As in many other parts of the Mediterranean, on the night of 23 June, Midsummer Eve, thousands of Málaga's residents flock to the beaches to celebrate the arrival of summer. Tradition dictates that festival goers carry everything needed to make the celebration a success: wishes written on paper to be burned, good music and an appetite to enjoy Málaga's famous sardines.
At the stroke of midnight, all the "júas", that is huge cloth "guys" full of sawdust, paper, and any other combustible material, are burned. The neighbours and groups of friends make the "júas", who are usually gross caricatures of a popular celebrity who has been in the news for one reason or another. According to legend, on this night, which is said to be magical, all those who bathe or wash their face in the sea as midnight strikes will remain eternally beautiful.
Pic: © Malaga City Tourist Board
Info: © Malaga City Tourist Board
