Every night from June 23rd to 24th, as the sun begins to set over La Herradura Bay, on Granada’s Costa Tropical, one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year begins: the Magical Night of San Juan. This festival, which marks the summer solstice, is a blend of tradition, fire, water, and community that transforms the quiet coastal town into a vibrant and lively gathering place.
La Herradura, located in the heart of the Costa Tropical, becomes an ideal setting for this celebration due to its perfect horseshoe shape and calm waters. Its main beach, over two kilometers long, is filled with people of all ages who come from different parts of the province and beyond to experience this magical night by the sea.
The Beginning of the Festival
From early afternoon on, locals and visitors begin to take their places on the beach. Families and groups of friends set up their makeshift beach bars, with tables, chairs, coolers, and, of course, the traditional bonfires that will come alive as night falls. Music plays from various locations, the smell of skewers and grilled meat fills the air, and an atmosphere of joy and conviviality permeates the air.
Fire
One of the central elements of this festival is the bonfires, which symbolize purification and rebirth. According to tradition, jumping over the fire on the night of San Juan serves to ward off evil spirits, leave behind the negative effects of the previous year, and bring good luck to the new year.
In La Herradura, this custom is celebrated intensely. At midnight, the flames of dozens of bonfires illuminate the beach and become the epicenter of the celebration. Young and old alike dare to jump over them, while others simply watch, mesmerized by their symbolic power.
Water
Water, like fire, plays a leading role. Bathing in the sea at the moment the clock strikes twelve is another of the most popular rituals. It is believed that this nocturnal immersion, combined with fire, purifies the soul and guarantees health and luck. In La Herradura, hundreds of people run into the sea at the stroke of twelve, in a collective act of connection with nature and the mystical. The image of the silhouettes entering the water under the moonlight and the fireworks exploding over the sea is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic images of the night.
Other recreational activities
The Almuñécar-La Herradura Town Council often collaborates by organizing parallel activities such as concerts in the sand, entertainment for children, and light and fireworks shows. Safety is also a key aspect of this celebration, so a special surveillance, cleaning, and healthcare team is in place to ensure that everything runs safely and orderly.
Tradition and Community
In addition to the festive and ritual aspect, the Night of San Juan in La Herradura also has a very social component. It is a night of reunions, where neighbors who haven’t seen each other for a long time greet each other, share stories around the fire, make wishes, and enjoy a conviviality that strengthens the sense of community. Many tourists who discover this tradition for the first time are fascinated not only by the beauty of the surroundings, but also by the warmth of the people and the authenticity of the celebration.
As the hours pass, the bustle diminishes. At dawn, some still linger around the slowly fading embers. Others walk barefoot along the shore, in silence, as if wanting to prolong the magic a little longer. And when the sun rises over the horizon, La Herradura returns to its usual calm, with the promise that, once again, the shortest night will have left a profound mark on all who experienced it.
Come live the experience
The Night of San Juan in La Herradura is not just a celebration: it is a sensorial and emotional experience, a living tradition that blends pagan and Christian elements, nature and culture, and that reminds us, each year, of the power of collective rituals and the beauty of celebrating life under the stars. Don’t miss this experience on June 23, 2025 in La Herradura.