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Andalusian Guide >
Espectacles, ferias and holi-days > The night of San Juán
Espectacles, Ferias and Holidays. THE NIGHT OF SAN JUÁN
Every year, coinciding with the celebration of San Juán, a very traditional celebration is held on the coastal towns of Andalusia, when people gather together on the beaches around huge bonfires and barbecues.
This is a wonderfully festive celebration to mark the beginning of summer.
The origins of this fiesta go back to ancient times:
Origin of the celebration
The 21st of June and the 21st of December are, respectively, the summer and winter solstices. In the northern hemisphere, the 21st of June is celebrated for being the longest day of the year, whilst in the southern hemisphere, the dates are the other way round.
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The celebrations on this day are as ancient as mankind itself. It was originally believed that after this day the sun would not return to its total splendour, a belief that came from seeing that from this moment, the days became shorter.
That’s why bonfires and all types of fire rituals came about to symbolise the power of the sun and to help renew its energy.
As well as these affirmations, the night of San Juán is a night full of fantastic legends. Many of these declare it a time for opening the doors to a multitude of fantasies, where poisonous plants lose their power to harm and health-giving plants have their benefits multiplied.
San Juán bonfires
All of these fantastic beliefs mean its normal to see objects being thrown onto the fires, such as little spells, wishes or even school work, in the hope of making evil sprits disappear!.
In spite all of this mysticism, the night of San Juán is primarily, for the people of Andalusia, a night of fiesta to be spent with friends, enjoying the marvellous beaches. This is one fiesta not to be missed.
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