Noche de San Juan - Fire, water and superstitions

The Origin

Beaches around Spain burn on the night between June 23rd and 24th. Hundreds of bonfires create a festive atmosphere in the evening, barbecues and drinks give way to rituals and superstition. It is a Christian celebration with pagan origins celebrating the solstice of June 21st, but the Church adapted it to the birth of St. John the Baptist. Religious tradition says that Zechariah, John's father, lit bonfires to announce the birth of his child to relatives and friends.

San Juan's night is a whole night of celebration. It is an excuse to meet friends at the beach in summer, meet new people and go to sleep on the morning of the 24th, freshly bathed in the seawater purified by San Juan. It is normal to see many young, and not so young, people jumping and dancing around the bonfire. But it is also a night full of superstition and tradition.

Fire, Water and Herbs

Fire is one of the three symbols based on the ancient rituals of San Juan's night. It is the purifying element that liberates us from bad luck. One of the traditions is to write down a list of everything we want to leave behind in our lives on paper and burn it in the fire. Bonfires and fire-related rites begin on the eve of the 24th to celebrate the power of the sun and help it renew its energy. Legend says that the ashes of the bonfire cure diseases. Fire protection will last all year for those who dare to leap over the flames.

Water is the second symbol of San Juan. It symbolises fertility and purity. It is believed that from midnight of 23th to the morning of 24th the seawater is miraculous, cures diseases and provides happiness. Tradition says that jumping through the waves gives a year of health, although, according to the ritual, you must jump backwards.

Herbs are the third magical element. It is believed that healing properties of plants quintuple on this night. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary or the very San Juan herb are collected for remedies.

Magic Rituals

Make a wish: put mistletoe under your pillow and your wish will become reality.

Wash your face and hair with San Juan's night water dew to ensure health and beauty for the rest of the year.

Make a cross on a tree at midnight, then make a promise next to it and it will be fulfilled for a lifetime.

Make the soil fertile by burying a piece of a candle that has previously been burned on the night of San Juan.

To have prophetic dreams pick 9 flowers of any kind and place them under your pillow. Go to sleep and ask the dream to reveal to you some aspect of your future.

On San Juan's, it's your decision whether to do the rituals or not. Jump over fire or swim early in the morning. Nobody has to believe in anything, just celebrate a magical night like few others. It is a celebration where the energy of fire invites you to enjoy the evening and be inspired by ancient beliefs. Are you going to miss it?