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During the night of 23-24 June, all over Spain, people celebrate the return of summer, known as the summer solstice. In addition, entirely according to Christian tradition, the birth of Saint John the Baptist is celebrated, hence la Noche de San Juan (Johannnes was born six months before Christmas Eve, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke).  

This traditional night is accompanied by much celebration and some special rituals. Central to this night are fire and water, symbols of purification and renewal, believing that water can fulfil desires, as well as being a source of happiness and fertility for all who bathe in the sea during the night of 23-24 June.    

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The Axarquía region is known for its beautiful landscapes and charming villages. But also for the tropical fruits grown there in abundance, such as avocado, mango, chirimoya, pitahaya (tarragon fruit) and nísperos (also known as loquats). Around the white mountain village of Sayalonga, especially famous for its colourful valley, the fields light up every spring with the abundance of ripe nísperos. 

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Photo credits: Lara Jackson

Since a while Cristina San Cayo and her partner Javier organize various workshop in Canillas de Aceituno. We have asked her the how and what of these creative events.

"Al Zaytun Ceramic Studio is a place to play with clay, so ceramics workshops are our main activity, but is also a place to get together to learn about traditions and sustainable living. That is why we started new workshops as Candle Making (December 2023) or Natural Cosmetics (starting on March 17th). We would like to expand to other fields like natural dye textiles or macrame. We are open to any ideas, we are makers. Let’s create!"

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Spain is a country with a well-known Catholic tradition of which Semana Santa preceding Easter is the most important. But first, people have to fast for 47 days, which is why they have been celebrating for over 500 years before Lent begins. Some with a bit more abandon than others.

Most Andalusian cities organise a parade, there is dancing through the streets, they elect a Carnival queen or king and there are various singing competitions. Most cities start celebrating Carnival with parades on the weekend before Shrove Tuesday which is exactly 47 days before Easter Sunday. Some villages celebrate carnival on the weekend two or even three weekends later. In Andalusia, they consider the Carnival of Cadiz to be the most impressive and authentic but most recently in Málaga they really know how to celebrate it.

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La Axarquía offers a wide range of lively markets. We already wrote a blog about the region's daily markets some time ago. A fun market to visit is the one in Viñuela, which takes place every first and third Sunday of the month on the roundabout, just when you enter the village. This mercadillo brings together local creatives and artists to display their creations, from handmade jewellery and pottery to textiles and paintings. It is the perfect place to buy authentic Andalusian souvenirs and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the region.

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