The Night of San Juan in Marbella: A Guide to enjoy the Midsummer Eve Festival
The Night of San Juan is one of the most popular and magical festivities of the year, celebrated every June 23rd in different parts of the world. The Night of San Juan is one of the most popular and magical festivities of the year, celebrated every June 23rd in different parts of the world. In Spain, this night is lived with special intensity in coastal areas, where thousands of people gather on the beaches to jump over bonfires, swim in the sea and make wishes.
Marbella is one of the most attractive destinations to enjoy this special night, as it offers a wide variety of options for all tastes and ages. From the most ancient traditions to the most modern music and atmosphere, Marbella invites you to live a unique and unforgettable experience.
Traditions of San Juan
The feast of St. John is celebrated on June 24, coinciding with the birth of St.
John the Baptist according to Christian tradition. However, this date also has an astronomical and pagan significance, as it marks the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year.
Since ancient times, rites and ceremonies have been performed to honor the sun and fire, as symbols of life and purification. Thus, the night of June 23 becomes a magical night, where bonfires are lit, people bathe in the sea and make wishes.
Jumping the bonfire: it is the most typical and symbolic ritual of the Night of San Juan. It is said that jumping the bonfire seven times purifies the body and soul, and helps to burn the bad of the past and attract the good of the future. It is also a way to express your joy and energy with others.
Bathing in the sea: another widespread custom is to bathe in the sea at midnight, either by getting your feet wet or submerging yourself completely. It is believed that sea water has healing and regenerative properties, and that bathing in it cleanses the body of bad energies and promotes fertility. It is also a very refreshing and fun way to enjoy the night.
Making wishes: the Night of San Juan is a magical night, where everything is possible if you ask with faith and hope. There are many ways to make wishes on this night, such as writing them on a piece of paper and burning them in the bonfire, throwing them into the sea in a bottle or a lantern, or simply pronouncing them to the starry sky. The important thing is to be clear about what you want and trust that it will be fulfilled.
Enjoying the music and the atmosphere
The Night of San Juan in Marbella is also a night to have fun and share with friends or family. There are many places where you can enjoy live music, fire and light shows, and activities for the little ones. Some examples are Cable beach, La Salida beach or Nagüeles beach, within a short distance from the hotel Alanda Marbella.
You can also enjoy the gastronomy and leisure of the Golden Mile, one of the most exclusive and emblematic areas of the Costa del Sol. There you will find prestigious restaurants such as BiBo Andalusian Brasserie & Tapas Dani Garcia, where you can taste international cuisine with an Andalusian touch, or the organic restaurant Manuka, where you can try clean, healthy and 100% natural food.
If you prefer to enjoy your meal on the beach there are excellent beach bars like Victor’s Beach and Aua a few minutes walk from the Hotel Alanda Marbella. And if you want to know one of the most lively and glamorous places in the area, you can visit Puerto Banus, where you will find bars, restaurants and entertainment for all tastes.
Marbella is a city that every day is becoming more and more consolidated as a reference destination for lovers of social events, which attract visitors from all over the world. On the night of San Juan, thousands of people gather on the beaches, and the Hotel Alanda Marbella offers you the chance to experience this party from a privileged environment and enjoying a truly luxurious facilities and exemplary service.
