Noche de San Juan in Mijas
On the night of 23 June, the whole Spanish coast celebrates the Noche de San Juan, the shortest night of the year. On the Costa del Sol, families and friends head to the beach, light fires and jump over the waves at midnight. It is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric evenings of the summer, and in La Cala de Mijas you experience it just minutes from where you are staying.
What is the Noche de San Juan?
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.
When and where in Mijas
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.
The traditions: fire and water
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.
San Juan on the beaches of La Cala
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.
Practical tips
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.
More summer festivals in La Cala
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.
When is the Noche de San Juan?
Every year on the night of 23 to 24 June, the eve of the feast of Saint John the Baptist. In 2026 that is the night of Tuesday 23 June.
What do you do during San Juan?
People gather on the beach around fires, eat and drink in the open air and jump over three or seven waves at midnight for luck. Many throw a wish into the fire.
Where can you celebrate San Juan in Mijas?
On the beaches of La Cala de Mijas and along the Mijas Costa coast. The town often organises music and activities on the central beach.
Are you allowed to light a fire on the beach?
Open fires are subject to local rules. Follow the town's instructions, only light fires where it is permitted, and put them out properly afterwards.
Is the Noche de San Juan free?
Yes, it is a public beach festival and free to attend. Expect crowds and limited parking.
Is San Juan suitable for children?
The early evening is fine for families, with fires and atmosphere on the beach. Later in the night it gets busier and livelier.
Looking for a place to stay in Riviera del Sol? See the Coral Mijas Stay penthouse