Summer arrived a few days ago, but I was so busy, I forgot about one of my favorite childhood holidays. The celebration of El Dia de San Juan on June 23 is a long tradition in the Spanish-speaking world. The day is a commemoration of San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist).Many traditions are associated with the Día de San Juan. The most popular one, still practiced today, is to gather at the beaches in the evening and then, at midnight, to jump into the ocean backwards twelve times for good luck. The celebration continues for hours, with families gathering to enjoy food, music, and dancing.
Another tradition during that day is the setting of bonfires close to the water’s
edge, where people congregate. Both elements—fire and water—are associated with purification. Burning branches from the fires of San Juan, or the ashes thereof, are used by many to ward off plagues, disease, and “bad vibes,” The waters of this night, meanwhile, are believed to help with skin complaints and to provide a more general cleansing of body and soul. This is why, at midnight, there is a mad rush across the sand into the sea, and why people will be making silent wishes as the waters cover them.Growing up, I didn’t know much about the holiday’s background. I only knew that the Día de San Juan marked the beginning of summer and that all the kids looked forward to going to the beach late at night and having fun until very early in the following morning. I received photos my great-niece took just a few days ago. It’s nice to know some things never change.
2 comments:
Are these the photos your great niece took?
No, my great niece is only 8. If she were that good, I'd send her to art school, for sure.
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