Certain festivals seem to summarize life in Spain, with its love of having a good time in the company of friends and loved ones. The Night of San Juan is one such of these events. It is a celebration that is usually held on the beach with roaring bonfires, drink, food, and friends.
June 24th. The date remains a magical night in much of the northern hemisphere. Mythology states that strange occurrences will take place on this shortest night of the year. Men and women, young people and children, all tradionally spend time to build bonfires. According to tradition, if people jump over a bonfire three times on the night of San Juan, they will be cleansed and purified, and their problems burned away. San Juan is celebrated on the night of June 23rd in Spain. This celebration is about changes. It is about night to day; it is about fire to water. Fire purifies and water recuperates, refreshes, and rejuvenates.
It’s common to see people jumping over fires which, according to legend, cleanse the body and the soul. Jumping in the sea at midnight is supposed to be a way to wash away evil spirits.
The night of “San Juan” is a very old festival in Spain and will take place on Monday 23rd June . This ancient festival, originally with deep religious meaning but has become diluted and is basically a night of partying and fun with friends and family.
The beaches, especially Benidorm, La Cala and Albir will be crowded with both locals and tourists out to celebrate the start of the Midsummer solstice. Many people gather in groups with family and friends, starting to descend from about 7pm onwards. They bring tables, chairs, food and plenty of drinks in cool boxes. As bonfires aren’t allowed on the beaches, the locals have taken to lighting candles and gathering aroun them, just as it is was were a bonfire.
It is an amazing atmosphere and at midnight those brave enough go into the sea, take coins, flowers or fruit which they throw in for good luck – then light a candle for their dreams to come true. For those not that brave a splash and paddle will do
So make sure that you reserve the night of June 23rd for “La noche de San Juan”. Bring drink, something to eat, carry a sweater if you are going to be near the water, and be prepared to see the sun rise on the morning of the 24th. There are always concerts, music, and other types of entertainment to keep revelers interested all night long. Purify and enjoy.