Bonfires of Saint John (San Juan)

San Juan is celebrated every 23rd of June at night. It consists of lighting up bonfires (sometimes old pieces of furniture are used) and making a wish. It is specially celebrated in beaches, where people jump over the fire barefoot.

History:

San Juan is a Christian tradition related to the summer solstice, named because of Saint John the Baptist and celebrated on the date of his birth. The reason why bonfires were initially lit is because bad spirits were thought to be scared out with them. 

Where is it celebrated?

It’s commonly celebrated in Galicia, Asturias, Catalonia and Valencia. the day of San Juan is also celebrated in other countries in South America and Portugal. It’s also called “Fogueres de Sant Joan” in Catalan, and “ Fogueiras de São João” in Portuguese.

Personal opinion:

I have never celebrated this day with family or friends and I don’t have any experiences related to this day, but many people do take this day more into account in Spain. It would be interesting to visit the Mediterranean coast one day to experience the ambience. Also, it must be enjoyable, as many people seem to actually like it.

By Luis F. Pérez