I think it is 1am on the 24th of June, but I will have to confirm this. The fireworks take place on the beach near Bil Bil Castle and they are well worth seeing.

Yesterday saw the start of this years San Juan celebrations in Benalmadena and Arroyo de la Miel with the street parade at the end of their Romeria. Although it is a much smaller affair than some in the area it is well worth a look. The parade winds around the usual route through "The Village" and swells as it picks up additional participants as it progresses and is a wonderful party atmosphere. In spite of its religious background plenty of alcohol is consumed en route and the singing and dancing becomes less inhibited.

I have posted some pictures - Click here

The festival of San Juan is central to the Feria which kicks off at midnight on Thursday down on the beach, when the "chicos" jump through large fires and then plunge into the sea to prove their manhood, and are accompanied by the adoring "chicas". The evening closes with a really spectacular fireworks display (you cant set your watch by when it starts, but it will probably fire up just as you are walking off thinking that I made it all up)

More info Click here

The day of San Juan (this Friday) is a public holiday in Benalmadena and is when the Feria proper starts. The funfair part of it is much the same as funfairs anywhere, but there is so much else going on that over the next few weeks your are sure to bump in to something that takes your fancy. If you are holidaying make sure that you come up into Arroyo to see what it is all about.

I have just updated info on my Benal Blog

thankyou for your replies...it sounds excellent

I arrive on sunday so will miss the fireworks but not the whole festival

we saw a massive firework display last year, it was around midnight but this was at the end of July coming from near the Marina!
Anyone know what this was for?

It is the finale of the Festival de Carmen click here where you can find out about the festivals and holidays in spain an particularly in Benalmadena & Arroyo de la Miel

Last night was the start of San Juan, and I can confirm that the firworks start at 1.00 am I have put a few pictures here
along with an expanded write up,

Cheers,

John

Excellent information John.

Thank you very much.

I was in la Carihuela last year, and enjoyed every moment visiting La Feria in Paloma Park, Arroyo, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Malaga, Fuengirola etc etc.
The firework display I caught on video...amazing.!!!

Besos xxx
sanJi

Glad it brought back memories, Friday night saw the start of the Feria and I have put some pictures here that give a little of the atmosphere,

Cheers,

John

When does the fiesta start in Benalmadena this year? we are going 17th - 30th june.

Should start on the night of Saturday the 23rd June for one week.

Are the fireworks on the sat night?Would like to see them!

The fireworks are usually on the first proper night of the Feria - this year Sunday 24th June, usually about 23.30ish, ie any time between then and 0100 Monday morning!! The Monday will probably be a fiesta in Arroyo/Benalmadena as the 24th is always a fiesta and this year it falls on a Sunday, so hopefully we'll get Monday off!

Planning to go to Benalmadena July 2008. Does the Veledilla del Carmen parade which is followed by a massive firework display take place on the same date every year ie 16th July, or does it vary. Saw it a few years ago and it was a wonderful sight.
Just want to make sure of the date before I book.

Yes it's always on the night of 16th July.. Very impressive firework display this year - eventually - they didn't start until midnight, but well worth waiting for.

Thanks for the info. I am about to book 5th -19th July so that will be something to look forward to near the end of our holiday.