St John’s Eve (June 24) is related to the celebrations of the arrival of the summer solstice ritual where the fire had the main importance.
This was to “give more power to the sun”, because in these days it becomes “weak” and the days shorter.
Fire also had the role of “purification” for people watching it. It is celebrated in many parts of Europe, but especially in Spain, Portugal (Fogueiras de São João), Norway (Jonsok), Denmark (Sankthans), Sweden (Midsummer), Finland (Juhannus), Estonia (Jaanipäev) and the UK ( Midsummer).
The Tropical Coast of Granada is preparing for this magical night. People gather on the beaches to celebrate the arrival of the summer months.
In Motril, on the beach of Poniente from 10 of the 23 will be a foam party and 12 midnight, the city mayor turns on the fire. Later the local groups Laberintho B and The Gallardos delight audiences with their live music.
In Almuñécar, there will be “official” bonfires on the beaches of Puerta del Mar and La Herradura. There will be also Thai lamps and St John typical buns.
In Salobreña, aside from the bonfires, there will be music and typical gastronomy until June 25. On 23th the beach is filled with fans of kayak fishing and, at night with bonfires, everyone can camp and barbecue to welcome the summer. At 12 midnight fireworks will be launched from the “Peñon”. The “Feast of tapas” will be one of the strengths of this event.
Another famous celebration is the Feast of Water and Ham (which is celebrated on June 24) in Lanjarón and is held every year on the weekend closest to June 24. The main event is the “Race for Water”. It starts at midnight of St. John’s night, lasts until 1am and all the inhabitants and tourists walk a mile through the town licking with everything in their path (buckets, hoses …). Neighbors also pour water from the balconies.
If you are in Granada, you cannot miss one of these parties!