Noche de San Juan in Mijas

The Noche de San Juan is the festival of the summer solstice, celebrated on the night of 23 to 24 June, the eve of the feast of Saint John the Baptist. It revolves around the two primal elements of fire and water: a night to leave the old behind and welcome the summer.

On the Andalusian coast, the beach is the heart of the festival. People gather around fires, eat and drink in the open air and wait for midnight, the magical moment of the night.

San Juan falls on the same date every year: the evening of 23 June, running into the early hours of 24 June. In 2026 that is the night of Tuesday 23 June.

In the municipality of Mijas the festival takes place on the beaches of La Cala de Mijas and along the whole coastal strip. For an overview of the nearby beaches, see our guide to the beaches of Mijas Costa. The town often organises music and activities on the central beach.

Around midnight it happens. Tradition says you jump over three or seven waves for luck and good health in the year ahead, or wade into the water to cleanse yourself symbolically. Many people write a wish, or something they want to let go of, on a note and throw it into the fire.

The bonfires (hogueras) are the beating heart of the evening. People eat, sing and laugh around them late into the night. On some beaches there are also fireworks and performances organised by the town.

With its setting and long beach, La Cala de Mijas is a much-loved spot for San Juan. If you want a good place, arrive well before midnight, because it gets busy and lively. Bring a blanket, something warm for later in the evening and enough food and drink.

From Coral Mijas Stay in Riviera del Sol the beach is a few minutes' walk away. That is the big advantage: you celebrate until late and are home again with no hassle over a car.

San Juan is a public festival and free. Expect crowds on and around the beaches and limited parking; come on foot if you can. Open fires on the beach are subject to local rules, so follow the town's instructions and only light fires where it is allowed.

Leave the beach as you would like to find it: take your rubbish back with you and put fires out properly. The early evening is fine for families; later it gets livelier. If you are going with children, read also La Cala de Mijas with kids.

San Juan is the starting signal for a summer full of festivals in La Cala. In late July comes the big Feria de La Cala de Mijas, and at the end of summer the Cala Mijas Festival lands on the beach. Plan your summer well and you will see the village at its very best.