At midnight the sky lit up over the Plaza Virgen de la Peña, eleven 'júas' (dolls) were burned in the bonfire, where everything bad was burnt to make way for the new and... the good. This was the end of the party organised by the Brotherhood Dulce Nombre de Jesús Nazareno for the night of San Juan. The evening began much earlier, at around 20.00 hours, when the sun and the full moon were still shining and the locals and visitors started gathering to enjoy the party, which included a full programme of activities. 

The mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), together with members of her government team arrived early to witness the beginning of the festivities, "it is a night of burning, of burning the bad so that the good also comes to Mijas Pueblo", said the councillor, who had words for the organisation, "we must thank the Brotherhood Dulce Nombre Jesús Nazareno for this activity, the workshop of 'júas', in which they have taken into account the little ones and for being able to do the traditional burning here in Mijas. We would also like to thank Víctor Rojas and Remedios Fernández, our dance teachers, who also make this night even more magical". 

The brotherhood of Mijas took over the organisation of this festival in 1985, which at the beginning was held in Calle San Sebastián, "we have been doing it all those years, except for the pandemic", explained Javier Martín, elder brother of the Dulce Nombre. The brotherhood took care of all the details, among other things, the bar service and the making of the 11 júas, in which a group of children participated, "there is lot of people behind it, we are very grateful to the brothers of the brotherhood and to the neighbours who also collaborate every year, as well as to the Town Hall for giving us the space", added Martín. In addition, the brotherhood organised a workshop, in which for three weeks the youngest members of the brotherhood have been taught how to make the dolls, and their families have also participated. "To get young people involved and also participate in the traditions, which are being lost", said Alberto Moreno, in charge of the workshop, who also told some tips to create a 'júa', "first the head is made, which is the most complicated part, and then the body is filled in, and everyone has been doing what they can with their own contributions". 

 

Performances and election of queen, don Juan and sovereigns 

As midnight arrived, the attendees enjoyed the dances of the Víctor Rojas and Remedios Fernández groups, as well as the performance of José Burgos 'El Alhaurino’ with his 'pasodobles' and 'boleros' and the Latidos orchestra. "I'm having a great time, there is a lot of people, it's for the Brotherhood of Jesus Nazareno which is much needed, because to go out on the streets the brotherhoods need a lot of money", said one of the neighbours, Aurora Jaime, who has lived this festival in the village since it was held in Calle San Sebastián. 

Before the burning of the júas, the Queen of San Juan, Nuria Maro; Don Juan, Ismael Peinado; the Sovereign, Antonia Tamayo, and the Sovereign, José Moreno, were crowned and feted. They received crowns, sashes and flower bouquets handed to them by the councillor of the government team, Mari Francis Alarcón, and the socialist councillors Laura Moreno and Verónica Ensberg.  

 

Burning of the júas 

Although the Plaza Virgen de la Peña is quite far from the sea, this was no excuse for celebrating, as tradition dictates, the magical night of San Juan with the burning of the júas. This year, in addition, the number of dolls that have been made thanks to the workshop organised by the brotherhood of Mijas is also noteworthy. Before lighting the bonfire, the prizes were awarded. Third prize went to 'La Flamenca', made by Julia and Adrián, second prize went to 'A la playa', made by Paqui and Salvador, and first prize went to 'La choni de Mijas', by Iván Moreno, who said that his 'júa' was made with "a balloon, paper, newspaper, clothes, accessories, a cap and wool for the hair", and emphasised that he had a great time in the workshop and that next year he is sure he will "repeat". 

Finally, the magic moment arrived. The queen of the festivities, Nuria Maro, and the Don Juan, Ismael Peinado, were in charge of lighting the bonfire together with the councillor from Mijas, Mari Francis Alarcón. Finally, the flames greedily burned the dolls and the fire lit up the night even more. "This year we have a lot of 'júas', eleven, the burning has been very beautiful. There are also a lot of people, we are enjoying a wonderful and magical night today". 

In fact, this edition was well attended by neighbours and visitors, including a large representation of members of the government team and councillors from the socialist municipal group. They all showed their support and gratitude to the Brotherhood for keeping these traditions alive. 

 

Security

The night took place, as it should, in a festive and safe atmosphere, as officers from the Local Police, Mijas Fire Brigade and Civil Protection volunteers were on hand to ensure the smooth running of the evening. "I think that the Night of San Juan is a traditional night full of magic and this year we have a big full moon and I think that the wishes are going to be fulfilled, in fact, we already have Málaga in the second division and I think that this is a sign that hope is the last thing to go", said the mayoress of the city, who concluded by stressing that "we must always wish with great enthusiasm, with great passion, to always go forward and towards the best".

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