The night of San Juan is one of the most important and special celebrations of the whole year. It takes place from June 23 to 24, two days after the summer solstice. A festival of pagan origin that, according to tradition, is celebrated on the shortest night of the year. There is some confusion around this because, according to our calendar, the shortest night of the year is June 21, coinciding with the summer solstice. However, at the beginning of our era the summer solstice fell on June 23, 24 or even 25.
The night of San Juan is celebrated in practically all the towns of the Spanish geography. It has a special relevance in coastal places, where bonfires are lit on the beach and the most daring bathe by catching the waves with their backs to the sea to attract good luck .
Traditions of the night of San Juan
Without a doubt, the most popular custom of all is that of fire. Bonfires are lit on the night of June 23-24 , and legend has it that those who dare to jump over the flames will be protected throughout the year. Now, it is not enough to do it only once. For example, in Galicia tradition says that you have to do it nine times.
Another magical element that takes center stage on the night of San Juan is the sea water. Bathing in the water while the bonfires burn in the sand is a way to eliminate bad energies and attract health and fortune . As with fire, bathing is not enough. You have to jump nine waves with your back to the sea.
One of the easiest traditions to follow on the most magical night of the year is this: write various wishes on a piece of paper and throw it at the stake so that they are fulfilled. In coastal areas, it is a tradition to take the ashes from the paper and throw them into the sea to attract good luck.
And finally, considering that the summer solstice is considered a renewal, nothing better to leave behind all the bad than to burn something old . Although it is not allowed today, in ancient times there were those who burned furniture.
