The 9 most typical rituals for the day and night of San Juan

The day and night of San Juan are part of a well-known and joyful festival in many parts of the world.. On the night of San Juan, there are several opinions in relation to when exactly it takes place.

In some regions the night is considered to be June 23, thus being celebrated on June 24. In others, on the other hand, it is considered that the night begins on the same day that precedes it (June 24), therefore, the night of San Juan would take place on June 25.

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Associated with this day, there are a series of rituals to celebrate it. In this article we bring you the nine most typical rituals for the day and night of San Juan.

The day and night of San Juan

Thus, it is undeniable that the night of San Juan is a magical festival that has many traditions and customs associated with it. Here we will talk about this festivity, as well as the 9 most typical rituals for the day and night of San Juan.

In Spain, the night of San Juan takes place on June 24 and is known for welcoming the summer solstice. Etiologically and from Christianity,

the night of San Juan refers to the birth of Juan Bautista, Jewish itinerant preacher of Jesus of Nazareth.

Also, in Spain the night of San Juan is known for being the shortest night of the year (northern hemisphere). However, in other regions (southern hemisphere), it would be considered the longest night of the year.

The most typical rituals and traditions for the day and night of San Juan

Depending on the region, the celebrations or rituals that take place on the occasion of the night of San Juan are very varied and curious. In this article we talk about the N most typical rituals for the day and night of San Juan, the regions, as well as some curiosities

A ritual is considered an act or set of actions that have a context and a symbolic value for the people who develop it. They are usually associated with specific festivities or celebrations, although they can also be rituals of a more mystical or spiritual nature. On the date of San Juan, there are various rituals of all kinds, which have a specific meaning and motives.

1. Playful rituals

Next we will talk about rituals of a festive or animated nature, which are usually carried out as acts with symbols associated with the day and night of San Juan:

1.1. Bonfires

Bonfires are an unmistakable symbol of the night of San Juan. The feast of San Juan dates back to the times when farmers used the day of San Juan (considered the longest day of the year for many) to collect their crops. Likewise, they took advantage of the night of San Juan (the shortest of the year) for the destruction of evils, as something symbolic and mystical.

It is said that one of the origins of bonfires is in the Valencian Community, more specifically in Alicante, as it is associated with the same type of act as the Valencian Fallas. This is how the idea of ​​organizing Bonfires of San Juan was born, in part aimed at attracting tourism.

The impact of this festivity with bonfires was so much so that Las Hogueras de San Juan are the Official festivals of the city of Alicante and they are even declared of Tourist Interest International.

The act begins with the official proclamation. A few days before the 24th, bonfires are prepared with artistic monuments made of materials such as cardboard, wood, cork or paint. Many times ornamented with a satirical representation.

Finally, when the night of San Juan takes place, the materials are burned. This ritual is not only carried out in the Valencian Community, but little by little it has been transmitted in other regions of Spain and the world.

1.2. Religious acts

Religious acts are also very frequent in this type of celebration. In parishes a Eucharist dedicated to Saint John the Baptist is usually celebrated, accompanied by floral offerings in what is known as an act of "Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament."

1.3. Parades and horseback riding

Parades are also rituals that take place in various regions. In South America, it is typical to celebrate the day and night of San Juan with parades and floats, even in some countries such as Peru, a lively and colorful carnival is celebrated, with various themes.

1.4. The "Laps"

There are other typical rituals of the day and night of San Juan, more specific to a region. In La Rioja for example, what is called the "Vueltas" are celebrated, which are events in which hundreds of people go out to sing and dance. to the sound of a style of music, recalling the accompaniment that was made to the Elizabethan troops when they returned from some victory over the Carlists.

These events are very massive and well-known in La Rioja.

1.5. Bullfights

Bullfighting festivals are also associated with the San Juan festival in many regions. Bullfights take place that usually end in the central or historic square of the town or city. In Extremadura, the Valencian Community and some regions of South America they are more typical. Thus, bullfights are other of the most typical rituals for the day and night of San Juan.

1.6. Acts on the beaches

In Spanish coastal regions (Catalonia, Valencian Community, Andalusia) events are usually held in the beach, such as fireworks, festivities with dances and bonfires during the night of San Juan.

2. Mystical rituals

On the other hand, there are more spiritual and mental rituals, with a special value if they are carried out during the day and / or the night of San Juan. The most typical rituals for the day and night of San Juan, in this case of a mystical nature, are:

2.2. Jump the waves

As we have already mentioned, the day and night of San Juan usually have a beach and sea scene in the background. Thus, jumping the waves is another of the most typical rituals for the day and night of San Juan. It is a simple rite that according to tradition, should be done jumping up to nine waves and always with your back to the sea.

2.3. Flower braid

This ritual has a loving character. It is said that couples who want to consolidate their love, the ritual consists of throwing a braid of flowers to the person you love while jumping waves in the sea.

Also, for the ritual to go well, the loved one must collect the flowers before they fall to the ground.

2.4. Use of aromatic herbs on the night of San Juan

Another of the most typical rituals for the day and night of San Juan is to use aromatic herbs. Thus, there are various associations between certain species of herbs (mistletoe, verbena, laurel, rosemary, fennel ...) and the night of San Juan.

One of them is to leave one of these herbs in water overnight and wash with it the next morning, thus attracting good luck.