Midsummer Night on the Sunshine Coast is one of the most spectacular and magical dates in the entire calendar. On the night of 23-24 June, the Costa del Sol transforms into a magnificent fiesta of fire, water, music and culinary feasting, combining ancient rituals with modernity.
Summer solstice night
The tradition of Noche de San Juan originates from ancient summer solstice rituals, celebrated by pagan peoples as a moment of symbolic victory of light over darkness. Over time, the festival was absorbed into Christian tradition as a day to commemorate the birth of John the Baptist – the only saint to be worshipped on the day of his birth rather than his death.
In Spain, a country deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, San Juan has a special significance – especially in Andalusia and Malaga. This is because the summer solstice is the shortest night of the year – and also a party that Spaniards indulge in to the utmost.
Malaga and Costa del Sol: remember the rules
In Málaga, the fun during Noche de San Juan continues above all at the Muelle Uno harbour and La Malagueta beach. From dusk, the area fills up with families, groups of friends and tourists. Everyone brings blankets, drinks, snacks and… wood for the bonfire. Lit in designated areas, the hogueras become the heart of the celebrations, around which the party continues until dawn. However, even before planning a bonfire party, it is important to check whether it is allowed – for example, this year in Fuengirola it is prohibited to light bonfires on the beach:
- Fuengirola: the beaches (especially Los Boliches or San Francisco) are closed at night – this usually lasts from the late evening of 23 June until the morning of 24 June. There is a special ban on entering the beach outside the permitted times. Traditional bonfires(hogueras) are banned on the Castillo de Sohail beach and all along the coast and no burning is allowed on the sand. Compliance with this prohibition is supervised by a cleaning service. However, moragas (in the form of small grills for cooking espeto) are organised in designated areas – but official permits or notifications are needed.
- Malaga: large bonfires are not allowed in traditional areas such as Malagueta, Misericordia, Pedregalejo or El Palo – they are prohibited on the beaches. Permission is given for small bonfires/grills, but only in permitted areas.
- Torre del Mar and Benalmadena: private bonfires(hogueras) – on the beaches are categorically prohibited. Only officially approved bonfires and fireworks are allowed.
To obtain permission to light a bonfire(moragas) on the beach, you must submit a written application to the office – at least 3 working days before the planned date – stating the place, day, purpose and personal details (name, address, telephone, DNI number). Applications are accepted in person or online and you will receive a confirmation text message within 48 hours. Telephone contact is also available: 951 92 69 14.
In some neighbourhoods of Malaga, straw puppets – representing the figure of St John – known asJuanillos are prepared. Burning them at midnight symbolises breaking away from the past and starting a new and better phase of life. As the fire begins to die down, the sky above the city lights up with impressive fireworks, creating an unforgettable sight against the backdrop of the nocturnal Mediterranean.
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Night swimming in the sea
Folk beliefs say that midnight bathing in the sea waves brings good luck and purification from worries. This is why thousands of people take a dip in the sea at exactly 00:00 – some in their clothes, others, according to tradition, in white clothes. Another popular ritual is to jump over an extinguishing bonfire three times – the flames should already be low and the embers dimmed. This is supposed to purify the person jumping from bad energy, ward off spirits and ensure good fortune in the coming year.
Culinary traditions: moragas and espetos de sardinas
Moraga is the culinary heart of Midsummer Night. It marks the communal grilling of fish – especially sardines – right on the beach. For years, it was an event associated with the fishermen’s return from fishing. Today it has become a ritual celebrated with music, wine and laughter. A well-prepared moraga is a must for any Midsummer Night on the Costa del Sol.
If one dish should symbolise Noche de San Juan, it would be espetos de sardinas – sardines stuffed onto sticks and grilled over embers on the beach. Sprinkled with sea salt and cooked right next to the blazing fires, they delight with their simplicity and flavour. They are traditionally eaten during the months without the letter 'r’ (in Spanish) – May to August – and are an essential part of any moraga.
Noche de San Juan on the Costa del Sol
In Fuengirola, the main scene of events is Los Boliches beach. The Ayuntamiento (the local town hall) organises concerts, children’s workshops, bonfires and parties that go on until dawn. This is one of the best places for a more family-orientated but equally magical celebration.
Torre del Mar attracts crowds with its extensive artistic and culinary programme. Concerts and shows take place on El Copo beach, while participants wait for the climax – the fire of the júas, which has a cleansing power. The town also hands out hundreds of kilos of espetos de sardinas, making Torre del Mar the true culinary heart of the night.
Benalmádena is famous for its spectacular fireworks display at 1am, which takes place in the area of the iconic Bil-Bil castle. Dozens of bonfires are also lit there, around which locals and tourists gather. The atmosphere of the place – with the castle, the beach and the fire – makes it one of the most romantic places during Midsummer Night on the Costa del Sol.
How to prepare for Midsummer Night’s Eve?
The fiesta starts at dusk, but many participants come to the beach in the early evening to get the best seats. Worth bringing:
- blanket or sun lounger,
- snacks and drinks (including homemade tapas),
- wood or coal for moraga (if permitted),
- bathing suit and towel,
- a jacket or sweatshirt for the colder hours.
