San Juan Traditions

On Sunday, June 23rd,  all of Spain celebrates San Juan, otherwise known as Saint John's Eve. Certain festivals seem to summarize the life and culture in Spain, with its love of having a good time in company of friends, and family. The night of San Juan is definitely one of these events. It is a celebration that is usually held on the beach with roaring bonfires, drinks, and food. It was a memorable, almost surreal scene I was lucky enough to experience. Here is how the night led up to midnight.

Here, in order, are some of the traditions I witnessed around me:

1. Everyone camps out all day at Las Canteras beach. The biggest and most popular beach in Las Palmas; and it seems that the whole population finds a spot to enjoy their time by the ocean.
2. Bonfires. It is tradition to jump over bonfires to celebrate a new beginning. People were also burning things to leave behind bad spirits from the past and start a new phase.
3. Concerts. Spanish musicians start playing on the beach.
4. Right at midnight, people jump into the water. To represent a new beginning and wash away spirits. The sight of hundreds of people wandering into the water with a haze of bonfires was incredible.
5. Lastly, watch the sunrise. Families were still gathered around together to enjoy this experience. It was quite beautiful to see so many people come together.

The power of tradition is truly magical. To Canarians, San Juan symbolized a moment where superstitions seemed to come alive, and created rituals that are celebrated on this day.