It is the shortest night in the northern hemisphere and one of the most celebrated ones! On the night of June 23rd the Spaniards pay tribute to the Summer solstice with the Fiesta de San Juan, a night full of mystery, magic and rituals. The celebrations vary among different cities but no matter where you enjoy the festivities, you will find the elements fire and water everywhere!

History

The Festival of San Juan dates back to pre-Christian times and is an ancient pagan festival. The long tradition of the festival held at the start of the summer solstice goes back to the sun worship of the pagans who were seeking for sun in order to yield a large crop. The days around the 23rd of June are the longest ones of the year and the sun shines with maximum intensity so it’s logical that the celebration of this event is dedicated to the element fire. In the ancient pagan tradition the rituals of this night were supposed to purify and clean human beings from their sins.

Later this festivity was christianised in honour of San Juan the Baptist. It was important for the upcoming Christianity community to celebrate similar events to the pagans in order to make it easier to spread their beliefs. The celebration of the birthday of San Juan was so close to the summer solstice that it inherited a lot of pagan rituals mostly the ones that were related to purifying fire according to the function of San Juan the Baptist in the bible.

Rituals

The celebration starts at sunset on the evening of the 23rd of June with bonfires in the streets or on the beach in the coastal towns. Men and women, young and old, dedicate the afternoon to preparing the bonfires, collecting old clothes and furniture, and organising the barbecues for the night. At sunset everyone comes together to drink, eat, sing and dance around the bonfires until the sun rises again. The fire is symbolic of chasing out the demons of darkness meaning the bad luck of the past will be burnt and dissolved and people can purify themselves for the upcoming summer season.

Legends

There exist many legends and stories related to the magical night of San Juan:

* If people jump three times over a bonfire on San Juan’s night, they will be cleansed and purified, and their problems burned away.

* The ones that are single will see the love of their life when they look out of the window of their house at sunrise on the 24^th.

* According to some ancient traditions those who wash their faces with the dew of this night will keep their beauty forever.

* Those who write their wishes on paper and burn it on the bonfire will see these wishes come true.

* Getting up at sunrise on the 24th will stop you from feeling tired again for the rest of the year.

 

Have you heard of more legends of San Juan? Where are you going to celebrate the magic night of San Juan?

Make sure to bring lots of drinks (typically Cava), something to eat (the typical cake of San Juan is called Coca), towels and a sweater. There will be music and concerts everywhere and you will be entertained the whole night long, midnight swimming included!

Where ever you will be, purify and enjoy!

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