The Night of San Juan is celebrated on June 23rd with music, bonfires and swims in the sea to celebrate the summer solstice and ward off evil spirits.
The best night of the year has arrived! The Night of San Juan is one of the most rooted traditions in Spain and many countries around the world. This magical night is celebrated every year on June 23rd, the longest day of the year, welcoming summer with music, bonfires, lights, dances and lots of laughs.
The Night of San Juan has its roots in ancient Celtic culture and has been celebrated for centuries. But what makes this night so special? Well, the Night of San Juan is considered magical because it was believed that during this night, spirits and witches are at their most powerful. Therefore, people would gather to ward off evil spirits and to ask for a good year. This is where some of the most popular traditions of this magical night come from.
One of the most popular traditions of the Night of San Juan is the burning of bonfires in cities and towns. This tradition has a great history behind it. According to legend, San Juan Bautista was burned alive for preaching to people about love and faith. Therefore, the burning of bonfires itself becomes a way to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the arrival of good weather. It is also believed that if you jump over these bonfires, you will have good luck for the rest of the year. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find groups of friends jumping over the bonfire while their friends cheer on from the other side.
Another popular tradition of the Night of San Juan is swimming in the sea or a river. It is believed that this bath in purifying waters helps to cleanse your spirits and eliminate all the negativity that you have acquired during the year. Usually, beaches and rivers are crowded with people who get wet, submerge and wash themselves with water throughout the night. Even those who do not dare to swim also enjoy a night of bathing as the lights from the bonfires and streetlights are an impressive sight.
But the Night of San Juan is not just about fire and water. In many parts of the country, fireworks light up the sky for many hours, entertaining adults and children alike. The music of drums and flutes resonates through the streets with traditional dances that accompany this celebration. And, of course, food and drink cannot be missing. From barbecues to more elaborate meals and refreshing drinks to combat the heat of the night.
The Night of San Juan is not only a national holiday in Spain, but it is also celebrated in many other countries around the world, including Latin American countries such as Mexico, Chile and Argentina. Although each country has its own variations of this celebration, the essence remains the same: to celebrate the summer solstice and welcome good weather.
In short, the Night of San Juan is a celebration that never leaves anyone indifferent. With all the energy and magic that surrounds it, it is no wonder that it is a night where anything can happen. From making new friends to finding the love of your life, nothing is impossible on the Night of San Juan. So, if you are looking for a night full of fun, joy and a little mystery, do not hesitate to join the celebrations on June 23rd anywhere in the world. It will be a night that you will never forget!