juan Fiesta is likewise colourful. Fire is lit in the Retiro park. Its been a couple of years since we last were there for San Juan. M. July 16th sees the evening procession of the Virgin Carmen down to the sea. The burning of the effigies, or of the jua, is also highly symbolic on the night of San Juan. We are coming to Benalmadena 26th June, and were hoping to catch a bit of the festival. This is very much a fire-focused celebration and the bonfires of St John that burn on the countrys beaches are legendary. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you may use. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Some of the towns are also still going to do their best to keep the festivities going, just on a much smaller, covid-safe scale. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Fireworks and beach fires on the midnight of the 23rd in to the 24th followed by 5 days of the fair. Traditions vary all over the country, but fire-jumping is widespread, and is meant to strengthen the sun, or to burn your problems away and bring good luck. Most Spanish people consider it to mark the true beginning of summer, which the season when Spain comes into its own. - Easter: There are processions in Benalmdena Pueblo and Arroyo de la Miel during the Holy Week, among which is outstanding the Virgen de la Soledad on Friday night that takes place in complete silence. When the virgin reaches the sea, there is a big fireworks display from the Malapesquera Beach. This is a series of flower carpets through the streets of the historic center in which they use more than 70,000 flower stems. s.async = true; If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Although the day of San Juan, which in Catalan is known as Diada de Sant Joan, is the 24th June, the most well-known and popular part is the Verbena or Night of San Juan, which is held on the night before, from the 23rd to the 24th June.. History, traditions and activities of Sant Joan in Barcelona. Benalmadena San Juan A host of events will be taking place in Benalmadena, starting on the evening of June 23 and running until June 29. In Andalucia, San Juan is celebrated on the night of June 23rd with some towns, such as Almucar, in Granada, allowing the beaches to be used as campsites for a single night. I will be arriving on sunday (19th) and was wondering when the main festivities begin. Answer 1 of 4: We are coming to Benalmadena 26th June, and were hoping to catch a bit of the festival. In the meanwhile, the rest of the locals lead roundelays and sing songs by the fire. })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); It is ritual that rules at San Juan. Fireworks are a definite now Rob. 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. In some places, hundreds upon hundreds of fires dot the coastline. This celebration is known as the 'Veladilla del Carmen' and has become more than simply the procession of the sailor and is now something of a favourite local tradition, with a special mass and then the carrying of the virgin to the sea, where the procession continues by boat. As many as 16,000 people attended the last night of the celebrations. What is the taxi fare from Malaga Airport to Benalmadena? It is a popular fiesta all over Spain with bonfires and fireworks usually starting from midnight on the 23rd. Some people will also wash their face and feet three times in order to be granted three wishes. Originating in pre-Christian ritual, it aligns with the summer solstice of the Northern Hemisphere. They then burn them in the bonfires of St John, symbolising liberation from the past and hope for the future. Mid-August sees festival of the 'Virgen de la Cruz'(The Virgin of the Cross). more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Show less . The main attraction is a small festival in the center of Arroyo de la Miel, from 8pm on June 24 and 25. [CDATA[// >