Monday night was filled with excitement in La Cala de Mijas. As every 23rd of June, the seaside town experienced a magical nigh of San Juan, with live music and dance performances. As is tradition, the burning of the 'júas' (dolls), held at midnight, was the most special moment of the event. These bonfires symbolise the arrival of summer and, for many, the start of the long-awaited holidays.
"The important thing is that tonight we burn everything we want to leave behind on this night of San Juan and that we enjoy an evening with a great atmosphere surrounded by the people we love", said the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), who was at the celebration in La Cala, accompanied by several councillors from the municipal corporation.
- La noche contó con un gran ambiente festivo.
- M.F.
Festive atmosphere
The La Cala de Mijas Youth Association was in charge of the bar, and the DaVinci Music Show orchestra performed on stage. As every year, a group of women from La Cala were responsible for making the 'júas', inspired by current social and political issues. "Here we are at the foot of the Torreón and by the sea enjoying this traditional night, and I would like to thank the women who have made the 'júas' to be burned tonight and who do so selflessly", said the councillor for Festivities, Silvia Marín (PP).
"Once again this year, we want to provide a service for all neighbours at affordable prices, and to show that young people are committed to the municipality and to preserving the traditions that have been part of our town for so long", said the president of the La Cala Youth Association, Paula Moreno.
- El momento de la quema de los júas fue el más esperado de la noche.
- M.F.
Burning of the 'júas'
The most eagerly awaited moment of the night arrived at midnight when the traditional 'júas' were burned. Everyone watched the huge bonfire with their hopes pinned on an unforgettable summer. "It's about starting the summer on the right foot, leaving negative things behind and facing the season with good energy", said the mayoress, who also appreciated that many beach bars held their own San Juan activities, joining in this 'Noche con Alma' (Night with Soul) organised by the Mijas Town Halls' Department of Festivities.
"A lot of people come to La Cala to see this and it's not easy to build such a big bonfire, but we've all worked together to make it happen again this year, especially Pepa Jarillo, who couldn't be with us tonight because she's unwell", said local resident Obdulia Ibáñez, one of those responsible for making the júas.
- La celebración contó con un amplio dispositivo de seguridad y limpieza.
- M.F.
A safe night
In La Cala, the celebration was supported by extensive security and cleaning measures organised by the Mijas Town Hall. Local police officers, firefighters and civil protection personnel ensured that it was a safe night for everyone. "All services are in place, the local police, civil protection, firefighters and the Civil Guard are on duty tonight to ensure safety. From two o'clock in the morning, cleaning tractors and sweeping machines, and a team of 140 beach cleaners will be responsible for tidying everything up so that the coastline is in perfect condition by morning", said the councillor for Beaches, Daniel Gómez Teruel (PP), at the start of the evening.
- Como siempre, fueron muchos los que realizaron sus particulares rituales de San Juan.
- M.F.
Night of wishes
As always, many people carried out their own personal rituals for San Juan. Jumping over the flames is a tradition that many continue to uphold, as it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Incidentally, many students took the opportunity to throw their notes into the bonfire, now that the academic year has come to an end. When the clock struck midnight, another deeply rooted custom began: approaching the shore to let the water bathe your feet as a sign of good luck. "And if you can get into the water backwards, it's even luckier", said one bather, who didn't hesitate to take a dip.
- Sobre el escenario actuó la orquesta DaVinci Music Show.
- M.F.
"Tonight we are going to clear out all the bad things to make way for the good", said Manuel Grondona and Patricia Pérez. "I ask for love, good health and for all the bad things to go away", said a neighbour from Brazil. Marcelo, from Argentina, echoed her wishes: "May we all be in good health, because without health you can’t make any plans in life". All in all, it was a magical night that marked the official start of the summer season in La Cala de Mijas.
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