San Juan on Marbella’s Beach

La noche de San Juan (Saint John’s Eve) is widely celebrated across Spain. It starts at sunset on the 23rd of June and the following day is the celebration of the birth of San Juan (Saint John). Along Spain’s entire coastline, families and friends swarm the beach to jump over fires and let go of the letdowns of the year. You write your name, surname, and date of birth on a piece of paper, and throw it into the raging flames. ? You wish for all wrong to eradicate from your life.

If you want to make a wish, you are supposed to do the same thing, in addition to jumping over the fire pit.

Regardless of whether you believe in the power of such rituals, San Juan is often seen as a celebration of hope and prosperity; of new beginnings. No wonder Marbella’s beach was fuller than I’ve ever seen it, as bits of burning ashes rained down from the sky. ☄️The 23rd is also the longest day of the year, and consequently the shortest night. ?

Check out a recap of this year’s event.