Noche de San Juan

So we finally had the big party on the beach I've been looking forward to for weeks. Not only did we have a fun day out on the beach, but I think I spent more time on the beach in this one day then I had been to beaches in my life back in the UK. We arrived at about 9:45AM. We were warned to arrive early to get places. And we got back home for 2ish. A total of about 14 hours.

Noche de San Juan takes place on the 23rd June. From what I gather John the Baptist is supposed of been born on the 24th June, so the the night before his birthday all water is supposed to hold magical healing powers.
Tradition is that at the stroke of midnight everyone heads in to the sea/lake/river (only ankle deep, although some crazy fools went for a swim).
You're also suppose to wash your hands and face three times in sea and that means you will be blessed with good luck for the year. I forgot to do this.

Newer traditions are the local council allow camping on the beach for this one night only. People can light bonfires, BBQs, there is live music, parties, free food and plenty of drink.

This is what we got up to.


The missus has never put up a tent before. So I let her do most of the work.


Finished tent being modelled.


I'm told that the beach was quieter this year and that the nearby other major beach was a bit busy.


Some bigger boys were being pains so we moved to a quiet area. Where 10 minutes later a large party set up behind us. The missus wasn't amused.

But everything was pretty quite for most of the day, the main party really kicked off at midnight.
At which point everyone ran in to the sea.

The missus and a friend following tradition.


There was a firework show.


The lit a big bonfire. For some reason, that I don't know yet, they had a Titanic effigy.


And all the kids had parties.

It was a bit too much for us and after being in the sea and standing on our towels-cum-beds we got our beds wet. Plus as we had a beach tent and not a proper tent it was a bit chilly, so we decided to pack up and headed home for a far warmer and more comfortable sleep.

Here is the slideshow


There are a few quiet festivals over the next few months but the next major one is the feria. Which is a week long. And the last one I went to ended in a Bull Run.

Training for el encierro

With the Bull Run just a few days away I have been doing some training.

This video is a bit lengthy, at just over 8 minutes. It took me a day to recrod and an hour to edit, have a look at my training technique.

My training for the upcoming Bull Run

Bull Run Swimming montage

1. 11062008209, 2. 11062008207, 3. 11062008206, 4. 11062008211

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

When a plan comes together

I have recently been playing a lot of Wii Fit. And now that we (think we) have access to the pool I've been doing a few laps swimming each day.

I thought that my recent spurts of exercise were to keep me fit and healthy.

It turns out it's not. It is in fact to prepare me for the Bull Run I am taking part in this Sunday that I only found out about last night.

So who can run faster? Me or a bull? Found out Monday.

San Isidro Festival

San Isidro is the Patron Saint of Nerja and the San Isidro festival is the biggest in Nerja. It's the one that the whole town takes part in and there is a huge parade from the church to the Caves, where there is a big party.
It's the best time to see all the men and women dress in their best clothes and have a good time.
Although the missus had very sore feet she eventually caved in to my cries and we walked to the caves to see what was happening. Although we didn't stay too long.
But next year we are going to prepare for it and hopefully take my niece along so she can dress up like a señorita pequeño and walk along with the parade's.

Anyway, here are some of my favourite photographs.

Next time I roll like this


If you look closely the horses you might notice something


Having a relax


This kid was the most photographed person at the festival. Fact!


A small selection of the very colourful dresses that were on display


Let the dancing begin


The missus after a few hours of walking. Doesn't she look happy!

And here is the slideshow


PS Please check out the missus flickr site, she has many more glorious technicolour photos.

Next is the Festival of San Juan. The one I am most looking forward too. Midnight BBQ's on the beach. What more could you ask for?