Festival of San Juan in Nerja

A sort of mid-summers party that is held on the beach (usually the Police do not allow camping overnight on the  beaches here)
The date is  the 24th of June but the party is always the night of the 23rd

There are loads of tents all along the beaches and beside rivers in the country, with bonfires to cook the traditional Sardines.
if you don't want to do it yourself the local bars serve them.
Originally the fires were used to burn old furniture and clothes as a sort of renewal ritual.
Other tales are:
If you wash your eyes then find a plant, rub the plant on the part of your body that is ailing you and hey presto!
The bonfires were lit by farmers to stop the sun setting earlier (longest day is usually 21st but the sun does not start to set earlier until the 24th)
The celebration was a chance for single men to meet single girls. (In Medieval days but nothing has changed I guess) 
You must jump over the bonfire for good luck.
You should burn ten things you want out of your life, then wish for ten things to come into your life.

At the stroke of midnight you have to run into the sea and wash your head and feet three times and you will be granted three wishes.
The night of the 23rd get yourself down to the beach, Burriana will be very busy with entertainment from 9pm, but we will be on Playazo beach.

Saturday and already Playazo beach is busier than I have ever seen it. Loads of people are camping out tonight as well as Sunday
Sunday 4pm and the beach is heaving (see pics)
We drove along the coast to Benjarafe and just about every inch of beach had loads of people, tents and all.

9.30pm and we popped along to have a look and then again at 11ish