This is one of the most beautiful festivals in Nerja. In recent years this festival has changed. Burriana beach is the perfect setting for this festivity in Nerja. Some locals prefer to spend this night on other beaches in the city and in rural houses with swimming pools.
This festival is, along with San Isidro, one of the most deeply-rooted festivals in Nerja.
We celebrate the night of The Night of San Juan. We celebrate this holiday on the night of June 23-24 in many cultures, especially in countries with a Christian tradition. Its origin is related to the pagan celebrations of the summer solstice, which marked the beginning of summer and the arrival of longer days.
Tradition of San Juan in Nerja
- Fire and bonfires: People light bonfires on the beach of Nerja. People gather to celebrate the arrival of summer. We burn personal objects or papers with wishes and purposes for the new cycle that begins.
- Bathing in the sea: The tradition of bathing in the sea on the night of San Juan symbolizes purification. We bathe in the sea on this night to ward off bad energies and attract good luck.
- Desire rituals: Many people take advantage of this moment to perform rituals, such as jumping over waves or collecting water from the sea, with the intention of making their wishes come true.
- Community celebration: It is a night of celebration, where friends and family gather to enjoy music, food and company.
- Local traditions: We eat typical dishes, “Sardine skewers”. There are concerts on the beach. We swim in the sea.
The Night of San Juan is a festival that mixes pagan and Christian traditions, celebrating the power of fire and water, and marking the beginning of summer in many places.
On which beach is San Juan?
The festival of San Juan in Burriana Beach. But the main festival is on Burriana beach.
- Location: Burriana beach
- Day: June 23rd at night
The beaches fill up with people, making bonfires, dancing and having fun to celebrate the arrival of summer.
It is a celebration of San Juan that is very popular in Nerja. The festival is a tradition and festive atmosphere. It is also common to perform rituals such as jumping over bonfires and throwing flowers into the sea.
Where is the main bonfire of San Juan in Nerja?
In the center of Burriana beach.
Bonfire: at 00.00 at night.
It is at that time when it is already the day of San Juan.
San Juan concert in Nerja
Concerts organized on Burriana beach.
In the central area of the beach and very close to the main bonfire.
Tradition of bathing on the beach on the night of San Juan
Bathing on the beach on the night of San Juan. This is a beautiful tradition typical of the San Juan festival.
Traditions at midnight.
- Wet your feet on the beach
- The bravest bathe and swim in the sea.
- Some burn Chinese lanterns.
- Jump over the bonfire
- Make wishes.
The San Juan festival is from the 23rd to the 24th. And it marks the beginning of the summer season.
Scheduled events for the night of San Juan in Nerja
As every year, the traditional “Jua” burning will take place at midnight on Burriana beach. Local artists will liven up the evening. The local musical group “Al Alba” will sing traditional songs and liven up the night of San Juan.
The party will start at 10:00 p.m. and the music will continue until 2:00 a.m. in the morning.
People who are going to light fires must read and inform themselves of the regulations approved by the local council and the local police.
Making bonfires on the beach
Ask your local council or police for information.
Information on Coastal Law.
Are you planning to camp? Find out about local laws beforehand. Prohibitions in previous years:
- Fires, barbecues and burning pallets on the beach.
- Setting up tents or awnings.
- Bringing electric generators
There are surveillance, lifeguard and cleaning services to guarantee the safety and well-being of users on the beaches.
Where is the San Juan party?
Burriana Beach Nerja. You can go to the beach during the late night, and enjoy the party, the music and the bars of Burriana. Most of the bars and restaurants on Burriana beach will be open for dinner or a drink.
Traditional Festival of Saint John. (San Juan)
Normally at 00.00h from June 23 to 24. In the first minutes of June 24. (San Juan). You have to take a swim at the beach to start the summer with good luck 🙂