It’s that time of year again…23rd June and one of the biggest parties of the year here in Sabinbillas. The festival has pagan origins with links to “Midsummer’s night” and involves a huge bonfire built on the beach.
About a week before the event a large effigy is built on the beach which takes on a different theme each year. Each year’s theme is a closely guarded secret, no-one knows what it will be until it appears on the beach. This is this year’s…. apparently it is based on some popular Spanish cartoon characters.
You can guarantee that Sabinillas beach and promenade will be packed by 10pm with only shuffling space available. I’d advise that you find yourself a spot and don’t move until after it’s all over!!
At the stroke of midnight the effigy is set alight – This is the only part of any Spanish Fiesta that actually runs to time!!
A few minutes after the start of the bonfire there is a huge firework display. Previous years it has been set to music although last year’s was some what disappointing…hopefully it will be back to it’s usual brilliance this year.
After the fireworks tradition dictates that you must get your feet (or your whole body!) wet in the sea to cleanse yourself of bad luck.
Throughout the night there’s music and dancing which continues into the early hours – like I said…one hell of a party!!
This is really one of the best festivals in Sabinillas with a fantastic atmosphere.
Here is the timetable for this evening…although bear in mind that probably, only the lighting of the bonfire will be on time!!
The group ‘La Tentacion’ kick of the music at 10pm
at 11.15 pm there will be a presentation by the Commerce Department in recognition of one of the local hostelries.
At midnight the bonfire is lit, followed by the fireworks display.
‘La Tentation’ then return to the stage for live music and dancing into the early hours.