San Juan Night & Festival 2026
Every year on 23 June, Burriana Beach comes alive for one of Nerja’s most beloved traditions – the Noche de San Juan. This magical midsummer celebration marks the official start of summer and attracts both locals and visitors for a night of music, fire, and festivities by the sea.
As the evening unfolds, families and groups of friends gather on the beach to enjoy the atmosphere. Live music and entertainment help create a festive mood, while beach bars and restaurants stay busy serving food and drinks late into the night.
One of the highlights of the celebration is the lighting of the large bonfire, a symbol of purification and renewal. Traditionally, people write down wishes, hopes, or things they want to leave behind and symbolically cast them into the flames. The fire represents letting go of the old and welcoming the new as summer begins.
At midnight, the beach erupts in celebration. Many people head into the Mediterranean for the traditional midnight swim, believed to bring good luck and good health for the coming year. Fireworks light up the sky, reflecting over the sea and creating a spectacular end to the evening.
Combining ancient traditions, community spirit, live music, bonfires, fireworks, and the sea, San Juan at Burriana Beach remains one of the most anticipated and memorable nights of the year in Nerja.
Timings
The festivities will begin on 23 June with a performance by Orquesta Al Alba, who will entertain the crowd from 22:00 until midnight. This will be followed by one of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the evening. In keeping with tradition, residents and visitors will be able to head down to the sea to take part in the customary San Juan rituals, while the Júa will be burned and, at the same time, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky.
Afterwards, the group Proyecto Mandarina will provide the musical finale to the celebration with a live performance continuing until 02:00.
Deputy Mayor Francisco Arce reminded everyone of the importance of respecting and complying with the regulations regarding camping, bonfires, waste disposal, permitted hours and all other measures established by the Town Hall to ensure the celebration takes place safely and smoothly.
Mandatory Rules
Nerja will celebrate San Juan on 23 and 24 June on the town's beaches, main public celebration will be on Burriana Beach!
Although coastal regulations normally prohibit certain activities on beaches, San Juan is a long-standing local tradition and is therefore permitted as an exception to the usual rules. Residents and visitors are asked to follow these regulations and show respect and consideration for others.
Camping is permitted on the municipality's beaches, except Burriana, Torrecilla and Maro beaches, from 20:00 on 23 June until 12:00 (midday) on 24 June.
Connecting electrical devices to the public electricity network is prohibited.
The use of generators to produce electricity is prohibited. Cables must not cross pathways or areas used by pedestrians.
The installation of discos, dance venues or similar entertainment setups is prohibited.
Only beach furniture is permitted. Other types of furniture are prohibited.
Bonfires are permitted except on Burriana, Torrecilla and Maro beaches.
Where bonfires are allowed, they may only be used between 20:00 on 23 June and 03:00 on 24 June.
In accordance with Coastal Law, bonfires must not be lit directly on the sand. They must be placed in barbecues, metal containers, or similar structures that allow all ashes and debris to be removed afterwards. The area must be left in the same condition as before the celebration.
For safety reasons, wood containing nails, staples, metal plates or other sharp metal objects must not be used.
Toxic products, aerosols and similar materials must not be used in bonfires.
Vehicles may only be parked in designated parking areas. Parking on the beach sand is prohibited.
To help maintain peaceful coexistence and allow people to rest, music is prohibited between 02:00 and 10:00 on 24 June.
The reservation or enclosure of areas using fences, barriers, tarpaulins, screens or similar items is prohibited.
The use of excessively powerful sound systems or music equipment is prohibited.
All rubbish and waste must be removed from the beach once the celebration has ended.
For safety reasons, gazebos, small portable tents, parasols and similar structures should be positioned at least 2 metres apart.
Important
The Nerja Beaches Use and Enjoyment Ordinance remains in force at all times, except where the above rules specifically provide an exemption. Any breach of these regulations may result in sanctions under the ordinance.
The Local Police and the Guardia Civil will ensure compliance with these rules throughout the celebrations.
