San Juan in Sabinillas

San Juan in Sabinillas

San Juan is on the night of the 23^rd of June every year and has always been one of our favourite Spanish fiestas. It stems from the pagan midsummer celebrations which has been turned into a saint’s day and in true Spanish style it has become a really brilliant party.

The reason I love it so much, is it’s a night to enjoy however you want it, simply on the beach with a disposable barbeque with a few friends and some beers, in a fancy beach club or somewhere in between. Unlike the ferias in town, you can get away from the noise and crowds if you want to, whilst still being part of it, so it’s very family friendly.

For years we always went to the stretch of restaurants on Playa La Fontanilla in Marbella and loved it. There’s at least 6 or 7 restaurants down there, which are all packed and there’s a big bonfire of pallets on the beach. The atmosphere is great, big groups of friends head down and stay there until the early hours and I can highly recommend it. Book in advance though, as you won’t get a table otherwise!

Since being in Manilva, we have been introduced to a whole new style of celebrating San Juan and I would say it’s actually better than the Marbella version. A local artist constructs this amazing sculpture/artwork down on the beach in Sabinillas which are always amazing. Thousands of people congregate down on the beach around the sculpture (but at a safe distance) bringing their own snacks and drinks, as well as filling up the bars and restaurants along the front. There’s live music, makeshift bars selling mojitos on the paseo and a real party atmosphere, but in a much more casual, relaxed and low budget way than Marbella.

At midnight the bonfire is lit and there are fireworks and people go running into the sea to bring good luck. This year the town hall is promising “Música, baile, diversión, la quema del ninot y muchísimas sorpresas harán de esta madrugada un momento especial”, it really is a fabulous night out in Sabinillas. It’s also the last day of school for the kids, so what better way to celebrate the real start of the summer? I can’t wait!

Here’s the schedule for this year’s Sabinillas event if you want to join us –

21.30 – Entertainment begins on the paseo

22.00 – DJ playing dance music

23.30 – Welcome by the Town Hall

00.00 – Bonfire is lit and there’s a fireworks display

00.30 – Group Orquesta la Tentación will be playing a live set

02.30 – Dance music from a DJ

03.15- 05.15 – Orquesta la Tentación are back for another set

There will definitely be a celebration near you wherever you are on the Costa del Sol, so check out what’s going on, or just head down to your most popular beach with some beers and snacks and join in the fun. These festivities are one of the many great things about life on the Costa del Sol. Have fun!

Photo credit: with thanks to Carlos Espada for his great photo