Saint John the Baptist Day in Spain

Date and Significance: Saint John the Baptist Day, known in Spain as "San Juan," is celebrated on June 24th each year. It marks the birth of St. John the Baptist, a significant figure in Christianity who is believed to have baptized Jesus Christ. The day also coincides with the summer solstice festivities, blending Christian and pagan traditions.

History: The festival has ancient origins, pre-dating Christianity when people celebrated the summer solstice with bonfires to ward off evil spirits and to welcome the power of the sun. With the advent of Christianity, these rituals were tied to the birth of St. John, creating a unique blend of beliefs.

Traditions:

• Bonfires (Hogueras): One of the most emblematic traditions is lighting large bonfires, especially in coastal areas. These fires symbolize purification and are meant to "give more power to the sun," which from that day on begins to wane.
• Beach Celebrations: Many Spaniards flock to beaches where they spend the evening with friends and family, eat traditional foods, play music, dance, and swim at midnight.
• Fireworks: In many towns and cities across Spain, spectacular fireworks displays light up the night sky.
• Herb Rituals: Some regions have a tradition where people collect different medicinal herbs believed to be most potent on this night due to their dew.
• Jumping Over Fires: It's customary for people to jump over bonfires three times for good luck or purification.

What People Do: On Saint John's Day in Spain, celebrations often begin on the evening of June 23rd (Noche de San Juan) and continue into the next day. People participate in communal events like setting up bonfires, enjoying fireworks shows, sharing meals such as "coca" (a type of pastry), and performing rituals like washing their faces with morning dew for health and beauty.

In summary, Saint John's Day blends religious observance with age-old customs rooted in welcoming summer; it is a time for outdoor festivities emphasizing fire as a purifying element.